Top 5 oldest players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, is a battleground where youth often dictates the narrative. Teams typically eye fresh, high-ceiling talent to build for the future. However, the official player list reveals that experience and domestic pedigree still hold a powerful allure. Standing out among the hundreds of young guns and established stars are a handful of veteran cricketers, all nearing or already crossing 37, who are ready to prove that age is just a number.

These five players, a blend of domestic stalwarts and international veterans, bring a wealth of match experience, unique skills, and the quiet hunger of cricketers seeking one last shot at the world’s most competitive T20 league.

5 oldest players in IPL 2026 auction

1. Jalaj Saxena (Age: 39)

At 39, Jalaj is the oldest player to register for the IPL 2026 auction, proving that a stellar domestic record can keep the dream alive. Saxena, an off-spinning all-rounder, is an undisputed titan of Indian first-class cricket. He is famously the first Indian cricketer to achieve the monumental Ranji Trophy double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets. His recent consistency in the shorter formats, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, makes him a highly dependable utility player.

Despite having limited IPL appearances for franchises like Punjab Kings, his low base price (₹40 lakh) and his dual threat as a reliable off-spinner and a solid middle-order batsman make him an excellent, cost-effective backup option for any team looking to strengthen its Indian core.

2. Karn Sharma (Age: 38)

Karn has been a quiet constant in the IPL landscape for over a decade. The leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh has represented some of the most successful franchises and carries a distinguished reputation as a “trophy winner,” having been part of multiple IPL-winning squads. With 83 wickets in 90 IPL matches, his strength lies in his ability to maintain a tight economy and pick up wickets in the crucial middle overs. He is a wily operator, able to outfox batsmen with subtle variations in pace and flight.

After being released by Mumbai Indians, Karn enters the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. His vast experience across different team environments and pressure situations makes him an ideal, low-cost option for teams in need of an experienced Indian spinner who can deliver reliable performances when called upon.

3. Umesh Yadav (Age: 38)

A seasoned Indian international fast bowler, Umesh has been a fixture in the IPL since 2009. Known for his sheer pace and ability to swing the new ball, Umesh is one of the league’s most experienced pace exponents. With 144 wickets from 148 IPL matches, his career has seen him deliver match-winning spells for teams like Delhi and Kolkata. While his form has seen minor fluctuations, his capability to provide explosive pace and early breakthroughs remains undeniable.

Umesh has opted for a high base price ( ₹1.5 crore), reflecting his confidence in his enduring pace. Teams looking for a senior Indian fast bowler to lead the attack in the Powerplay overs—a role he excels at—will likely spark a bidding war for the veteran.

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4. Richard Gleeson (Age: 38)

England’s Gleeson embodies the spirit of perseverance, having made his international debut at the late age of 34. The right-arm fast-medium bowler is celebrated for his ability to hit hard lengths and deliver crucial cutters. Gleeson has a reputation for performing in global franchise leagues, and his brief but impactful IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have shown he can deliver under pressure. His highlight reel includes dismissing top Indian batsmen in his early international outings.

Listed at a base price of ₹75 lakh, Gleeson is an attractive option for franchises seeking an experienced overseas pacer, particularly those who want a bowler capable of hitting the deck hard and offering subtle variations in the middle and death overs.

5. Dwaine Pretorius (Age: 37)

South African all-rounder Pretorius is a proven asset in T20 cricket, bringing a rare combination of lower-order hitting power and excellent change-of-pace bowling, especially at the death. Having been a key player for Chennai Super Kings, Pretorius has experience thriving in the demanding, high-stakes atmosphere of the IPL. His bowling, focused on clever off-cutters and seam variations, makes him a difficult proposition for even the best finishers.

With a base price of ₹1 crore, Pretorius is a hot commodity for his all-round skills. He fills a specific niche as a foreign death bowler and power-hitter, a role that several teams will be desperately trying to secure to balance their XI.

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