IPL: Top 3 oldest players to play for Rajasthan Royals

One of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL) serves as a platform for players from all over the globe to showcase their skills. While the league helps youngsters play alongside big names in the game and make a name for themselves, it also allows senior players to show that their fighting spirit hasn’t faded. 

On that note, let’s take a look at the top three oldest players to play for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL (calculated till 2014).

3. Rahul Dravid (40y 8m 26d) 

The former India captain last played for RR at the age of 40 years, 8 months and 26 days, becoming the third oldest player to play for the franchise. Dravid made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2008 and was the highest run scorer for the franchise that season.

The wicketkeeper-batter represented his home team in the first three seasons and joined RR in 2011, where he ended his playing career. The 50-year-old has played 89 matches and has scored 2174 runs at an average of 28.23 and a strike rate of 115.52. He appeared in 45 matches for RR over three seasons, scoring 1276 runs for the Jaipur-based side.

2. Shane Warne (41y 249d) 

After his retirement from international cricket, Australian legend Shane Warne was signed as the skipper of RR in 2008 and led his side to victory in the inaugural edition of the cash-rich league. Warne, who played for Royals for the first four seasons, was the second-oldest player (41 years, 249 days) to play for the franchise.

In his 55 IPL matches, the right-arm leg-spinner has taken 57 wickets at an average of 25.39 and an economy rate of 7.27. The spin wizard died of a heart attack on March 4, 2022, but his heroic moments on the field will always remain in the hearts of cricket fans.

1. Pravin Tambe (42y 7m 17d)

Pravin Vijay Tambe is not only the oldest player (42 years 7 months and 17 days) to have played for RR, but also the oldest IPL debutant ever. He made his T20 debut at the age of 41 for RR against Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) in the 2013 IPL with no experience of playing professional cricket.

The right-arm leg-break bowler has played 33 IPL matches and has taken 28 wickets at an average of 30.46 and an economy of 30.46. Following his IPL debut, the Mumbai-born cricketer went on to become the leading wicket-taker (12 wickets) in the Champions League T20 later that year.