Indian Premier League (IPL) The 2026 mini-auction, which is going to be held in Abu Dhabi, is a stage where youngsters often dictate the story. Teams are usually looking for new, high-potential talent for the future. However, the official player list shows that experience and home-grown pedigree still hold a powerful attraction. Among the hundreds of young players and established stars, there are a few seasoned cricketers, who are nearing or have already crossed 37, who are ready to prove that age is just a number.
These five players, a mix of domestic stalwarts and international veterans, bring match experience, unique abilities, and a silent hunger among cricketers to play in the world’s most competitive T20 league for the last time.
5 oldest players in IPL 2026 auction
1. Jalaj Saxena (Age: 39)
At the age of 39, Jalaj is the oldest player to register for the IPL 2026 auction, proving that a great domestic record can keep the dream alive. Saxena, an off-spinning all-rounder, is an undisputed stalwart of Indian first-class cricket. He is famously the first Indian cricketer to achieve the historic Ranji Trophy double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets. In recent times, he has shown consistency in the shorter formats, such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which makes him a highly reliable utility player for any team.
Despite limited appearances in the IPL 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-efficient backup option for any team looking to strengthen their Indian core.
2. Karan Sharma (Age: 38)
Karn has been a steady presence in the IPL landscape for over a decade. The leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh has represented some of the most successful franchises and holds an iconic image as a “trophy winner”, as he has been a part of several IPL-winning teams. With 83 wickets in 90 IPL matches, his strength is his ability to maintain tight economy and pick wickets in the crucial middle overs. He is a clever operator, who can outwit 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 wide experience in different team environments and pressure situations makes him an ideal, low-cost option for teams that need an experienced Indian spinner who can deliver reliable performances whenever called upon.
3. Umesh Yadav (Age: 38)
An experienced Indian international fast bowler, Umesh has been a permanent presence in the IPL since 2009. Known for his fast pace and ability to swing the new ball, Umesh is one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the league. With 144 wickets in 148 IPL matches, his career has given him the opportunity to deliver match-winning spells for teams like Delhi and Kolkata. While there have been slight ups and downs in his form, his explosive pace and ability to provide early breakthroughs is incredible.
Umesh has selected a high base price (₹1.5 crore), which shows his confidence in his continued momentum. Teams looking for a senior Indian fast bowler to lead the attack in the powerplay overs—a role he excels in—will likely compete in the auction for the experienced player.
4. Richard Gleeson (Age: 38)
England’s Gleeson epitomizes the spirit of patience, having made his international debut at the age of 34. The right-arm fast-medium bowler is praised for his ability to bowl tough lengths and deliver crucial cutters. Gleeson has a reputation for performing in global franchise leagues, and his brief but impressive IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have shown that he can perform under pressure. His highlight reel includes dismissing top Indian batsmen in his initial international matches.
Listed at a base price of ₹75 lakh, Gleeson is an attractive option for franchises looking for an experienced overseas fast bowler, especially those who want a bowler who can bowl hard in the middle and death overs and provide subtle variations.
5. Dwayne 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 in the death overs. Pretorius, who has been a key player for the Chennai Super Kings, has experienced how to excel in the demanding, high-stakes environment of the IPL. His bowling, which focuses on clever off-cutters and seam variations, makes him a tough challenge for even the best finishers.
With a base price of ₹1 crore, Pretorius is a hot commodity for his all-round abilities. He fills a niche as an overseas death bowler and power-hitter, a role that many teams will try to secure to balance their XI.
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