The IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions will happen on February 12th and 13th in Bengaluru. As per a few reports, the upcoming event is likely to be the last mega-auction. Hence, we could witness franchises focussing more on the youngsters. The older cricketers, especially from other nations, could get the least preference. On that note, in this article, we take a look at the list of the five oldest overseas players shortlisted for IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions.
5) Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – 37 Years
Former South African skipper Faf du Plessis is one of the oldest overseas players shortlisted for IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. The right-handed batsman has been in top form in the last few seasons. While he scored 449 runs in IPL 2020, he scored 633 runs in the recent campaign. In IPL 2021, he was the second-highest run-getter in the league.
Hence, it is obvious that Faf will interest quite a lot of teams in the auction . Despite him being 37, most teams will not be worried because Faf has hardly had fitness issues in recent years. Not just that, the South African is actually an asset on the field. These reasons could prompt a few franchises to go after him. While Chennai Super Kings will surely want him back, other teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings could also bid for the player.
4) Anaru Kitchen (New Zealand) – 37 Years
Anaru Kitchen has done a decent job in domestic competitions in recent months. This is one of the reasons why he has been shortlisted for the auctions.
However, he has only played five international games so far and does not possess experience at the highest level. Therefore, franchises might not be interested in him.
3) Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) – 38 Years
Dwayne Bravo has taken 167 wickets in IPL so far. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in the league and is just four short of beating Lasith Malinga’s record. Hence, personally, Bravo will be desperate to return to the league.
Actually, he could evoke some interest at the auctions. Bravo is still a wily customer with the ball and does have the ability to strike it big at No.8. Hence, despite his age, he could find a few suitors.
2) Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 39 Years
After a gap of close to nine years, Fidel Edwards made a comeback to the West Indian T20I squad in March 2021. The pacer played six games but has lost out on his spot again. It would now be difficult for him to return to the squad especially after West Indies bowed out of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the league stage.
It will be a surprise if teams pick Fidel Edwards at the auctions. Although he does boast some serious pace even now, IPL teams usually do not go for overseas fast bowlers who are not in the league of the likes of Kagiso Rabada or Pat Cummins. Unless they are young, teams do not invest. Hence, Edwards could find it hard to find a team for IPL 2022.
1) Imran Tahir (South Africa) – 42 Years
Imran Tahir stands at the top of this list of the five oldest overseas players shortlisted for IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions. If he does get selected, the South African leg-spinner will be 43 years old by the time the tournament starts. It will be a terrific achievement for him to take part in such a highly competitive league at this age.
Tahir has been a part of the CSK unit since IPL 2018. Although he has found success in the yellow jersey, in recent seasons, the Pakistan-origin player has not found a lot of game time. His age and the underwhelming form were some of the main reasons. These could be the concerning factors if teams have to pick him for IPL 2022 and beyond.
