We often hear of sportsmen and women who retire in their early thirties. But there are some cricketers who have bucked the trend and gone on to play at a high level well into their fifties and sixties. Here, we take a look at some of the oldest cricketers to have played the game.
Also see:Â Indian Cricketers Who Are Vegetarian
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is one of the most successful cricketers of all time. He played for India for more than 20 years and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. He had been playing at the highest level for more than two decades and had achieved everything there was to achieve in the game.
However, he said that he felt it was time to move on and give younger players a chance. Since retiring from cricket, Tendulkar has been involved in various business ventures. He is also a member of parliament in India.
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is a South African cricketer who retired very late. He was one of the best all-rounders in the world and is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Kallis was a member of the South African team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999. He was also part of the team that reached the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Kallis retired from Test cricket in 2013, but continued to play ODIs until 2014.
Not to Miss:Â Aboriginal Cricketers Who Have Played for Australia
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid is one of the most successful cricket players of all time. He played for India for over 20 years, and was part of many successful teams. Dravid is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
After retiring from international cricket, Dravid continued to play domestic cricket in India. He also worked as a coach for the Indian Under-19 team. In 2018, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. He had a long and successful career, and proved that it is possible to play at a high level even into your late thirties.
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He has also scored the most Test centuries for Sri Lanka, with 38 centuries to his name.
He led Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup and was part of the team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. After retiring from international cricket, Jayawardene continued to play first-class cricket for Kandurata Maroons.
Keep Reading:Â Cricketers Who Never Bowled a No Ball
Shane Warne
Warne is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. He was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Century in 2000. Warne played 145 Test matches for Australia, taking 708 wickets. In 2003, he was named Australia’s greatest ever Test cricketer by Wisden.
After retiring from international cricket, Warne played cricket in India and England. He also worked as a commentator and coach.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that cricket is a demanding sport, however, there are some who manage to play until they’re in their 50s or even older. These cricketers are true legends of the game, and their commitment to the sport is admirable. If you’re looking for inspiration to keep playing cricket into your later years, then look no further than these guys.
Must Read: Cricketers Who Got Arjuna Award
