Mumbai: Apart from being a money-spinner and platform for young talent, the Indian Premier League (IPL) also serves as a medium for old horses to shine. While some put in that extra effort to gallop back to the national team, others play for pride and fitness. Here are five veterans who you cannot miss this IPL.
(Photo: BCCI)
Virender Sehwag, Kings XI Punjab (Age: 36) : People wrote him off, critics called him a finished product but the attacking right-hander smashed all the negativity out of the park in the qualifier stage against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He scored 122 off 58 deliveries that included eight sixes and 12 boundaries. If he continues the rampage, he may regain his blue shirt.
(Photo: AFP)
Michael Hussey, Chennai Super Kings (Age: 39): Chennai Super Kings bought him back to business and now the 39-year-old says he is ready to play any role for the franchise – be it a top-order batsman, help train the boys or anything that will do the team good. But Hussey fans would love to see his trademark cover drives once again. He was a part of Mumbai Indians in 2014 where he scored 209 runs in nine games.
(Photo: BCCI)
Harbhajan Singh, Mumbai Indians (Age: 34): The tweaker would be keen to get his India spot back. It is going to be difficult unless he pulls off a miracle. In 2014, he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 25.42. He had even led Mumbai Indians to their first Champions League T20 title in 2011. If and when the current skipper Rohit Sharma needs an advice, he knows whom to turn to. The terminator has a huge fan following too.
(Photo: PTI)
Pravin Tambe, Rajasthan Royals (Age: 42): The oldie from Mumbai stunned his colleagues when he took a hat-trick against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. He never played for Mumbai, forget about an India call-up. His hard work in local leagues earned him a place in IPL when he was 41. Since then, he has been turning the ball like he never did before. A complete match-winner for Rajasthan Royals.
(Photo: BCCI)
Zaheer Khan, Delhi Daredevils (Age: 36): The left-handed speedster – India’s 2011 World Cup winner – ran out of gas in the recent past. Marred by injuries, he lost his rhythm in the last season of IPL too. Zak will be aiming to hit the deck this time and rattle his critics. Being the senior bowler in the side, he is expected to mentor the youngsters as well. He has 75 wickets in 70 IPL games.
