IPL 2019: 4 players who are proving yet again that old is gold
IPL 2019 started a few weeks ago, and we have already seen some amazing performances. There has been big hitting, textbook shots, superb bowling and some crisp fielding.
Currently, the champions Chennai Super Kings are at the top of the IPL points table with 14 points, having lost just one match. The rest of the teams are going through a see-saw time, but Royal Challengers Bangalore have only won one match out of their eight.
This year we have seen many franchises spending big bucks on youngsters, including RCB's Prayas Ray Barman who is just 16 years of age, as well as 18-year-old Prabhsimran Singh and 20-year-old Sam Curran, both of whom are in Kings XI Punjab.
On the other hand, CSK retained their squad which consists of many senior players; their average age is very high when compared with other teams. Also, Mumbai Indians went for experience in the IPL auction, buying Yuvraj Singh and Lasith Malinga, as they already had a good bunch of youngsters.
After halfway throughout the tournament, we have seen many players stand up for their teams. Here's a look at four 'senior' players who are proving yet again that 'old is gold':
#1 MS Dhoni
This person does not need any introduction, and age is just a number for him. Dhoni, who is 37 now, has just been phenomenal, as always.
His decision-making throughout the game and the way he makes bowling changes have been excellent. Dhoni the batsman has scored 230 runs this time around, with a career-best average of 76.66.
The wicket-keeper MSD does not need any judgement, as he is the best among the best.
#2 Chris Gayle
The Gayle storm has hit once again this IPL season. Everyone knows him well; he is one of the biggest hitters in the world.
Kings XI Punjab kept faith in him and retained him once again. And Gayle hasn't disappoint them, as he has scored 352 runs from his eight matches, with a blistering strike rate of 155.
The 39-year-old has once again reminded everyone what he is still capable of.
#3 Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir has done wonders for CSK's bowling department, especially after they lost Dwayne Bravo due to injury. Tahir is their strike bowler, and he delivers whenever Dhoni and co need him to.
The 40-year-old has taken 13 wickets in just eight matches and is the second leading wicket-taker of the tournament, just behind Kagiso Rabada. His economy rate has also been impressive, at just 5.76.
#4 Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga has been bowling quite well, especially at the death alongside Jasprit Bumarh. Malinga is one of the biggest reasons for Mumbai's good performances so far.
He has taken seven wickets in his four matches with an economy rate of nine, which is not bad since he bowls at the death.
Malinga is 35 years of age, and he was MI's bowling mentor the previous season. This year he was bought again by MI for his base price of 2 crore, which was quite a steal.