5 oldest cricketers playing in IPL 2014

Indian Premier League, in particular, and Twenty20 cricket, in general, are considered to be tailor-made for the fresh, young blood. To earn all the big cash, youve got to be able to smash, dash and bash! Thats what the perception was a few years ago, only to see the old guys come to terms with the demands of the modern game and stamp their authority. Here are a few no-so-elderly players to keep an eye on in this IPL season:

#5 Brad Hodge - 39 years 121 days

If a country can do without Brad Hodge in their national team, it must be blessed with serious talent. So was the case with Australia, as the likes of Ponting, Clarke, Martyn, Symonds and Bevan ensured that Hodge wasn't missed. The case of Rajasthan Royals, however, is contrasting altogether. The team can ill-afford to have a starting eleven sans Brad Hodge.

With 218 Twenty20 matches under his belt, the Australian approaches this format like how a fish takes to water. Apart from his ability to finish games with incredible ease, he would have to share the load of assisting the Royals captain, Shane Watson, in his decision making.