How long will we see them play?

Well it was a boon in the form of IPL which saw players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly play in the T20 format of the game since the BCCI closed all the gates for these three prior to the inaugural T20 world cup in 2007. And, with India winning the same without the services of these gentlemen, the BCCI became even more firm with its decision which towards the end also extended their omission from T20 to ODIs. On the other hand, the IPL also provided the fans with a chance to watch players like Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne play despite retiring from international cricket.

And in addition, there were players like Shaun Marsh, David Warner, David Hussey to name a few whose hard hitting capabilities were hardly known to the cricketing world and it was possible only because of the IPL. However, with time the players are also found aging themselves which would surely put a break from featuring in the T20s and obviously the IPL as well. The list includes a lot like Anil Kumble, Shane Warne, Sanath Jayasuriya etc to name a few. If a player can play the comparitively longer versions of the game until he closes in on late 30s, he should be able to play T20 matches atleast until 45.

If this has to be true, one should be able to see all retirees from international cricket play in the IPL and should be picked up by the franchisees in the upcoming auction next year when the contract for the three editions of the IPL would have expired. Sacin Tendulkar - who is now just above 36 if picked would be playing until the age of 40, which is now being done by Sanath Jayasuriya and Shane Warne. Both Jayasuriya and Warne are now aged 40 and Jayasuriya has lost his place in the playing XI though not being justified. And on the other hand, Shane Warne is found playing for the lone reason that he is the captain.

Warne would be 43 and Jayasuriya 45 if picked. And there is no problems with Gilchrist, Sachin and Hayden who would be aged 39 respectively and will play until 43 which is still less than 45 and should have enough fuel in them to take their team forward. Anil Kumble is now 39 and if picked will be there until he reaches 43. Likewise, Glenn McGrath has not featured in the 15 member squad of the Delhi Daredevils and Chaminda Vass has been made to follow Sanath Jayasuriya despite at one stage of the tournament found wearing the purple cap.

At the end of the day, the million dollar question is irrespective of whether they have the potential in them to make it big or not, will the team owners go for these old warhorses? And in addition, though their body supporting them, will these players' mind support them which has seen them doing the same since more than a decade? Well, there is money involved and so nothing can be said in particular.