NEW DELHI: Veteran paceman Richard Gleeson marked a significant milestone by making his IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
The English pacer's inclusion in the CSK squad propelled him into the annals of IPL history, as Gleeson became (36 years and 151 days) the second oldest player to make a debut in the cash-rich league since 2014.
Zimbabwe's Sikander Raza, who made his debut at the age of 36 years and 342 days, is sitting right at the top. South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir (35 years and 44 days) is in the third spot, followed by Jalaj Saxena (34 years and 124 days) and Keshav Maharaj (34 years and 63 days).
Oldest IPL debutants (since 2014)
36 years and 342 days Sikander Raza36 years and 151 days Richard Gleeson35 years and 44 days Imran Tahir34 years and 124 days Jalaj Saxena34 years and 63 days Keshav Maharaj
Gleeson's entry into the IPL 2024 with the CSK was a replacement for the injured Devon Conway. The right-arm fast bowler, who represented England in six T20Is and claimed nine wickets, brings a wealth of experience to his extensive T20 career, which boasts 101 wickets from 90 matches.
Despite entering the professional scene relatively late, Gleeson's dream debut defied expectations. At 34, he made a remarkable international debut in July 2022 against India, where he dismissed the formidable trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant within his first eight deliveries, cementing his place in cricketing lore.
Gleeson's debut reflects both his individual talent and the franchise's trust in his abilities, underscoring his potential impact in the tournament. As he steps onto the IPL stage, Gleeson's achievement resonates as a testament to his dedication and skill, setting the stage for a promising chapter in his cricketing career.
