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Top 40+ XI Of T20 Format: Legends Still Ruling This Format In 2025

6 Min Read

Top 40 Plus Cricketers XI Of T20 Format, an all-players over 40 years old team who are still currently playing in mainstream franchise leagues in 2025. No legends-only tournaments, Masters events, or nostalgia exhibitions here, only elite-level professionals demonstrating that age is merely a number.

Top 40 Plus Cricketers XI Of T20 Format

Opening the Innings

Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – Age: 41

Even one of the most refined openers in T20 cricket, Faf du Plessis, is still producing match-winning innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and Joburg Super Kings in the SA20. His consistency in batting against spin and intelligent batting make him a flawless opener in this lineup. Couple that with his top-notch fitness levels and tactical brain, and du Plessis becomes a certainty.

Middle Order Powerhouses

Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – Age: 43

A seasoned campaigner of the game, Shoaib Malik continues to be a stalwart in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). With more than 13,000 runs in T20s under his belt, his range as a middle-order batsman and useful off-spinner make him an ageless gem. His composed self and cricketing brains still dictate games in crunch moments.

Colin Ingram (South Africa) – Age: 40

Adequately named “Bozie” or “The Bulldozer”, Ingram has power and composure at the top order. Active in the SA20 even now, Ingram is a steady run-scorer who understands how to steady an innings, especially when those around him are struggling.

Dinesh Karthik (India) – Age: 40

More than a seasoned voice behind the mic, Karthik is still a big-impact finisher, last playing for the Paarl Royals in franchise cricket. His wicket-keeping abilities and late-order punch added to unbelievable 360-degree hitting skills land him a rightful spot in the Best 40+ XI of the T20 format.

Allrounders and Finishers

Dan Christian (Australia) – Age: 42

One of the most traveled allrounders in T20, Christian still plays for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. A specialist finisher with bat and ball, he feeds on pressure and has made a career out of clinching close games.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – Age: 40

The driving force of Afghanistan’s T20 journey, Nabi continues to play at a high level in Shpageeza Cricket League. His ability as a spin bowler and lower-order batsman makes him one of the most useful T20 cricketers even beyond 40.

MS Dhoni (India, Captain) – Age: 44

No Veteran’s T20 team is complete without MS Dhoni. At 44, he is an inspirational skipper and tactical mastermind for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Though his on-field time is limited now, his finishing skills, leadership, and legacy are sufficient to make him captain the Best 40+ XI of the T20 format.

Pace and Spin Department

David Wiese (Namibia) – Age: 40

A late-vintage epiphany, Wiese is still playing elite level cricket in competitions like the CPL and SA20. His ability to strike down the order and bowl crucial overs in the death, is one of the reasons he remains one of the most valuable T20 allrounders over the age of 40.

Peter Siddle (Australia) – Age: 40

Siddle previously was known for his expertise in Test matches, but has found new life as a death-over specialist within the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers. Having control, slower balls and leadership all provide a solid base on which to build a bowling attack.

Imran Tahir (South Africa) – Age: 46

The oldest man in this XI, Tahir is still performing his magic in tournaments such as the IPL, SA20, and CPL. At 46 years old, the passion is still there, and his googlies are as deadly as ever. He is a middle-over specialist and is still able to change matches.

James Anderson (England) – Age: 43

Although not conventionally renowned for T20 plunder, Anderson still knocks up the new ball in The Hundred. At 43, his guile and early-over mastery are the ideal foil for the attacking pace options within the unit.

Full Line-Up: Best 40+ XI of T20 Format (2025 Edition)

Player Country Age Role
Faf du Plessis South Africa 41 Opener
Shoaib Malik Pakistan 43 Middle-order, Off-spinner
Colin Ingram South Africa 40 Top-order Batter
Dinesh Karthik India 40 Wicketkeeper/Finisher
Dan Christian Australia 42 Allrounder
Mohammad Nabi Afghanistan 40 Allrounder
MS Dhoni (C) India 44 Captain, Wicketkeeper
David Wiese Namibia 40 Allrounder
Peter Siddle Australia 40 Fast Bowler
Imran Tahir South Africa 46 Leg-spinner
James Anderson England 43 Fast Bowler

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