The recent ODI series between India and South Africa proved that age is not a barrier in modern cricket. Veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma showed remarkable skill, stamina, and strategy. Their performances not only contributed to India’s success but also secured their place among the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs. Below is the updated list of the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs, along with their memorable contributions.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Oldest Indians To Win Player of the Series in ODIs
5. Sachin Tendulkar – 36 years 309 days vs South Africa
Sachin Tendulkar is a cricket legend, and his ODI performances near the end of his career remain unforgettable. During the series against South Africa, at almost 37 years old, Tendulkar scored a historic double century. That innings alone earned him the Player of the Series award and made him one of the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs.
| Category | Detail |
| Match | vs South Africa |
| Runs Scored | 204 (2 matches) |
| Highest Score | 200* |
| Not Outs | 1 |
| Age During Series | 36y 309d |
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4. Virat Kohli – 37 years 31 days vs South Africa
Virat Kohli delivered a stunning performance in the ODI series against South Africa, reaffirming why he is considered one of the best in modern cricket. At 37 years and 31 days, Kohli scored two centuries and a fifty, showing class, skill, and experience. His dominance placed him firmly among the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs.
| Category | Detail |
| Matches Played | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 302 |
| Centuries | 2 |
| Fifties | 1 |
| Strike Rate | 117 |
| Average | 100+ |
| Age During Series | 37y 31d |
3. Sunil Gavaskar – 37 years 190 days vs Sri Lanka
Sunil Gavaskar was one of India’s first cricketing icons, known for patience and technical brilliance. During a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, at 37 years and 190 days, he scored 202 runs with an average of 50.50. His highest score was 70 not out. Gavaskar’s consistent contributions earned him the Player of the Series and made him one of the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs.
Even in the slower ODI era of the 1980s, Gavaskar demonstrated exceptional timing, placement, and awareness, adapting to the evolving demands of limited-overs cricket.
| Category | Detail |
| Matches | 5 |
| Runs Scored | 202 |
| Highest Score | 70* |
| Average | 50.50 |
| Strike Rate | 70 |
| Not Outs | 1 |
| Age During Series | 37y 190d |
2. MS Dhoni – 37 years 194 days vs Australia
MS Dhoni, known as one of the best ODI finishers, showcased his brilliance during India’s 2018–19 tour of Australia. At 37 years and 194 days, Dhoni played match-winning innings across a three-match series. His calm temperament and tactical acumen made him one of the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs.
In the first match, he shared a 137-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, keeping India competitive. He followed it with three consecutive half-centuries in the series, helping India secure a 2-1 victory. Dhoni’s ability to handle pressure and guide partnerships was key to the team’s success.
| Category | Detail |
| Matches | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 193 |
| Highest Score | 87* |
| Fifties | 3 |
| Average | 193 |
| Partnerships Built | With Rohit, Kohli, Jadhav |
| Age During Series | 37y 194d |
1. Rohit Sharma – 38 years 178 days vs Australia
Rohit Sharma tops the list as the oldest Indian cricketer to win a Player of the Series award in ODIs. At 38 years and 178 days, Rohit faced high expectations but responded with masterful performances. He played a fifty in the second ODI and a century in the final match, securing victories for India and proving his resilience.
This achievement also confirmed his spot among the oldest Indians to win player of the series in ODIs, highlighting how experience, strategy, and fitness combine to maintain peak performance even at an advanced cricketing age.
| Category | Detail |
| Matches | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 202 |
| Highest Score | 108 |
| Centuries | 1 |
| Fifties | 1 |
| Average | 85.50 |
| Age During Series | 38y 178d |
FAQs
1. Who are the oldest Indians to win Player of the Series in ODIs?
The list includes Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar.
2. What ages were these players when they won the award?
They ranged from 36 years 309 days (Tendulkar) to 38 years 178 days (Rohit Sharma).
3. Has age affected their performance in ODIs?
No. These players showed that experience and fitness allow them to perform at the highest level despite being in their late 30s.
4. Who is the oldest Indian to ever win Player of the Series in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma holds this record, winning at 38 years and 178 days.