Khurram Khan to Rohit Sharma: Five oldest players to score an ODI century

In the demanding world of international cricket, age frequently emerges as a central topic of discussion, particularly as players approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers. Each period of reduced form inevitably brings forth questions regarding potential retirement, while every significant score serves as a powerful reminder of why seasoned professionals are trusted for their experience and skill for extended periods. The ability to perform at the highest level, year after year, speaks volumes about a player’s dedication, fitness, and unwavering passion for the game.

Recently, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, delivered just such a performance during the third One-Day International against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. In a high-pressure chase, Sharma silenced his critics with a magnificent innings of 138 runs off just 110 deliveries. While India ultimately lost the match and the series (1-2), Rohit’s century stood out as a testament to his class and resilience, etching itself as one of the finest moments of his extensive ODI career. This particular innings not only showcased his batting prowess but also placed him in an exclusive club.

Notably, Rohit Sharma achieved the distinction of becoming the first Indian batsman to score an ODI hundred at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, a hallowed venue known as the Home of Cricket. Furthermore, at the age of 39 years and 80 days, he secured his place on an elite list: the oldest players to score an ODI century. His achievement also surpassed a long-standing record held by cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, making him the oldest Indian cricketer to register an international century across all formats of the game. This remarkable feat underscores the enduring quality and dedication required to excel at the highest level for nearly two decades.

Khurram Khan to Rohit Sharma: Five oldest players to score an ODI century

The following presents a detailed look at the five oldest players who have achieved the incredible milestone of scoring a century in One-Day International cricket.

1. Khurram Khan (UAE) – 43 years, 162 days

Khurram Khan of the United Arab Emirates occupies a truly unique position in cricketing history. The former UAE captain holds the unparalleled record as the oldest player ever to score an ODI century. He accomplished this remarkable feat at the venerable age of 43 years and 162 days, crafting an unbeaten innings of 132 runs against Afghanistan in Dubai. This innings was not merely a personal best but a landmark achievement that continues to inspire cricketers globally.

What elevates Khan’s record to an even more extraordinary status is the fact that no other player in the history of One-Day International cricket has managed to score a century after celebrating their 40th birthday. Khurram’s exceptional achievement therefore stands untouched, a testament to his incredible physical fitness, mental fortitude, and unwavering commitment to the game well into an age where most players have long retired. His legacy is firmly cemented as a true cricketing anomaly.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 39 years, 212 days

Sanath Jayasuriya, the iconic Sri Lankan opener, had already forged a legendary career by 2009, having redefined opening batting in the 1990s. Yet, even as he approached his fourth decade, he demonstrated that he still possessed a wealth of talent and experience to offer Sri Lankan cricket. The Sri Lankan great scored an impressive 107 runs against arch-rivals India in Dambulla, showcasing his characteristic aggression and flair at the age of 39 years and 212 days.

Jayasuriya was globally celebrated for revolutionizing the approach of opening batsmen in ODI cricket, ushering in an era of fearless and rapid scoring during the initial powerplay overs. His century late in his career served as a powerful reminder that profound experience, coupled with an unyielding confidence, could still make a monumental difference, even when pitted against younger, fitter opponents. His enduring impact on the game remains undeniable.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 39 years, 159 days

Chris Gayle, famously known as the “Universe Boss,” never lost his remarkable ability to dominate and dismantle even the most formidable bowling attacks. In 2019, at the age of 39 years and 159 days, he unleashed a blistering innings of 162 runs against England in Grenada, delivered in his quintessential, explosive Gayle fashion. This knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring towering sixes and authoritative boundaries.

The innings served as a stark and thrilling reminder to the cricketing world why he was, and largely remains, one of the most feared and destructive batters in white-ball cricket. Gayle continued to captivate and entertain audiences worldwide with his seemingly effortless power, impeccable timing, and an utterly fearless approach to batting, proving that age was merely a number when it came to his unique brand of cricketing entertainment. His longevity at the top tier of attacking batsmen is truly extraordinary.

4. Ed Joyce (Ireland) – 39 years, 111 days

While Ed Joyce may not have garnered the same widespread global recognition as some of the other illustrious names on this exclusive list, his accomplishment stands as an equally significant and deserving testament to his skill and perseverance. The left-handed Irish batsman etched his name into the record books by scoring an unbeaten 116 runs against the UAE in Dubai in 2018. This innings was crucial in helping Ireland post a substantial total.

At 39 years and 111 days, Joyce’s century was a display of elegant stroke play and mature game management, earning him a distinguished place among the oldest centurions in One-Day International cricket. His career, marked by stints with both England and Ireland, showcased a deep commitment to the sport, and this particular innings highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team’s success, even in the twilight of his career.

5. Rohit Sharma (India) – 39 years, 80 days

Rohit Sharma is the latest addition to this incredibly elite and distinguished list of veteran cricketers. His superb innings of 138 runs against England at Lord’s was far more than just another century in his prolific career. It was an innings laden with significance and historical weight, especially given the context of a challenging series and the pressure of playing at the Home of Cricket.

This magnificent knock not only marked him as the first Indian to register an ODI century at the iconic Lord’s venue but also cemented his place in history by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record to become India’s oldest international centurion across all formats. Sharma’s ability to produce such a high-impact performance at 39 years and 80 days demonstrates his exceptional fitness, enduring skill, and mental resilience, proving that class is indeed permanent, regardless of age. His leadership and batting continue to be pivotal for Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma. (Credits: X.com)

These five cricketers exemplify the spirit of enduring performance, proving that dedication, experience, and an unyielding passion for the game can defy the conventional wisdom about age in professional sports. Their centuries, scored when many players are considering retirement, serve as powerful reminders of their greatness and their lasting contributions to the sport of cricket.