5 players who are likely playing their last IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricketing extravaganza and a platform where legendary cricketers showcase their skills. However, as time passes, cricketers inevitably face the prospect of bidding farewell to the field. The ongoing IPL tournament could be the last season of their career. In such a situation, if we talk about those 5 legendary players whose IPL 2024 could be the last IPL season, then their names are as follows-

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has been a stalwart of Indian cricket and the IPL. However, at 42, Dhoni’s physical fitness has become a concern, exacerbated by recurring orthopedic issues. With speculation rife about his retirement, IPL 2024 could be the swansong for the former Chennai Super Kings captain. Under his leadership, CSK achieved enormous success in this league. CSK won the IPL title five times under his leadership. At the start of the season, Dhoni passed the baton of CSK leadership role to young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

See Also: Watch: Dhoni special for fans at Chepauk after beating Rajasthan

MS Dhoni entered the IPL fray in 2008, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history. Over the years, Dhoni has graced the IPL stage with his exceptional batting prowess in 262 matches, amassing a staggering total of 5,218 runs.

With a remarkable batting average of 39.23, Dhoni has been a linchpin for his teams, often delivering match-winning performances. Among his many achievements in the IPL, Dhoni has registered an impressive tally of 24 half-centuries, with his highest individual score at an unbeaten 84 runs.

Dhoni’s ability to find the boundaries is evident from his impressive count of 360 fours and 251 sixes throughout his IPL career. His penchant for finishing matches in style has endeared him to cricket fans worldwide, earning him the moniker of ‘Captain Cool.’

2. Amit Mishra (LSG)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned leg-spinner representing Lucknow Super Giants, finds himself in a similar predicament as Dhoni. At 41 years old, Mishra’s playing opportunities and fitness concerns have dwindled. It’s unlikely that Mishra will feature prominently in future IPL seasons, making IPL 2024 a possible curtain call for the leg-spin maestro.

Amit Mishra made his IPL debut in 2008 and has been a prominent figure in the tournament. Throughout his 162-match career, Mishra has showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 174 wickets. With an impressive average of 23.84, Mishra has proven to be a formidable force in the IPL bowling lineup. He has maintained an economy rate of approximately 7.38 runs per over, demonstrating his ability to consistently contain batters while taking wickets.

Mishra’s best individual bowling performance in the IPL came with figures of 5/17, highlighting his match-winning capabilities with the ball. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Lucknow franchise secured Mishra’s services for Rs 50.00 Lac, recognizing his value as a seasoned spinner.

3. Wriddhiman Saha (GT)

Gujarat Titans wicket keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has had a distinguished career in Indian cricket. However, at 39 years old and with retirement from international cricket behind him, Saha’s IPL prospects seem bleak. His absence from domestic cricket further diminishes the likelihood of seeing him in the IPL beyond 2024.

Wriddhiman Saha entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the tournament. Throughout his IPL career, which spans 170 matches, Saha has consistently performed with the bat, amassing 2,934 runs. His batting average is a respectable 24.25, reflecting his ability to contribute consistently to his team’s success.

Saha’s IPL portfolio boasts one century and 13 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 115 runs. His knack for scoring boundaries is evident from the impressive tally of 296 fours and 87 sixes that he has accumulated over the years.

In the IPL Auction 2024, the Gujarat franchise secured Saha’s services for Rs 1.90 Cr, recognizing his worth as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman.

4. Dinesh Karthik (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, Dinesh Karthik, may appear fit on the field, but at 38, age catches up with even the most seasoned players. As he approaches 40, Karthik’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, with teams possibly preferring younger talent over experienced campaigners.

Dinesh Karthik stepped into the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the tournament. Over the years, Karthik has showcased his batting prowess in 254 IPL matches, accumulating 4,817 runs. With an impressive batting average of 26.61, Karthik has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman in the IPL circuit.

Throughout his IPL journey, Karthik has notched up an impressive tally of 22 half-centuries, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 97 runs. His ability to find boundaries is evident from the 464 fours and 160 sixes he registered in his IPL career.

5. Ishant Sharma (DC)

Delhi Capitals’ experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma, faces the dual challenge of age and fitness concerns. At 35, Sharma’s pace bowling prowess may be on the wane, compounded by potential fitness issues. With the demands of T20 cricket and younger talents emerging, IPL 2024 could mark the end of Sharma’s IPL journey.

Ishant Sharma entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the commencement of his journey in the tournament. Over the years, Sharma has participated in 108 IPL matches, showcasing his bowling prowess on various occasions. With 89 wickets to his name, Sharma has proven to be a valuable asset for his teams in the IPL.

Sharma’s bowling statistics include an average of 34.93, with an economy rate of approximately 8.21 runs per over. His best individual bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/12, reflecting his ability to deliver match-winning performances when called upon.