5 famous Indian cricketers whose careers might end in 2016

Even as 2015 comes to a close, cricket lovers are busy making early predictions for the next year. 2016 promises to be an interesting year for the Indian cricket team with the tour to Australia, the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20 coming up.With so much cricket round the corner, the onus is on the Indian team to keep performing at a high level every day. But considering their poor run of form and age, it might just be a cruel year for some of these cricketers.Let us look at 5 Indian cricketers whose careers might end in 2016. Some big names make it to the list.

#5 Ambati Rayudu

Just a few months back, Ambati Rayudu seemed to have edged out Ajinkya Rahane in the competition for a spot in the middle order. Rayudu seems to have done decently in the few chances he has got, managing 952 runs from 31 matches at an average of 45.33.

Rayudu was, in fact, the preferred option for the Indian limited overs skipper, MS Dhoni, as he felt Rahane struggled to rotate the strike and play his shots when there is a lack of pace in the middle overs. But things have taken a turn for the good for Rahane and his form of late has made him virtually undroppable from the side.

Rayudu has always been more of a plodder and a smart strike-rotator than a dashing batsman more suited to ODI cricket. If Rahane continues his rich vein of form, Rayudu might have to spend a long period on the sidelines. If he fails to establish himself in the national team this year, his career might be as good as over.

#4 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina was the surprise exclusion from the side that was announced to tour Australia early next year. Not so long ago, Raina was being groomed as Dhoni's successor - the man who would take over the responsibilities of finishing matches in ODIs and T20s.

But a string of poor performances has swung the general consensus against him and he seems to have incurred the wrath of the selectors. And it was not just about the fact that he struggled to score runs but also the manner in which he got out. In several matches, Raina chose to be over-ambitious and go after the bowling without getting his eye in, paying the price in the process.

Raina will still remain a crucial member of the T20 side but his fate in ODIs depends on the success of other players now. Ravindra Jadeja seems to be India's preferred choice for the all-rounder's slot and would be asked to take his batting more seriously. And there are talks of considering Gurkeerat Singh as India's next finisher. If Singh gets going, Raina's ODI career will be in serious jeopardy this year.

#3 Harbhajan Singh

It was by his sheer perseverance and hard work that Harbhajan Singh made his way into the national team this year. The lackadaisical performances of the Indian spinners other than Ashwin might have also helped him in the process. There was a lot of hope that Bhajji will establish himself as a crucial member of the team once again.

But unfortunately, the Turbanator has failed to live up to the expectations and looked quite flat in the few Tests and ODIs he has played since his comeback. His body language looked uninspired and the famous zip in his bowling was clearly missing.

He hardly looked like the spinner who had once run through the invincible Australian batting order in Kolkata. With Ashwin doing so well and Jadeja having found some form, Harbhajan will find it difficult now to break back into the national side. If he fades out of the selectors' plans this year, it might be curtains on yet another illustrious international career.

#2 Yuvraj Singh

There has been a great euphoria over the return of Yuvraj Singh into the national scheme of things. Yuvraj has always been one of the most loved cricketers and fans all over the world had been clamouring for his return all along. A great run of form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year sealed the deal for him.

But Yuvraj himself has expressed his displeasure at not being picked for the ODI team to tour Australia early next year. T20 can be a difficult format for him to make a comeback -- it can be extremely cruel in the sense that you can try to go after the bowling from the first ball and lose your wicket in the process.

One really hopes that Yuvraj finds his feet and makes his way into the ICC World T20 later next year. A good run of form might help him make a comeback to the ODI team as well. But if he fails and finds himself axed again, he might not be considered for selection again.

#1 MS Dhoni

For a player who has done so much for Indian cricket, it is strange to think that MS Dhoni should have so many haters. It is true, however, that Dhoni is no longer the dashing youngster who could dispatch sixes for fun. He has become more measured and calculated. And of late, he has struggled for form.

There have been quite a few recent instances when MS Dhoni has struggled to finish off matches -- he is no longer the master of run chases. A string of poor performances and heavy defeats forced him to retire from Tests. Now, as many believe, it might just be matter of time until Dhoni hangs up his boots.

The fact that Dhoni has been declared the captain until the ICC World T20 next year has led to speculations that he can retire once the tournament ends. Time seems to be catching up with him. Unless Dhoni starts piling up runs again, it can be expected that he will decide to go on his own terms. We might have just a few months left to bid adieu to one of the greatest Indian captains.