5 cricketers who could retire from international cricket in 2018

2017 was a stepping stone and a new dawn for many budding cricketers around the world and it witnessed quite a few young guns making their foray into international cricket.

While the emergence of new blood is always heartening to see, it also simultaneously spells the end for some seasoned veterans. The last year was no different and the new year is likely to see some of these golden oldies retire from international cricket as well.

#5. Harbhajan Singh: (India)

The off-spinner from Punjab was India's front-line bowler and wicket-taker in the last decade. Harbhajan has been the architect of many famous wins for India along with Anil Kumble, and even after Kumble's retirement.

But the arrival of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has seen him move down the pecking order in the past 2-3 years. The further emergence of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal only goes on to weaken his case for a national comeback.

Harbhajan is still going strong in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, but the Indian boat might just have sailed for him and the 'Turbanator' might say goodbye to international cricket in 2018.

#4. Gautam Gambhir: (India)

After getting a rare chance at a national comeback in late 2016 against New Zealand and England, Gautam Gambhir has been out of the national reckoning for a while now.Gambhir is unlikely to find favor with the selectors considering the fact that even the in-form KL Rahul is finding it difficult to find a place in India's starting XI right now.

The veteran opener had a decent Ranji Trophy campaign for Delhi and MSK Prasad led selection panel continues to overlook him. The fact that he is over 36 years of age now might also fast-track this decision.

#3. Dale Steyn: (South Africa)

Dale Steyn is another legend who has been struggling with injuries in recent times with age, but regardless is widely regarded as the best fast bowler of his generation.

His record of 417 Test wickets is testament to his ability and performance over the years, and after a long injury lay-off, Steyn is on South Africa's squad for their upcoming home series against India.

Like Herath, if Steyn continues to struggle with injuries or if he is unable to find his best form soon, the pace ace is likely to call curtains on his international career in 2018.

#2. Rangana Herath: (Sri Lanka)

The veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner has already retired from limited-overs cricket but is still going strong in Tests for his country.

Herath has been one of their only genuine match-winners since Muttiah Muralitharan's retirement. While Herath's hunger and passion for the game are insatiable, What also needs to be considered is that he will be turning 40 in March this year and has seen his performance levels dip in the past year, where he particularly struggled against the Indian batting line-up.

With the focus set to turn to ODIs in 2018 considering the pending World Cup next year, Herath might just say goodbye to all forms of cricket if he is unable to maintain his extremely high personal levels of performance.

#1. Yuvraj Singh: (India)

India v Pakistan - ICC Champions Trophy

Another stalwart of Indian cricket who has been struggling with form, injuries and fitness concerns over the past year, Yuvraj Singh made a sensational start to 2017 when he struck a flamboyant century against England and raised hopes of the return of vintage Yuvraj.

He was also a part of India's Champions Trophy campaign and the subsequent limited-overs series in the West Indies in July but has been overlooked by the selectors ever since.

A major factor in his exile has been his inability to clear the 'Yo-Yo' test, which is now mandatory for a player to be considered for selection in any Indian team, a test he finally cleared in December 2017.

With the 2019 World Cup fast approaching and the selectors now looking at Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, and Shreyas Iyer for the open Number 4 slots in the Indian ODI side, Yuvraj might never get a look in again and could retire from international cricket in 2018.