5 overseas players who might be playing their last IPL

The Indian Premier League has been one of the fascinating leagues in the world and has taken the T20 format's popularity to dizzying heights.

The IPL has also provided a platform for various cricketers such as Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah to prosper in the national team.

As young stars such as Mayank Markande and Prithvi Shaw are setting the stage on fire, the time has come for several cricketers to step down from the most lucrative league in the world.

The veteran cricketers who are past their prime try their best to regain their past form, but it has proved to be unsuccessful.

Here we will look at the overseas cricketers who might be playing their last IPL.

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#5 Daniel Christian

Daniel Christian hasn't been much effective with the ball

Dan Christian is one of the best all-rounders to have played the shortest format of the game.

Though he didn't shine in the Australian cricket team, he had become a household name in T20 leagues across the world.

However, in this year's IPL, this has proved to be a thing of past as he is not in his prime form.

He has played a total of four games this season where he has scored just 26 runs. Added to his woes, he has taken only four wickets at a high economy of 8.53.

Christian has struggled with both the bat and on the field. He hasn't been effective with the ball, much to the disarray of Delhi Daredevils.

The power-hitter who would turn 36 by the time the next IPL starts, might not be able to find a franchise again.

#4 Ben Laughlin

Ben Laughlin is one of the prominent players in the IPL

Australia's Ben Laughlin is one of the most prominent players in the Big Bash League. In the IPL, it is a different story as he has got play a total of only seven games which includes five games from this season.

His in-swingers and out-swingers are a treat to watch. Playing for Rajasthan Royals this season, he has garnered five wickets from the same number of matches. But his weakness of leaking runs outweighs the advantages of his wicket-taking abilities.

He lost his place in the side to Jofra Archer who has performed brilliantly without any flaw. The pacer who will turn 36 by this October is highly unlikely to feature in the cash-rich league next season.

#3 Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir has picked up six wickets in six matches

Imran Tahir is possibly the cricketer who is greatly lauded for his celebrations more than anything else.

The leggie who stifles the batsman with his googlies and stock ball has not been in the best of form lately.

He was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings at his base price of 1 crore. He hasn't been able to feature prominently on the side due to the variety of spinners Chennai have.

He has played a total of six games this season where he has taken six wickets at a very high economy of 9.09.

With all the teams having an adequate amount of spinners, it is highly unlikely that teams will avail the services of Tahir who will turn 40 by the time the next season starts.

#2 Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson was one of the most feared bowlers in the world during his time.

Having played for Mumbai Indians and KXIP, he was acquired by KKR at his base price of 2 crores during the second round of the auction.

The team management tactically planned of having him as a cover for Starc.

However, Starc was ruled out of the IPL due to an injury and the onus fell upon Johnson to lead KKR's bowling attack.

But, with the passage of time, he has battled hard to find a place in the XI with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Despite leading Mumbai Indians to IPL victory single-handedly in the last season, he has not been consistent with his bowling this season.

He has played a total of six games this season where he has scalped only two wickets at a very expensive economy of 10.28. It has also been very pathetic for the fans to see such a great bowler being belted away for runs.

In Kolkata's recently concluded match against Mumbai, Johnson was smashed for 15 runs in his very first over. Though he conceded just eight runs in his next two overs, the vintage Johnson was never visible.

Johnson who will turn 37 by this November might surely be playing his last IPL this season.

#1 Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum has scored just 127 runs in this season's IPL

The former New Zealand skipper who has played for various franchises is currently plying his trade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is one of the most aggressive openers to have ever played the game.

He burst onto the scene in the IPL when he played a magnificent knock of 158 in the tournament's first ever game.

However, this season, the runs he has scored do not even add up to 158. He has scored just 127 runs at a dismal average of 21.16 from the six games he has played.

With Baz turning 37 by this September, the time has come for the batting stalwart to bid an adieu to the game.

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