5 Indian players who might be on their last tour to England

Playing in England is a big deal for any cricketer because of the history related to the sport in the country. The inception of the game took place in the Queen's land and although the game has spread over the world, the roots still lie in England.

There is always a heated rivalry between India and England - be it the political history of the two countries or the player battles that have been developed over the years, tours to India and England are always looked forward to by the fans.

This time, India are in England under Virat Kohli - the start has been on point with a T20I series win but the Test series looms large in front of them. India have tasted success in the past when it comes to ODIs and Tests, with the NatWest Trophy win in 2002, as well as Test wins in 2002, 2007 and 2014 being few of the key moments to look back on and admire.

For a few players, this tour of England could be the last time they land in the country as cricketers. India do not visit England often; the frequency of such occurrences is mostly once in three years.

Here are five players from the current ODI and Test side who could be on their final tour to England:

MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni quit playing from the longest format in 2014, but not before he played as many as three Test series in England. He still continues to be with the team as a limited-overs player and took part in the T20I and ODI series.

He is 37, but not getting any younger. Given that he has been troubled with back problems recently, it is unlikely that he will extend his stay in the Indian team beyond the 2019 World Cup.

His first tour of England was in 2007 before he took over the reins of the T20 side ahead of the World T20. His next visit turned out to be a nightmare as the side did not win a single game on the entire tour in 2011. The 2014 one turned out to be a mixed bag.

#4 Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay

The next tour to England is most likely to be held after four years - by that time, Murali Vijay will be 38 and unlikely to be part of the team. He has been a rock for the Indian team in the Test format and has been solid in his approach, looking to wear off the new ball.

The likes of KL Rahul are making a strong case for themselves at the top of the order, and with each year things will only get increasingly difficult for Vijay to retain his place.

He has played five games in England in Tests and averages over 40. His steady approach at the top is what the team need now, but they are unlikely to retain him when the next tour comes up.

#3 Suresh Raina

England v India - Second Royal London One Day International - Lord's

He might be on the wrong side of 30, but Suresh Raina has proved that age is just a number for him. He has time and again proven his fitness, and finally cleared the yo-yo test to get his place back in the Indian team.

He will turn 32 this year and will be on the other end of 35 when the next tour of England gets underway. Raina has been a valuable asset for the Indian team in both ODIs and T20Is. His Test career never prospered as much as he wanted it to, but nevertheless, he has made sure that he has stayed relevant with the changing times.

In England, he has played a total of 16 ODIs, averaging over 38 with more than 400 runs. He has been questioned for his approach against the short ball which might not find a place the next time India take on England away from home.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

'DK' has been a journeyman for the Indian team. It has been unfortunate for him that his career has coincided with that of a certain MS Dhoni but he has continued to be a useful force in limited overs cricket and could also take the gloves from Wriddhiman Saha for a few years in the longest format if he continues to be consistent with the bat.

Karthik played in England in the Test series in 2007 primarily as an opener, with Dhoni doing the wicket-keeping duties. However, even though Karthik is fit, it is unlikely that he will feature in the squad the next time the side tours England.

By then, the team could be looking at more long term keeping options in the likes of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson.

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

The road has not been great in the last year and a half - he has been dropped from the ODI and T20I side and only plays for India in the longest format. That might not be the case the next time India tour England as Ashwin will be in his late 30s. He's India's No.1 spinner on home soil but isn't always in top form when he plays abroad. Ashwin has time and again proven that he is a vital component in India's fortunes in Test cricket as he has the ability to run through sides single-handedly.

He has had injury issues in the past and isn't the fittest player in the Indian team. Also with the emergence of Kuldeep Yadav as an all-format player, Ashwin will have a hard time fighting for his place in the future.