IPL 2019: 3 Indian cricketing giants that might be playing their last IPL this year

Another spectacular edition (12th) of Indian Premier League - IPL 2019 - will kick off in less than a month from now. MS Dhoni will once again lead an extremely consistent Chennai Super Kings, against Virat Kohli’s electrifying Royal Challengers Bangalore on 23rd March at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

The cricket fans - not just in India but also across the globe - are in for a treat as they watch their favorite players showcasing their magnificent cricketing skills. Not just that, but this will be the very first time that the IPL will be played just before the ICC World Cup, and therefore it will be an ideal warm-up for the cricketing arena prior to the marquee event this summer.

Apart from exceptional competitive cricket, this IPL edition will also probably be remembered for being the very last IPL for some legendary cricketers. Here's a look at 3 Indian cricketing giants who could be playing their last IPL this year:

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1. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh

The 37-year-old veteran's career has never been the same since he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor just after being awarded the Man of the Tournament at India's successful 2011 World Cup campaign. Though he did make a couple of comebacks to the Indian team, he could never quite replicate the magic again.

In regards to the IPL, the very same player that was once bought for a whopping 16 crore INR by Delhi Capitals did not even manage a bidder in the first round of the 2019 IPL auctions, after being released by Kings XI Punjab post his dismal show in the last IPL edition (65 runs in 8 matches). Eventually, he was bought by Mumbai Indians (the only bidders) at the reduced base price of INR 1 crore.

With age catching up and reflexes slowing down, the chances are quite slim for yet another comeback from Yuvraj in the international arena. That makes it possible for the flamboyant player to call it quits after this year's IPL.

Up until now, the spin bowling all-rounder has played 128 IPL matches and has scored 2652 runs with 83 being his highest score. Without a doubt, he would want to play exceptionally well this IPL and end his cricketing journey on a high.

2. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh

Another renowned Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, also known as ‘Bhajji’, might just announce his retirement post IPL 2019.

The 38-year-old off-spinner's comeback chances to Team India are next to impossible considering the availability of so many skillful spinners within the Indian circuit. Therefore, he may choose this year's IPL as a platform to bid farewell to the gentlemen's game.

Harbhajan's journey at the IPL started with Mumbai Indians way back in 2008. He lasted with them for a decade until he was released eventually, only to be purchased by Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2017.

Alongside Hit-Man Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan is only other player to have won the IPL on 4 occasions - 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

So far, he has played 149 IPL matches and has scalped 134 wickets at an expensive economy rate of 7.05 an over, with best figures of 5/18. Knowing MS Dhoni's love for spin, Harbhajan is expected to receive ample opportunities to showcase his skills this year.

3. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

MS Dhoni

One of India's great cricketing legends, MS Dhoni is still currently a regular feature in Team India in the shorter formats (ODIs and T20Is) and beyond any doubt, is a certainty for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. Despite his diminishing ability to hit free-flowing boundaries at will, he still is a very important team member - not just for his agile wicket-keeping skills but also for his experience and game awareness.

Having said that, the 37-year-old player is expected to bring the curtains down on his exceptional cricketing journey post the mega event this summer. And it is also quite possible that he may announce his retirement from every format including the IPL.

Under his leadership, Chennai Super Kings have been the most consistent team in the history of the IPL. They have not only won 3 IPLs - 2010, 2011 and 2018 - but have also made it to the playoffs nine times and the final seven times, with an astonishing win percentage of 61.56. Dhoni will look to continue his supremacy and end his journey by winning yet another IPL title.

Though none of these cricketing giants have announced their retirement yet, with growing age and receding reflexes, they are certainly at the fag end of their glorious careers. As much as we may want to see them play forever, the inevitable moment has now eventually come to thank them for their excellent performances over the years and watch them for one very last time on the cricket field.

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