IPL 2019: 5 veterans for whom the upcoming season of IPL would be a do-or-die

The most popular T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League begins on March 23, 2019. Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face each other in the opening match of this prestigious league. CSK will go into the tournament trying to defend their title and will hope to win it for the 4th time. However, the other 7 teams are ready to provide them with tough competition.

There has been a long followed tradition in the IPL. It has provided younger players an opportunity to learn from the seniors and get better at the game. The seniors have always been mentors for talented young players. This culture is set to be seen in this IPL as well.

However, there are many legendary veterans, who are struggling to get their touch back. And this IPL is probably the last chance for all such players to prove their mettle. If these veterans do not manage to do it, then this might be the last time we see them in the IPL.

Let us take a look at some of those players:

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#1 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh had a disappointing IPL 2018, where he could manage only 65 runs in the 8 matches that he played for KXIP. And those runs came at a mere average of 10.83. The 2019 IPL auctions were a red alert for the 37-year-old, as he was sold for just Rs 1 crore to Mumbai Indians, which was Rs 15 crores less than his price tag in 2016. More alarmingly, he was unsold in the 1st round of the auction.

He did not have a good Ranji season as well. He was able to manage only 99 runs in the 7 innings that he played, without a 50+ score. Therefore, it becomes absolutely necessary for the left-hander to prove his mettle in IPL 2019. If he doesn't, then this might be the final time that we see him in the IPL.

#2 Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra attempts to take a catch.

Amit Mishra had an average performance in IPL 2018, wherein, the 36-year-old had 12 scalps from 10 matches at an average of 22. He was very economical throughout the season and conceded just 7.13 runs per over.

However, he has not been in a good form since then. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Amit has been able to manage only 8 wickets in the first 7 matches. His team Haryana, which is playing in Group D, has not been impressive either, sitting at the 5th position on the table.

He was bought by Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) for Rs 4cr that year, which was 2.6 times more than his base price. He has been retained by DC for IPL 2019 as well. Therefore, it has become absolutely necessary for the right-handed leg spinner to pay the faith shown on him by the franchise.

#3 Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga

After a forgettable outing in IPL 2017, Lasith Malinga, who had only 11 scalps from his 12 matches, was released by Mumbai Indians. The matters became worse when he went unsold in the IPL 2018 auctions.

He was roped in as the bowling mentor of the franchise for 2018. Unfortunately, he could not live up to the expectations of the team, as 8 of the 10 Mumbai Indians' bowlers had an economy over 8, and only Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Mayank Markande could manage 15 wickets or more.

However, there was a sigh of relief for the 35-year-old, when he was sold at a price of Rs 2 crores in the mega auctions held in December last year. More importantly, Malinga has enjoyed good success over the past few matches that he has played for the national side.

Therefore, Mumbai Indians would expect him to fire in IPL 2019. If he doesn't, he might not be seen as a player in the IPL again.

#4 Stuart Binny

Stuart Binny

"He (Binny) has been in poor form. We want him to return to practice and get back into his groove. We don't want his rough patch to continue throughout the season." said Raghuram Bhat, chairman of the selection committee of Karnataka (senior team) as an explanation to drop Stuart Binny who had just 53 runs and one wicket in his kitty after the first 2 matches of Ranji Trophy 2018-19.

He also had a forgettable run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, wherein he could manage just 1 run and 1 wicket in the two games that he played. His poor performances had forced the management to drop him.

The last 4 IPL seasons have brought huge disappointments for the 34-year-old veteran. In IPL 2018, the all-rounder could manage just 44 runs in 7 matches, without any wickets to his name. Unexpectedly, he was retained by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2019.

Therefore it becomes absolutely essential for Binny to perform in this season, otherwise, the consequences might be harsh for him

#5 Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay

For Murali Vijay, it was nothing less than a huge shock, after he was dropped from the Indian team due to his string of poor performances, which included the scores of 11, 18, 0, 20 in the 4 innings against Australia.

The last IPL season was not good either. The 34-year-old could play only 1 match for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018 and scored 12 runs. Although he was retained by the same franchise, Murali Vijay's position in the team looks highly unlikely. This is due to his poor form and availability of other in-form players in the team, which has already filled the batting slots.

However, if he manages to get a match, he needs to perform at any cost, otherwise, it might mean the end of the road for the right-hander. And his recent performances in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy will provide him with a lot of confidence to do so. In the 4 innings of the tournament, he has scores of 3, 77, 74 and 104.