ICC World Cup 2019: 5 modern-day greats who will likely be playing their last World Cup this year

International cricket's biggest festival - the ICC World Cup 2019 - is just a few days away. The excitement among the players and the fans is increasing every day, and the next six weeks are bound to produce some great memories.

However, this year's World Cup may be the last ever for some of the game's heroes, who have entertained the fans all through their careers. Here are five players who will likely be playing their last World Cup in England this year.

#5 Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor, New Zealand's leading run-scorer of all time, is in good form going into the World Cup. He will be the key in the middle overs where his experience will be important in guiding the youngsters.

With the flat pitches and short boundaries in England, Taylor would be dangerous if he gets a good start.

He is 35 years old now, and it will be unlikely to see him playing at the same level four years later. Though he has not spoken about any retirement ideas yet, this may be his last ODI World Cup.

Ross Taylor

New Zeland may not be the favorites to lift the Cup, but they have always been the dark horses. Runners-up last time, they will be hoping to go a step further this year - and Taylor will certainly have a big role to play in that.

#4 Lasith Malinga

The only bowler with two World Cup hat-tricks, the only bowler with three hat-tricks in ODIs and the only player to have taken four wickets in four consecutive balls in any form of international cricket, will play his last World Cup in England.

India v Sri Lanka - 2011 ICC World Cup Final

The slinger Lasith Malinga is known for his pinpoint yorkers which will be difficult for any best batsman in the world. He has been a part of two World Cup finals - in 2007 and 2011 - losing both. Indian fans will never forget the way he dismissed Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar in the 2011 final.

Malinga's recent form hasn't been great, and his performances have started showing signs of age. But he will be looking to give some inspiration to the rest of the players before he passes the baton to the next generation.

#3 Dale Steyn

South Africa v Pakistan - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

The most feared bowler of his generation will not be fearing the batsmen after the World Cup. South Africa's leading Test wicket-taker Dale Steyn has won a war with his body to make it to the ultimate war in the game of cricket. The injuries have pulled him out of the game multiple times, but he has returned better each and every time.

Steyn's pace and swing still cause serious problems to the batsmen. He will be hoping to inspire the South African side to shed their 'choker' tag this time around and bring home silverware from England.

#2 Chris Gayle

West Indies v England - 1st One Day International

International cricket will miss the Jamaican giant after this summer. The 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle has announced that he will be retiring from international cricket after the World Cup. And he has also warned other teams not to take him and his team lightly.

Gayle destroyed the number one ODI team England a few months ago, making a statement ahead of the mega event. If he gets going, the Caribbean side would have a chance to lift the trophy after 40 long years.

#1 MS Dhoni

The most capped player at this World Cup may hang up his boots soon after the event. India's most successful captain and arguably the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time is on his last mission to bring glory for his country.

His form has peaked at the right moment and especially after the IPL, it appears that the MS Dhoni we had been missing for a long time is back to his best. His contributions as a mentor to Virat Kohli and to the bowlers is irreplaceable.

2011 ICC World Cup

Dhoni has not announced his future plans yet. But the man of surprises may leave the game sooner rather than later as we have seen him suffering plenty of injuries in recent months.

The man who would probably be cool even if he was made to land on the sun will be hoping for a similar finish that he gave India's all-time hero Sachin Tendulkar eight years ago.