Players Who Might Be Playing Their Last IPL
Whether they play for India or represent a different country, fans of the IPL have had the pleasure of witnessing some real stars in action over the years. However, like all good things, IPL careers must come to an end one day. With that in mind, here are five big names who have lit up the IPL in the past, but might be featuring in the tournament for the last time in 2020.
#1. Imran Tahir
The experienced leg-spinner has been one of cricket’s most lovable characters over the past few years, with his exuberant wicket celebrations becoming a common sight. His love for the game is evidenced by the fact that he remains just as energetic on the field at the age of 40 as he was when he first burst on to the scene. Having played for the Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants in previous editions, Imran Tahir put in a few match-winning performances for Chennai Super Kings and is all set to turn out for them yet again. However, having retired from ODIs in 2019, the 2020 edition of the IPL might be his last outing in the shortest format of the game as well.
#2. Lasith Malinga
The sight of Malinga’s brightly-coloured unruly mop of hair fast-approaching is one that no batsman particularly wants to face and the unorthodox slinging action, stinging toe-crushers, and crafty changes of pace make it even worse! The 36-year-old has been one of the IPL’s true greats and has served Mumbai Indians well, taking 170 wickets at an average of 19.82, putting him atop the wicket-taking charts. Like Tahir, Lasith Malinga has also announced his retirement from ODIs, even though he continues to lead the Sri Lankan side in T20s. However, with a raft of fast-bowling options at Mumbai Indians’ disposal, as well as the fact that Malinga has previously taken up the role of bowling consultant with the franchise, points to this being his last IPL season as a player.
#3. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra has been a great servant for each IPL team he has played for and has a whopping 147 wickets at an average of 24.19 to show for his efforts. He remains part of a select group of bowlers to have taken a hat-trick in the tournament, and showed no shortage of guile during a short but impressive showing in IPL 2019. However, Delhi Capitals seem to be well-stocked in the spin department, with Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Sandeep Lamichhane offering captain Shreyas Iyer a variety of options. As such, the 37-year-old Mishra might find playing time hard to come by and might bid adieu at the end of the season.
#4. Shane Watson
Although the strapping all-rounder has been an unquestionable success in the IPL, even winning the Player Of The Tournament award on multiple occasions, it’s his struggles with injury that might see him call it a day after IPL 2020. The 38-year-old has amassed over 3500 runs at an average of over 30 and a strike rate close to 140, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries – impressive numbers by any scale! Should injury rear its ugly head during IPL 2020, it seems likely that Shane Watson will hang up his boots for good, having accomplished pretty much all there is to accomplish in the IPL.
#5. Dale Steyn
Despite fielding a number of serious injuries and annoying niggles that have kept him from reaching his peak in the IPL, Dale Steyn boasts some impressive bowling figures. The South African pacer has bagged 96 wickets in 92 games at a strike rate of 21.93, which is commendable considering he’s usually deployed at the start and end of the innings. Although he went unsold in IPL 2019, he was brought in by RCB to replace the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile and impressed enough to be brought in from the start in 2020. Although Steyn has featured in the Big Bash League in the lead up to the new IPL season with some success, the upcoming season might well be his last one.
