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:
1. 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.