The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and exciting cricket tournaments in the world. Over the years, the IPL has witnessed several talented cricketers grace its fields and entertain millions of fans worldwide. However, with each season, several cricketers hang up their IPL boots, and IPL 2023 is expected to be no different.
In this article, we take a look at six cricketers who are likely to play their last IPL in 2023. These players have been an integral part of their respective teams over the years, but with age catching up, it may be time for them to bid farewell to the league.
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1. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni had announced that IPL 2023 is likely to be his final season. The former captain of the Indian cricket team has been a consistent performer in the IPL, leading the Chennai Super Kings to three IPL titles. Dhoni is now in his 40s but has extended his IPL career to bid farewell to the league in front of his home crowd.
Dhoni is revered by his fans, and his final home game is expected to be an emotional moment for them. The Chepauk Stadium in Chennai has been his fortress and a place where he has enjoyed immense success over the years.
With his retirement from international cricket in 2020, the 2023 IPL season is likely to be the last time we see Dhoni in action on the cricket field. His impact on the IPL and Indian cricket in general has been immense, and his absence will be felt by his fans and the cricket fraternity as a whole.
While his decision to retire will undoubtedly leave a void in Indian cricket, it will also pave the way for the emergence of new talent in the IPL. Nonetheless, it is certain that the 2023 season will be an emotional one for MS Dhoni and his fans as he bids farewell to the league where he has made a lasting impact.
2. Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu, the Chennai Super Kings’ dependable middle-order batsman, will be 38 years old next year. He is exclusively a participant in the IPL and has scored 274 runs in 13 games during the last season with an average just over 24 and a strike rate of 122. However, considering that all IPL teams are now inclined towards investing in young players, Rayudu is expected to face the possibility of being dropped at the end of this season if he doesn’t produce with the bat. At his age, it might prove to be challenging for him to find a place in the league, given the trend of teams focusing on youthful talent.
Rayudu has been a vital part of the CSK squad and has played significant innings for them in the past. However, the dynamic of the IPL is continually evolving, and franchises are looking to rebuild their teams for the long term. Therefore, it would not be surprising if Rayudu, despite his past contributions, finds himself without a team at the end of the 2023 IPL season.
3. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik, the wicketkeeper-batsman for Royal Challengers Bangalore, will be turning 38 years old this year. He had a fantastic IPL 2022 season, which earned him a place back in the national T20 squad. However, after India’s loss in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, Karthik was once again out of the squad and returned to the commentary box.
Nowadays, the IPL is the only cricket that Karthik plays, and this season will test his match fitness. If his body can’t handle the challenge of playing 14 non-stop games, he may decide to call it quits altogether. Karthik already has a career in TV broadcasting waiting for him.
Despite his age, Karthik is still a valuable asset for RCB. He has a wealth of experience, having played in the IPL for more than a decade, and has proven his worth as a finisher. However, the demands of the game can take a toll on the body, and Karthik must carefully manage his workload if he hopes to continue playing at the highest level.
4. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra, the star Indian spinner, is currently the second-oldest player in the IPL at 40 years old. He was ignored in the previous year’s auction due to his age, but he returns to the league this year as part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad. However, with Mishra turning 41 next year, his future in the league is uncertain.
LSG will be closely monitoring Mishra’s fitness levels throughout IPL 2023 to determine whether to retain him or not. If the team decides against keeping him, it could mark the end of his IPL career, as not many franchises are likely to invest in a 41-year-old player for IPL 2024.
Despite his age, Mishra is a formidable bowler and has been an integral part of many IPL teams over the years. He has taken over 160 wickets in the league, and his experience and skills will be valuable to LSG. However, his age could be a factor, and the team management will have to carefully consider his performances and fitness levels before making any decisions about his future in the league.
5. David Warner
David Warner’s performance in IPL 2023 will be crucial for him, given his recent struggles with form and fitness. The Australian batter has been struggling for runs lately, and his place in the World Cup squad is uncertain due to his poor performances. Additionally, his body has been breaking down frequently, which has raised concerns about his longevity in the sport.
If Warner can turn his form around and have a successful IPL season, it could boost his chances of making the World Cup squad. However, if he continues to underperform, he may choose to retire from the sport altogether. Whether or not he continues to play in the IPL beyond this season will also depend on his performances in the tournament.
Warner is a highly talented batter and has been a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for many years. However, his recent struggles have raised questions about his future in the league. If he can regain his form and fitness, he could continue to be a valuable asset for his team and a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.
6. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla, a leg-spinner who has been a part of IPL since its inception in 2008, has been a consistent performer with 157 wickets in 165 matches. However, he has struggled to maintain his position in the new teams after his departure from Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a part of Chennai Super Kings and is now with Mumbai Indians since last season.
Despite his vast experience, the 34-year-old has not been performing well in domestic cricket lately. Although he switched to Gujarat in domestic cricket, he has not been very successful in the domestic circuit. Last season, he made only a few appearances for MI and his opportunities are likely to be limited this season as well. If Chawla does not perform well this season, his future in IPL may be at risk. His tale in the league, which has been decorated with many wickets, may come to an abrupt end.
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The IPL is a highly competitive and physically demanding cricket league. As players get older, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain their fitness levels and perform at their best. The six cricketers mentioned in this article have had illustrious careers in the IPL and have contributed to the success of their respective franchises. However, it is likely that the 2023 season will be their last IPL. While their absence will be felt, IPL fans can look forward to seeing new talent emerge and make their mark in the league.
