Every season of the Indian Premier League sees at least a few cricketers hang up their boots. For a few players, IPL 2021 will most likely be their final season. The tournament’s second phase will begin on September 19th in Dubai. Franchisees will be trying to create long-term squads with the major auctions coming up before next season. As a result, a few older cricketers may not be offered a new contract.
Even after announcing their retirement from international cricket, a number of players have continued to play in the IPL. However, players must also retire from T20 leagues such as the IPL at some point. In the second half of IPL 2021, there’s a good probability that a few Indian cricketers may take the field one last time.
Here is the list of 6 players who can play their last IPL this year:
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, who is 40 years old, has been having trouble with the bat. He also does not appear to be as confident as he has been in prior seasons when he comes out to bat. CSK cannot afford to keep Dhoni and then release him when he retires after a season or two because of the mega-auction slated before IPL 2022. As a result, the three-time champion could make the final decision on his intentions. His supporters and general cricket fans will miss his presence on the field since he is one of the league’s most successful players.
2. Robin Uthappa
Since its debut in 2008, Robin Uthappa has been a part of the Indian T20 league. He’s worked for as many as six different franchises. His most illustrious spell, though, was with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2014 to 2019. He went on to win the Orange Cap in 2014 after being absolutely fantastic for them. In the same season, KKR also occurred to win the championship. He played for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2020 after 2019 and is with the Chennai Super Kings at present. He’s already 35, and he’s on the verge of announcing his retirement. Besides, he is yet to play for the Super Kings and spent the opening portion of the IPL 2021 warming the bench for them.
3. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, the Orange Cap winner in 2011 and 2012 and the leading six-scorer in four IPL editions, transformed the IPL into a high-octane entertainment league during his prime. The Jamaican recently stated that his fans should not be shocked if he continues to play till he is 45 years old. Gayle, at the very least in the IPL, may be forced to retire after the 2021 season. Despite his huge scores, the cricketer has struggled to make an impression in recent years. As a result, he may be playing his final IPL season this year.
4. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is unquestionably one of the most underappreciated IPL players ever. When it comes to the Indian T20 competition, the spinner has a number of records to his name. The seasoned bowler, though, is now 38 years old and will turn 39 in a few months. It’s possible that this may be his final IPL season. Mishra would also like to conclude his IPL career on a strong note.
5. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir, 42, may soon retire from T20I cricket after retiring from ODI cricket. Despite winning the Purple Cap in 2019, Tahir was unable to participate in the IPL 2020. He did appear in a few games during the IPL 2021’s initial phase, but he did not appear to be at his best. Franchises would be wary of investing in a foreign cricketer above the age of forty. Despite his impressive statistics, Tahir’s recent form has been poor. As a result, the South African is one of the players that might participate in the IPL’s final season in 2021.
6. Dinesh Karthik
Since his debut as a pundit during the WTC final between India and New Zealand, Dinesh Karthik has been the buzz of the town. Everyone complimented the 36-year-old for his outstanding abilities on television, from fans to cricket experts. Karthik is now playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, although his form isn’t great. With age working against him, this season’s IPL might be his last.
