Last Dance: IPL Veterans Facing Final Season in 2024
The IPL, a melting pot of cricketing talent, provides a platform for players of all backgrounds and nationalities. However, not everyone thrives in this high-octane environment. While some excel, others struggle, potentially derailing their careers. Today, we focus on veterans who might be playing their final IPL season in 2024.
1) Wriddhiman Saha (Gujarat Titans)
The 39-year-old former Indian Test wicketkeeper has seen a dip in form. Inconsistent scoring and a lack of explosive batting are a concern, especially with his age. While his keeping remains decent, his role as an opener hasn’t yielded the desired results for Gujarat Titans.
2) Dinesh Karthik (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The 38-year-old finisher has already announced this as his final season. Despite RCB’s overall struggles, Karthik has impressed with his finishing prowess, boasting a strike rate of 196. He’s sure to leave a lasting impact on young players with his experience.
3) MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
It’s a bittersweet possibility that this might be MS Dhoni’s final IPL season. At 41, injuries have hampered his performance. However, his leadership and experience remain invaluable for CSK. The captaincy shift to Ruturaj Gaikwad could be a sign of things to come, with recent reports suggesting his struggles with running between the wickets.
4) Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)
The 38-year-old former Indian opener might be nearing the end of his IPL journey. Injuries have plagued him this season, restricting him to a handful of games. A legend of the IPL, Dhawan has played for several franchises, including Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
5) David Warner (Delhi Capitals)
After retiring from Tests and ODIs, David Warner is set to play his final T20 World Cup. Injuries have affected his consistency for Delhi Capitals, making this season potentially his last in the IPL. He remains one of the league’s greatest openers, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory in 2016, becoming only the second non-Indian captain to do so.
We might also not see players like Vijay Shankar, Mayank Agarwal, Piyush Chawla, and Amit Mishra participate for the final seaon. While they’ve been valuable contributors, their recent form and age might not align with what teams are looking for these days. The abundance of young, impactful talent makes them readily replaceable.
These veterans have entertained fans for years, leaving an indelible mark on the IPL. While their time in the league might be coming to an end, their contributions will be cherished.
