The game of cricket will never be the same again post the 2019 World Cup in England.
With many legends set to hang up their boots after the mega event, it’ll truly be the end of an era.
The World Cup is set to start from 30 May, and here we look at the players who might retire after the showpiece event.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The 2011 World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni is often hailed as the greatest finisher the game has ever seen.
A veteran of 341 ODIs, Dhoni has amassed 10,500 runs at an astonishing average of 50.72.
The 37-year-old has been consistently criticised for the way he paces his innings. But Dhoni too, has more often than not came out with “strong and timely” replies.
The former Indian captain was the highest run-scorer for Chennai Super Kings at this year’s IPL, accumulating over 400 runs, and consistently finishing off the games.
While MS himself has time and again evaded questions about his retirement, many believe that the 2019 World Cup will be Dhoni’s swan song.
Christopher Henry Gayle
Arguably the biggest hitter the game has ever seen, Chris Gayle is all set to hang up his boots post the World Cup.
“I’m looking to draw the line – or should I say cut the string – let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand.”Chris Gayle
The Jamaican has played 288 ODIs and has accumulated over 10,000 runs with 25 hundreds, 51 half-centuries and a solitary double-hundred.
He may be 39 years old, but he keeps reminding everyone that the he isn’t called the ‘Universe Boss’ for nothing.
With the 2019 World Cup set to be his last ride in the format, Gayle would look to be at his explosive best and help the West Indies go all the way.
Hashim Amla
One of the greatest players to don the South Afrian jersey, “The Mighty Hash” is fastest to 7,000, 6,000, 5,000, 4,000, 3,000 and 2,000 ODI runs.
Amla has played a total of 174 ODIs and in the process has aggregated 7,910 runs at an incredible average of 49.75.
With 27 hundreds and 37 half-centuries against his name, he truly is a legend of the game. At 36 years of age, the 2019 World Cup will most probably be the last one for the veteran.
South Africa would bank upon Hashim Amla’s experience to come good during the World Cup.
Dale Willem Steyn
One of the greatest bowlers of this generation, Dale Steyn running in and clocking over 150+ consistently has been a sight to behold for the past decade.
The “Steyn Gun” has appeared in 125 matches for the Proteas, and has accounted for a total of 196 wickets with an amazing economy rate of 4.88
For the past few years, Steyn has been in and out of the team owing to injuries. He was again ruled out of this year’s IPL after a brief stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Anyway, the 35-year-old always finds a way to come back and he will be raring to go in the World Cup, in what may be his last hurrah.
Ross Taylor
One of the most under-rated batsmen in the last decade, Ross Taylor is one of the most important members of the New Zealand squad heading into the World Cup.
He has played 218 matches and scored runs in excess of 9,500 at an average of 48.32.
With 20 centuries and 47 half-centuries to his name, Taylor clearly hasn’t got the kind of recognition he deserves at the global level.
At 35 years of age, it is highly unlikely that he has got a run for another World Cup in him. So the 2019 World Cup, in all probability, will be his last.
With New Zealand always being the “Dark Horse” in ICC tournaments, it will be interesting to see what Taylor brings to the table for the Kiwis.
Imran Tahir
Arguably to greatest South African spinner of all time, Imran Tahir said that he would retire after the World Cup in England.
Tahir has made 98 appearances for the Proteas in ODIs and has accounted for 162 wickets at an economy rate of 4.72.
Shoaib Malik
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that in the limited overs format of the game, Shoaib Malik has carried Pakistan on his back for the last two decades.
The veteran player has played a total of 284 matches, accumulated over 7,500 runs with 9 centuries and 44 half-centuries. He has also accounted for a total of 157 wickets.
Malik announced that the 2019 World Cup will be his last 50-over event.
“The 2019 World Cup is my last event of the 50-over cricket, I will try to play T20 cricket if I continue to stay fit and put up performances.”Shoaib Malik
Pakistan would hope for Malik’s experience to come good during the Mega Event if they are to go all the way.
With the World Cup in England set to be his swan song, South Africa would hope to see his runaway celebration as many times as possible.
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