The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is most likely to start in two months’ time, although the official dates and venues are yet to be announced. Prior to that on February 12 and 13, the mega auction for the tournament will take place in Bengaluru.
A number of players have thrown their hats in the ring to take part in the tournament. In the meantime, the upcoming edition could well see quite a few players playing for the last time in the T20 champions. A few of them have been stalwarts for their respective franchises.
Here are 5 cricketers for whom the IPL 2022 edition could be their last
1. Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has been a fulcrum of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for quite a few seasons now. Having played 271 T20 matches in his career since his debut in 2007, the former South Africa captain has done well in various T20 tournaments around the world.
The Pretoria-born was also second in the list of leading run-scorers in IPL 2022. He, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, gave oppositions nightmares while opening the batting. But with him being in the wrong side of his 30s, there’s a slight chance he may back off.
2. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is one of the iconic players in the IPL, leave alone for only the Super Kings. Having captained the Yellow Army to four titles in 10 seasons, he has given an account of his skills time and again. He’s a pale shadow of his past, but his hunger hasn’t died down.
Although he’s past his prime as far as batting is concerned, he remains an asset as a skipper and wicketkeeper. The former India captain has entered into his 40s and he may soon hang his boots from all forms of cricket.
3. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir has been a crucial member of the Super Kings over the last three seasons. But in the last two editions of the IPL, he was in and out of the playing eleven, although he managed to bowl well whenever he got a chance to don the yellow jersey.
Tahir will be 43 years old by the time the 2022 edition of the IPL gets underway. Although he’s fairly lethal with his skills, it remains to be seen if he plays one more IPL season. The Lahore-born tweaker is currently with the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League.
4. Dwayne Bravo
At the age of 38, former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is no spring chicken anymore. The veteran, nevertheless, has been an asset for Dhoni’s Super Kings in the IPL. Not only has he picked up wickets, but also scored handy runs in the lower order.
Bravo, also the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20s, is known for his change of pace and his ability to pick up in the death overs. He’s currently a part of the Shakib Al Hasan-led Fortune Barishal in the BPL. As he nears his 40s, Bravo may step aside from all cricket very soon.
5. Wriddhiman Saha
Wriddhiman Saha is more known for his exploits with keeping gloves in Test cricket. Although he has a ton to his name while playing for the Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, the Bengal cricketer has mostly made a name for himself as an efficient wicketkeeper.
In the IPL, Saha has played 133 matches for four teams – Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK, the Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH were the latest team to release him. Saha will nearly be 39 years old when the IPL 2023 will start and it’s tough to imagine him playing even during that time.
