The IPL has been the grand stage for some of the greatest modern-day cricketers to showcase their prowess. However, all good things must come to an end. Could this be the final IPL season for some of those legends who dazzled us over the years? TOI gazes into the crystal ball.
ROHIT SHARMA: He has led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. However, Rohit Sharma, the IPL batsman, has been somewhat underwhelming in recent years. In IPL-2024, free from the pressures of MI captaincy, the 37-year-old showed glimpses of his vintage best with 417 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150.00. Having already bid farewell to T20 internationals after lifting the T20 World Cup, will Rohit look to exit the IPL in similar fashion?
VIRAT KOHLI: ‘King’ Kohli had a phenomenal IPL last season, amassing 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75, including one century and five fifties. His sharp fielding further added to his impact, but RCB once again fell short of clinching the title. The one thing missing from his glittering resume is an IPL trophy. Kohli announced his T20I retirement last year, but playing under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, he would be eager to light up the IPL — perhaps for one last time.
MS DHONI: For the past few seasons, speculation about MS Dhoni’s IPL future has been a recurring theme. Yet, despite the intrigue, the legendary former India captain has shown no signs of walking away from Chennai Super Kings as a player. After a nagging knee issue that required surgery after IPL 2023, Dhoni has tweaked his role, coming into bat in the final overs and making a significant impact. Last season, he smashed 161 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.66, boasting a staggering strike rate of 220.54. At 43, will ‘Thala’ finally bid farewell to the IPL? Recognizing his immense value to the league and CSK, the BCCI adjusted retention rules, allowing him to stay an ‘uncapped’ player. What could prove the perfect farewell for one of cricket’s greatest finishers? A title-winning six for CSK, nothing less.
FAF DU PLESSIS: He may have last played a Test match in Feb 2021, but the South African continues to shine in the IPL. He delivered strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as their captain, but now faces a new challenge this season, having joined Delhi Capitals as Axar Patel’s deputy. The 40-year-old had a solid IPL 2024 campaign, scoring 438 runs in 15 matches at an average of 29.20, with four fifties. While his experience will be invaluable for Axar, and his explosive starts at the top will be crucial for DC’s campaign, will the former SA skipper conclude his IPL journey with a maiden title for Delhi Capitals?
SUNIL NARINE: Initially renowned for his deceptive knuckleball, Sunil Narine has evolved into a dynamic allrounder. Last season, he excelled as an explosive opener, amassing 488 runs in 15 matches at an average of 34.85, including three fifties and a maiden IPL century. His partnership with Phil Salt at the top was key to Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win. With the ball, Narine had one of his best IPL seasons, taking 17 wickets at 6.69. At 36, will the T20 West Indian great aim for title before bidding farewell, marking the end of an era for KKR, and the IPL?
ANDRE RUSSELL: Like Narine, Russell shares a deep connection with KKR. Once known as a six-hitting powerhouse, Russell struggled with injuries in recent years. Last season, though, the West Indian allrounder returned to his ways of old, taking 19 wickets at 15.52 while also scoring 222 runs at a blistering 185.00—a vintage 25-ball 64 against Sunrisers Hyderabad which featured seven sixes being the standout performance
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