The countdown for the ICC world cup 2019 has begun and after almost a year we will see the biggest cricketing nations clashing with each other for the prestigious trophy in England. Though the likes of Morne Morkel, AB De Villers, and Shahid Afridi have already retired, it is going to be a sad moment for all of us as many iconic cricketers will also bid adieu to the game after the end of the tournament. So, here is a list of players:
1. MS Dhoni (India)
Yes, he is none other than our 2011 world cup hero, Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is popularly known as ‘Mahi’ by his fans. Well, the right-handed batsman who led the Indian cricket team in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2016 will turn 38 by the time the next world cup comes to an end so its very unlikely that we will see him playing again. Though MS has already left the captaincy long ago we expect him to again hit a six off to bring back those historical moments of 2011 when India won the world cup after 28 years. Well! its really going to be a great farewell for Captain Cool.
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Oh! Can you imagine? Christopher Henry Gayle has been associated with the game for almost a period of 19 years. Making his debut against India in 1998, the batsman will play his 5th ICC world cup. Indeed, we are eager to see him hit a double century like he did it in the last world cup. Moreover, the Jamaican cricketer is going to be 41 next year it’s a very less chance that we will see him in next world cup.
3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
It’s time to say goodbye to “Slinga Malinga” aka Lasith Malinga who is known for distinctive round-arm action will also play his last world cup. Earlier, he had suggested that he is mentally done with international cricket. Earlier he said, “Mentally I am over with playing cricket. I don’t think I will play anymore international cricket. I am planning to announce my retirement soon.” Moreover, he is the only bowler in the world to have two World Cup hat-tricks so let’s expect he gives us a 3rd hattrick soon.
4. Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
Making his debut against West Indies in 2006, Ross Taylor has scored 19 centuries in ODIS also he is currently the highest century maker for New Zealand in ODIs. Moreover, his 131* which came off 124 balls against Pakistan on 8 March 2011 at the ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the finest innings by a player. While New Zealand has never won a world cup it will be interesting to see whether the Kiwis can give a fine tribute to their legendary batsman by gifting him a world cup.
5. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
While the fellow-cricketer Shahid Afridi has already hanged up his boots, it seems that Pakistan’s former captain Shoaib Malik is going to be the next player to play his last world cup in England. Well, the cricketer is already 36 and is yet to hit a century in ODIs. Definitely, we expect him to do some heroics in 2019 world cup. Further, he can be lucky if the Men in Green will be able to lift the trophy after 27 years.
6. Shane Watson(Australia)
It was great to see Shane Watson returning back in form in IPL when the Australian cricket team needs a good player to take the team ahead after David Warner and Steve Smith have already been banned. Now the team has a tough task to complete as they play in the home of their arch-rivals England to defend their title. At the age of 36, Shane will be the senior-most player in the team.
7. Dale Steyn(South Africa)
Already Morne Morkel and Ab De Villers have retired and now all the responsibilities fall on South Africa’s spearhead Dale Steyn. The 34-year-old bowler is going through a rough patch owing to some injuries. Well, if the fast bowler is fit he can be the most dangerous bowler on the planet. Indeed, we want to see a battle of Virat Kohli and Dale Steyn in ICC world cup 2019.
We love them and we believe that they are going to entertain us in their last world cup appearance.
