5 players who might retire after IPL 2023

From MS Dhoni to Amit Mishra, we take a look at 5 players who might be playing the cash-rich league, last time in the IPL 2023.

The Indian Premier League has become one of the most popular and lucrative T20 cricket leagues in the world. As we are in the 16th edition of IPL, many of the league's long-serving players are approaching the twilight of their careers, leading to speculation that they could retire after this season.

These players have been the backbone of their respective teams and have played a crucial role in the league's success over the years. They have provided fans with some of the most memorable moments in the history of the IPL and have become household names in India and around the world.

The potential retirement of these players would mark the end of an era in the IPL, and their absence would be deeply felt by their teams and the league as a whole. These players have been instrumental in shaping the league's culture and have set the standard for the next generation of cricketers.

In this article, we will look at top 5 players who might retire after IPL 2023.

5. Ishant Sharma

During the IPL 2022 mega-auction, Ishant Sharma failed to attract any bids and was left unsold. However, the fast bowler had previously played for Delhi Capitals from 2019 to 2021, and the franchise decided to purchase him at the base price of 50 Lakhs in the 2023 auction.

At 34 years old, Ishant Sharma has faced challenges with both injuries and form over the past year, and was even dropped from India’s Test setup earlier in the year, indicating a change in the pace attack. Despite this, he has managed to take 73 wickets in 93 IPL games, and in his prime days with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he displayed some exceptional opening bowling spells for the franchise. Given Delhi Capitals' struggles to win a game this season, Ishant Sharma may have the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove his worth in the team.

4. Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik's ability to finish innings with finesse has been one of the highlights of his career in the Indian Premier League. After being inducted into the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in 2022, he showcased his prowess in this area and earned accolades for his performances. His prolific batting towards the end of the innings was noticed by the Indian selectors, and he was selected for the T20 World Cup in Australia despite being a veteran player. This is a testament to his skill and consistency on the field.

Karthik's contribution to the IPL has been significant, having played for several teams including Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. He even captained the KKR team for a period, displaying his leadership qualities. However, with the prospect of a return to international cricket seeming unlikely, it is probable that he may retire from the IPL after this season. With 233 matches played and 4386 runs scored, Karthik has been a regular starter for RCB, and his performances have been consistent and reliable.

3. Wriddhiman Saha

Throughout his IPL career, Wriddhiman Saha has established himself as a dependable player who has played crucial innings for every team he has been a part of. One of his most memorable performances was during the IPL 2014 final, where he played a thunderous knock of 115 runs off just 55 balls for Punjab against Kolkata Knight Riders. Additionally, Saha played an instrumental role in Gujarat Titans' victory in the IPL championship last year, scoring three half-centuries.

Despite not being a star player in the league, Saha's contributions have not gone unnoticed. As he approaches his 38th birthday in October, there is speculation about whether he will retire from the IPL or cricket altogether after IPL 2023. Nevertheless, Saha remains a regular starter for Gujarat Titans, having scored 2517 runs in 149 matches thus far in his IPL career. Though he may not be a high-scoring player, Saha's consistency and ability to play important innings make him a valuable asset to any team he represents.

2. Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra is back in the Indian Premier League at the age of 40. He was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for a salary of Rs. 50 lakhs. Mishra is a talented spinner who has taken 169 wickets in 156 IPL games, and is known for his skillful leg-spin that often confuses the batters.

Mishra is famous for taking three hat-tricks in the IPL, which has earned him the nickname of "Hat-trick Man" in the league. He has played 2 matches this season and has taken 3 wickets. His presence in the Lucknow Super Giants team adds experience and strength to their bowling attack, and his ability to take crucial wickets can change the game for the team. As he approaches the end of his career, it remains to be seen whether Mishra will retire after the current IPL season or continue playing.

1. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, former Indian legend and captain who is recognized for his exceptional leadership and finishing skills will turn 42 this July. Last year, he expressed his desire to play one last time at Cheapuk Stadium in front of a full crowd before retiring, a wish that he is fulfilling this year. Dhoni had already hinted at his departure, stating that he would soon be seen in Yellow, his team color, either on or off the field. In his IPL career, he has scored an impressive 5036 runs in 238 matches. He retired from international cricket in August 2020.

Despite his age, Dhoni is still showcasing his remarkable batting and finishing abilities. As the captain of Chennai Super Kings, he has proven that determination is more important than age. Additionally, he remains agile behind the stumps. On 12th April, Dhoni completed 200 matches as captain of CSK in the IPL in the match against Rajasthan Royals in Chennai. Nevertheless, his retirement will undoubtedly leave millions of fans heartbroken.