2015 will be the last World Cup for these 13 famous cricketers
MS Dhoni surprised everyone by abruptly announcing his Test retirement earlier this month. It is a definite sign that he wishes to take the 2015 World Cup seriously, perhaps with an intention to end his illustrious ODI career on a high. Even if he doesn’t walk out right after the tournament, it’s only a matter of time before he makes the call.
Apart from MSD, quite a few other international cricketers will be playing in their last World Cup this year. Scroll down to find out.
- MS Dhoni
A solid performance in the World Cup could help Dhoni regain the reputation he has lost in recent months with a disappointing string of results as Test skipper. A successful defence of the trophy can certainly provide him the perfect moment to hang his boots.
- Kumar Sangakkara
Despite finishing as the highest run-getter in 2014, Sanga has remained firm on his decision of ending his ODI career after the World Cup. The middle-order stalwart will surely be missed dearly by the Lankans for years to come.
- Mahela Jayawardene
Just like his teammate Sangakkara, Mahela also announced last year that he will bid adieu to the 50-over game after the World Cup. The departure of the silky right-hander along with that of Sanga, marks the end of a golden era of Sri Lankan cricket.
- Tillakaratne Dilshan
The 38-year-old has already freed himself from Test duty and it wouldn’t be too surprising if he decides to narrow it down to just T20 cricket after the World Cup.
- Michael Clarke
The Aussie Test skipper has struggled with fitness over the past few seasons and considering his love for the longer format and his incredible form in the same might see him say goodbye to ODI cricket post-WC.
- Mitchell Johnson
Yes, this may look like a surprise inclusion, but just like Michael Clarke, Johnson has been struggling with fitness in recent months. And he wouldn’t want to risk losing his pace due to getting overworked in all three formats.
- Chris Gayle
It may be time for Chris Gayle to admit that he is only human. The explosive 35-year-old has been out-of-form for quite some time now and it seems like a reasonable time to make way for new talent.
- Misbah-ul-Haq
We all know that class it permanent. But Misbah will turn 41 in May 2015. Do we need to say more?
- Younis Khan
With his constant conflicts with the skipper and the team management, Younis Khan will be better off stepping away from the ODI outfit after the World Cup.
10. Shahid Afridi
No one loves retiring (and making a comeback) more than Shahid Afridi. You can be sure that the flamboyant Pakistani will either announce or be forced to announce his ODI retirement after the World Cup. (There’s no telling how long it will last, though!)
11. James Anderson
With his resurgent form in mind, England’s bowling spearhead will have his eyes set on the Ashes later this year and would not risk losing fitness.
12. Ian Bell
The rock in England’s middle-order is likely to announce his ODI retirement after the World Cup, mainly keeping in mind the all-important 2015 Ashes series.
13. Brad Haddin
An outstanding Ashes series in 2013 helped Haddin prove himself as an able successor to Adam Gilchrist. Nevertheless, time is not on his side and quitting ODIs in order to focus on his Test career seems to be the best choice he could make at his age.
