The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner and this time the traditional home and away format will be back. 10 teams, 10 different stadiums, and unlimited action in IPL 2023!
IPL 2022 witnessed Gujarat Titans (GT) extend their dominant muscles right throughout the tournament. The Hardik-Pandya-led franchise eventually lifted the coveted IPL title during their maiden season.
The cash-rich IPL edition of 2023 might be the last edition for a lot of cricketers. We have already seen some big names in the form of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo retired from IPL. They will now be donning the role of a coach in the team.
In this article, we take a look at 5 players who might be playing their last IPL season in 2023:
1. David Warner (Delhi Capitals)
One of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of IPL, it is likely that the southpaw will be playing his last IPL season in 2023.
David Warner has one of the most decorated careers in IPL and has been the highest run-getter in the tournament for a record 3 times.
So far in the IPL he has mustered 5881 runs and also guided Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the IPL title in 2016.
2. Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)
Even after being one of the most consistent performers in the ODI format for India, Shikhar Dhawan was pushed out of the team because of his low strike rate.
The southpaw opener will be captaining the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise in IPL 2023 and would be hoping to send out a strong message to all his naysayers.
Dhawan’s highest score in IPL is 106* when he notched up this knock in IPL 2020 while playing against Delhi Capitals.
3. Amit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)
A surprise buys at the IPL 2023 auctions, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snapped up veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra for his base price, Rs. 50 lakhs. The 40-year-old will be playing in the IPL after 3 years.
He brings with him a truckload of experience, having played 68 international matches for India and 154 IPL games. With 166 IPL wickets in his kitty, Amit Mishra is the joint third-highest wicket-taker in IPL.
4. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
It will indeed be a watershed moment for a lot of cricket fans when MS Dhoni hangs up his boots from IPL. In all probability, IPL 2023 will be the last IPL season of the 4-time IPL winning captain.
Dhoni’s astute cricketing mind and his ability to unearth gems from the cricketing field, make him one of the most well-respected and idolized captains.
MS Dhoni has publicly said that he wants to play his last IPL season in front of the Chennai crowd and since we will be having the home and away format in IPL 2023, MS Dhoni might retire after IPL 2023.
5. Piyush Chawla (Mumbai Indians)
Another surprising buy at the auction table was another veteran Indian spinner in the form of Piyush Chawla. Mumbai Indians (MI) secured the services of Piyush Chawla at his base price of Rs. 50 lakhs. Chawla is a World Cup winner, having won the ICC ODI World Cup 2011 that took place in India.
The 34-year-old wily spinner has so far played 165 IPL games and has a lot of experience under his belt.
Also read: IPL: 5 Players That Can Break The Record Of Virat Kohli’s Most Runs In A Single IPL Season