On April 22, 2025, a tragic terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 28 people, most of whom were tourists, in the beautiful surroundings of Baisaran Valley, commonly referred to as "Mini Switzerland." The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a splinter group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and was one of the worst attacks since the 2019 Pulwama attack and was targeted at civilians. This attack claimed 24 Indian tourists, two locals, and two foreigners, with more than 20 people reported as injured. The global cricketing community demonstrated a rare and extraordinary act of solidarity as players, boards, and fans sided with the victims and their families and condemned the attack on civilians, stood against terrorism, and expressed a united front.

Indian Cricketers and IPL Teams Lead Tributes

Indian cricketers, both current and past, took to social media, particularly X, really expressing their sadness and anger and supporting peace and the bravery of security forces. Virat Kohli, who captained India previously, tweeted, "Devastated with the news from Pahalgam. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Violence has no place in our world. Praying for peace and strength for all those affected." Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, tweeted, "Shocked and saddened by the inhumane act in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences to the victims families. India tands united against terrorism." Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, demanded justice, posting, “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam.”

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Lucknow Super Giants Lost to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 Match 40

Yuvraj Singh called for unity, saying, "Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sending prayers to the victims and their families. Let’s unite for hope and humanity." Shubman Gill denounced violence, saying, "Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims. Violence has no place in our country." KL Rahul expressed, "Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families. Wishing peace and strength." Virender Sehwag lamented, "Deeply pained to hear of the indecent terrorist attack on innocent tourists in #Pahalgam. Prayers for the injured." Irfan Pathan, who was in Kashmir just before this attack, said, "Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity is lost. This pain feels too close."

IPL teams also condemned the violence. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) expressed, "Deeply saddened and shocked… Our hearts go out to the families of the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam." Delhi Capitals (DC) expressed, "Heartbroken by the tragic loss of lives in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. #StandAgainstTerror." Rajasthan Royals (RR) stated, "Devastated by the senseless violence in Pahalgam. We stand united with the victims and the families and are praying for peace." Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wrote, "Shocked by the horrific atrocity that took place in Pahalgam. Our deepest condolences to all the families affected. Violence has no place in our society." Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wrote, "Deeply pained by the tragedy of Pahalgam. Our prayers are with the victims and their loved ones." These posts... dedicated to the victims and families and posted on X... are a demonstration of the commitment by IPL to unity in opposition of terror.

Indian Cricket Board and Fans Respond

Messages also poured in from international cricketing organizations and players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement: “The BCCI mourns the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack and stands in solidarity with the victims and their families. Cricket is a sport which unites the masses and we are firmly against such divisive, violent acts.” 

Fans from around the globe took to social media using tweets like #StandwithPahalgam and #CricketforPeace and made cricket forums into places of memorials. The attack, which targeted a tourism hotspot, struck a nerve with cricketers who had seen and appreciated and felt humbled by Kashmir that intensify their emotions. It also sparked debates on India-Pakistan cricketing ties, with Goswami’s views reflecting broader frustrations.

Also Read: Heartbreak in Pahalgam: Ritika Sajdeh reacts to tragic terror attack

The Pahalgam attack is a wake-up call for both the fragility of peace and human resilience. In a sport where competition is fierce, the cricketing world demonstrated its ability to show unity and compassion off the field, exemplifying once again the ability of cricket to break barriers and bring together people in solidarity in the face of terror.

IPL Teams that have condemned about #PahalgamTerrorAttack
1- Lucknow super giants #lsg pic.twitter.com/Qmiq2u92RR

— JosD92 (@JosD92official) April 23, 2025

Thinking of every single life lost, hurt and changed forever in Pahalgam today. Om Shanti 🙏

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 22, 2025

Shocked and Saddened! We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the innocent lives lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. 🙏

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 23, 2025

Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 22, 2025

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

'Justice To Be Served': Virat Kohli And Hardik Pandya Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Express Solidarity With Victims
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.#ViratKohli #Hardikpandya #PahalgamTerrorAttcakhttps://t.co/jpCpIBgtja

— Republic (@republic) April 23, 2025

Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Praying for strength and peace for the affected families. Let's stand together against hate. #Pahalgam

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 22, 2025

Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear about what happened in Kashmir today. I was just there couple of days ago — this pain feels too close.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 22, 2025

The IPL 2025 match between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium offered more than just plenty of runs scored by both teams. In fact, in the end, the post-season fireworks associated with veteran paceman Ishant Sharma and DC's emerging star Ashutosh Sharma overshadowed even the performance played on the pitch. The long-lasting drama between these two players occurred in the final overs of DC's innings, just as Sharma had completed a bouncer that had quelled what had been a competitive game until this point. 

Sharma's contentious bouncer, pitching in the 19th over, directly hit the shoulder of Ashutosh, which resulted in a furious display from Ishant. Ishant, believing the ball had bat contact, had his own frustration raised further when the umpire did not declare Ashutosh out. With Ashutosh maintaining his composure, he rolled up his sleeve and revealed his shoulder - with the "impact" mark upon it—and continued the verbal exchange into a stare-down confrontation between Ishant and Ashutosh that only ended when GT skipper Shubman Gill next got involved in the situation and was spotted in an argument with the on-field umpires.

On-Field Tensions and Team Dynamics

The discussion was more than a personal spat but a flare-up of the great emotions of IPL 2025. Ishant from GT was visibly tormented and clearly exasperated, and his flailing arms captured the eye of the dugout coach, Ashish Nehra. GT ultimately took Ishant off and replaced him with Sherfane Rutherford as an Impact Player, perhaps to help defuse the situation. Ashutosh scored 37 runs in 19 balls as part of DC's ominous 203/8 above powerful innings with Axar Patel (39), Karun Nair (31), and Tristan Stubbs (31).

Watch the video of the incident below.

#GTvsDC #DCvsGT #JinxColdplay

Battle b/w ishant sharma vs ashutosh Sharma 🤣🤣😂

pic.twitter.com/rKAULTkdVf

— Ramesh (@Iam_Rameshh_) April 19, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost against Punjab Kings in Match No. 34

The incident was widely circulated on social media, which led to chatter among fans, some humorously noting the "Delhi spirit" exhibited by Ishant no matter what shirt he seemed to wear. The disagreement did not change the outcome of the match but spoke to the passion and pressure that exist in IPL cricket.  For Ishant and Ashutosh, as they each move on as players, this moment will best be remembered as a fiery highlight of the season, a reminder to us all of the raw emotion that turns the IPL into a global prodigy.

On April 6, during the IPL 2025 match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Ishant Sharma was subject to disciplinary action by the BCCI. The fast bowler was held guilty of violating the IPL Code of Conduct for his on-field conduct. The situation was noticed since it did not reflect the usual sportsmanship of the league.

Ishant Sharma was charged by the match referee under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, according to the match referee. This article deals with actions which are not in the usual course of play, such as damaging the pitch, equipment, or showing aggression in an inappropriate manner.
Ishant agreed with the decision of the referee without any debate and accepted the charge.

Consequently, the BCCI fined him 25% of his match fee and also awarded him one demerit point. These fines are intended to ensure discipline in the league and remind players of the need for fair play. Ishant's behavior, as inferred though not violent, was found to be unacceptable according to the rules.

ALSO READ:IPL 2025 RR vs GT : Player battles to watch out

Gujarat Titans’ #IshantSharma handed 25 percent fine and one demerit point by #IPL https://t.co/3YEJ7a0t2f

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) April 7, 2025

What Happened During the Match?

The reported incident happened in the course of a fiery moment in GT vs SRH. Ishant Sharma, whose aggression and intensity of bowling make him a polarizing figure, could have vented his anger either at the umpire's decision or in reaction to completing a specific over. This got him reported for misconduct by the match officials.

Although the specifics of the act were not released, the punishment makes it obvious that it was a serious enough violation to be officially dealt with. These types of actions are closely monitored by officials to make sure the integrity of the game is maintained.

Some situations in cricket are not easy for bowlers, such as when batters take full advantage of a single over. Over the years, a few Indian bowlers have experienced such tough moments in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Below are some situations where Indian bowlers gave the maximum number of runs to the opponent in an over within the same ODI match.

1. Ishant Sharma – 30 runs against Australia, 2013

When Ishant Sharma suffered at the hands of James Faulkner when on his way to a 30-run over against Australia in 2013, he was on the receiving end of several boundaries and sixes, which changed the course of the match in Australia's favor. It was one of the costliest overs for an Indian in ODI history.

2. Yuvraj Singh – 30 runs against England (2007)

As one of the established batsmen, Yuvraj also bowled occasional part-time spin. During one ODI vs England in 2007 he was utterly ripped apart by Dimitri Mascarenhas who plundered five sixes from that over and dismissed him for a total of 30 runs through that last over of the innings.

ALSOREAD: Indian Batsmen with the Most Centuries After Turning 30

3. Krunal Pandya-28 v Eng (2021)

Krunal Pandya was an all-rounder who faced the tough over in 2021 against England. In that game, Sam Curran and Jonny Bairstow of England played aggressively against Krunal and took 28 runs off a single over bowled by him. That cost India heavily as England accelerated in the match.

ALSO READ:Why Indian Cricketers Don't Play Ranji Trophy

4. Harshit Rana – 26 runs against England (2025)

In 2025, a young pacer, Harshit Rana, conceded 26 runs in an over against England. The over was full of boundaries and sixes, leaving India under severe pressure. In other parts of the game, Rana did pretty well and took 3 wickets, but this over would become one of the most expensive overs by an Indian in ODIs.

In this article, we are talking about the top five Indian cricketers who have disappeared from the spotlight at present. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

The 34-year-old leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is the present leading T20I wicket-taker for India (96 wickets) as well as the leading IPL wicket-taker (205 wickets) and leading T20 wicket-taker as an Indian (364 wickets). He is also India’s second-fastest spinner to complete 100 ODI wickets, as he has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs. While Chahal has played for India in only ODI and T20I formats, his last matches in these formats were in January 2023 and August 2023, respectively. Although he was a member of the Indian team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, he wasn’t selected in the playing XIs. Despite his strong stats, Chahal’s position in the Indian squad is slowly moving away. Meanwhile, he shined in the recent English County season but has struggled in Indian domestic cricket. It is important to see whether he can be called up to the national team in the upcoming assignments, at least for the replacements. 

See Also: Rishabh Pant: Credits for Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The 34-year-old right-arm medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is known for his incredible swing-bowling abilities, as he can swing the ball effectively in both ways. After his international cricket debut in December 2012, he was a dependable bowler with new balls in every format. He also developed his skills in the slog overs, and he has never stopped dominating with the new balls. Kumar played his last Test in January 2018, his last ODI in January 2022, and his last T20I in November 2022. 

Despite being the leading T20I wicket-taker for India during his last international match with 90 wickets in 87 matches, who also took 63 Test wickets and 141 ODI wickets, Kumar has been far from the spotlight since 2023. Although we still experience his abilities in the IPL, he isn’t close enough for his international comeback despite recently recording his T20 hat-trick in a domestic match. 

Ishant Sharma

The 36-year-old tall Indian right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is still active in domestic cricket. He has produced many great memories for India in Test and ODI formats. He was one of the most dependable bowlers in the overseas venues. While he was the fifth-youngest bowler to complete 100 Test wickets, he has taken 311 wickets in 105 Tests and 115 wickets in 80 ODIs. Among the regular pacers, only Kapil Dev and Ishant Sharma have recorded 100 Tests for India. As time progresses, the new generation of Indian pacers is evolving, and Ishant is slowly becoming the past of Indian cricket. While he played his last white-ball match for India in January 2016, Ishant stretched his Test career to January 2021. 

Hanuma Vihari

The 31-year-old Hanuma Vihari has played only 16 Tests for India between September 2018 and July 2022. Despite serving the national team for a very short time, the right-handed batter put a special mark by scoring 839 Test runs in 28 innings with an average of 33.56, including one century and five half-centuries. Majorly effective batter in the middle order, the right-arm off-spinner has also taken five Test wickets. The right-handed batter is known for his patience and controlled batting and was a key member of India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victories in Australia in the 2018-19 season and 2020-21 seasons. During the 2021 Sydney Test, Vihari had an important role in drawing the Test with his 23 not out off 161 balls. Despite his hamstring injury just before the tea of the final day, he safely guided the visitors to the draw with another fighter, Ravichandran Ashwin (39 not out off 128 balls).

Recently, Vihari changed his domestic teams between Hyderabad and Andhra multiple times, where he was also in some controversies. His present season isn’t going well, and he is facing massive competition in the Indian team.

T Natarajan

The 33-year-old left-arm medium-pacer T Natarajan created history during India's tour of Australia in 2020-21, where he made his debut in all formats of international cricket and became the first Indian to debut in all international cricket formats on the same tour. He last played for India in March 2021. The left-arm pacer has taken seven wickets in four T20Is, three wickets in two ODIs, and three wickets in only one Test. Injuries and challenging competitions have affected his growth in international cricket.

After a shockingly poor performance in the three-match home Test series against New Zealand, where the hosts suffered a 3-0 series defeat, India lost their decade-long Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing the five-match Test series against the hosts Australia by 3-1, despite winning the Test series opener at Perth Stadium under the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah.

At the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, we are talking about three names who can take retirement for Test cricket. 

See Also: Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh IN as India announce their ODI squad against England before CT 2025

Rohit Sharma

Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s place in the Test team is completely doubtful. In the last South Africa and Australia tour, Rohit scored 5, 0, 39, 16 not out, 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9. During the last England tour of India in 2024, Rohit scored two centuries and one half-century in the last three Tests, but his next home Tests scores against Bangladesh and New Zealand were 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11. In the last 15 Test innings, the right-handed batter has managed an average of just less than 11.

Moreover, Rohit is also under pressure as a Test captain as his defensive strategies aren’t working, rather than these are backfiring for the Indian team. 

While Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are returning to their familiar batting form, their valuable experiences are required in the forthcoming England tour, which will be played after the IPL 2025. 

As Jasprit Bumrah has impressed as a captain, under pressure Kohli has better captaincy experiences outside India, and a lot of Indian talented cricketers are on the line for future leadership roles, India aren’t going to miss Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. 

Virat Kohli 

To remove his name from this list, Virat Kohli has to prove himself faster. The former Indian captain knows his issue very well and is desperate to resolve it, but somehow, he is failing again and again. Apart from one century, Kohli scored 90 runs in the other eight innings in the recently concluded Australia tour with only three double-digit scores, including only one 20+ score. Most importantly, the right-handed batter can’t avoid his long-term issue of failing to handle the fourth or fifth stump deliveries. 

Before the Australia tour, Kohli was also disappointed in the home Test season, where the right-handed batter scored 20+ runs only thrice out of 10 innings, including the knock of one 70 runs and another 47. Also, his recent running between the wickets is another major concern for the team.

Well, Kohli is now getting a much-needed break from his bad form. While he is still important in the Test team, he has to work hard to bring his familiar form. Although Indian cricket fans are still hopeful, Kohli surely has very limited time.  

Ishant Sharma

Although the tall right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is active in all formats of domestic cricket, he last served for the Indian Test team in November 2021 during the New Zealand tour of India.

While the Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are dominating in all formats, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, etc. have impressed in their early international career, the 36-year-old Ishant Sharma is unlikely to return to Test cricket. 

Indian star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah set a new Test record in Indian cricket with the ball, which broke the legendary pacer Kapil Dev’s 32-year-old record. 

After India were bowled out for 260 runs in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs in the Brisbane Test, Australia had a horrible start in their second innings, as they lost four wickets for only 28 runs in the first ten overs. 

Jasprit Bumrah took the first two wickets of Australia's second innings

While Jasprit Bumrah took the first two wickets by dismissing Usman Khawaja (8) and Marnus Labuschagne (1), Akash Deep was really impressive by picking up the other two wickets in his first two overs. Akash dismissed Nathan McSweeney (4) and Mitchell Marsh (2).

Talking about Bumrah, he bowled Khawaja and completed his 51st Test wicket in Australia. Later, Labuschagne’s caught-behind dismissal recorded his 52nd Test wicket in Australia.

See Also: Fans slam Indian team management after Ravindra Jadeja's heroic batting performance

Bumrah surpassed Kapil Dev-Ishant Sharma's joint record

Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev was the first Indian to record 50 Test wickets in an overseas country. In 1992, he completed 50 Test wickets in Australia and ended his career with 51 Test wickets in Australia. 

Ishant Sharma was the other Indian bowler to take 50+ Test wickets in a foreign country. Till 2021, the tall right-arm pacer picked up 51 Test wickets in England.

With his 52 Test wickets in Australia, Bumrah set a new record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in an overseas country. Later, Bumrah took the wicket of the Aussie captain Pat Cummins (22) to take his tally in Australia to 53 Test wickets. Australia ultimately declared their innings at 89/7 as the hosts set a 275-run target for the visitors in the fourth innings.  

With his 9/94 in the Brisbane Test, Bumrah recorded the second-best Test match bowling figures by an Indian pacer in Australia. He also holds this record with 9/86 during the 2018 Melbourne Test. 

Indian pacers 🔥🔥🔥🌋
Best match figues by Indian seamers in Australia
9/86 Jasprit Bumrah Melbourne 2018
9/94 Jasprit Bumrah Brisbane 2024
8/72 Jasprit Bumrah Perth 2024
8/109 Kapil Dev Adelaide 1985#AUSvIND #ทิชาตอนจบ pic.twitter.com/NGDRFWbVV0

— Sv Rajput (@ShivmLodhi) December 18, 2024

In a stunning display of power hitting and clinical bowling, the Delhi Capitals surged to a crucial 19-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, keeping their slim IPL playoff hopes alive in a riveting encounter on Tuesday. The Capitals’ commanding performance was spearheaded by Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs, who delivered sensational fifties to set up an imposing total of 208 for 4.

Explosive batting from Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs set the stage for Delhi Capitals

Porel’s blistering 58 off just 33 balls, supported by Shai Hope’s brisk 38, laid a solid foundation as the pair stitched together a formidable 92-run partnership in just 49 balls. Stubbs then took charge with a breathtaking 57 not out off 25 deliveries, including three fours and four towering sixes, forming crucial stands with Rishabh Pant (33) and Axar Patel (14 not out) to propel the Capitals to a daunting total.

Ishant Sharma displays clinical bowling keep Delhi’s playoff hopes alive

The bowlers, led by Ishant Sharma’s early strikes, maintained the pressure on the Super Giants, restricting them to 189 for 9 despite Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 61 and Arshad Khan’s valiant unbeaten 58. Delhi’s triumph not only bolstered their own playoff aspirations but also paved the way for the Rajasthan Royals’ qualification, leaving the Lucknow Super Giants on the brink of elimination.

See Also: Mixed reactions from fans as Pant’s comeback IPL comes to end

With this crucial win, the Capitals moved level on points with Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with their playoff fate now hanging in the balance, contingent on a series of other results.

In a memorable moment during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday, star batter Virat Kohli and veteran pacer Ishant Sharma engaged in a lighthearted exchange, igniting laughter and camaraderie on the field. Kohli, known for his competitive spirit, couldn’t resist teasing Ishant after scoring a couple of boundaries off his bowling.

During the fourth over of RCB’s innings, Kohli cheekily suggested to Ishant to have a fielder at first slip after edging one past the keeper for a boundary. This playful banter continued when Kohli unleashed a no-look six over deep wicket off Ishant’s bowling, prompting Ishant to respond with a jovial tug and a friendly exchange of words.

Watch the video…

The Kohli-Ishant camaraderie extends back to their early playing days in Delhi and their shared experiences in the Indian cricket team. Despite their competitive nature on the field, the mutual respect and friendship between the two players were evident as they shared a light moment amidst the intensity of the match.

The banter between Kohli and Ishant quickly became a talking point on social media, sparking a meme fest among cricket fans and enthusiasts. Fans appreciated the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by the two players, highlighting the lighter side of professional cricket.

Kohli teases Ishant on ground

Later in the game, when Ishant came out to bat, Kohli didn’t miss the opportunity to continue the banter, teasing the lanky pacer in good spirits. Although Ishant had the satisfaction of dismissing Kohli during the match, it was Kohli who had the last laugh as RCB emerged victorious, keeping their hopes alive in the race for the playoffs.

See Also: Watch: Dhoni special for fans at Chepauk after beating Rajasthan

While RCB celebrated their win, Delhi Capitals faced a setback in their quest for a top-four finish. Despite being mathematically still in contention, the defeat practically dashed their hopes of securing a playoff spot. Nonetheless, the light-hearted banter between Kohli and Ishant provided a memorable moment in an action-packed IPL encounter, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit of the game.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricketing extravaganza and a platform where legendary cricketers showcase their skills. However, as time passes, cricketers inevitably face the prospect of bidding farewell to the field. The ongoing IPL tournament could be the last season of their career. In such a situation, if we talk about those 5 legendary players whose IPL 2024 could be the last IPL season, then their names are as follows-

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has been a stalwart of Indian cricket and the IPL. However, at 42, Dhoni’s physical fitness has become a concern, exacerbated by recurring orthopedic issues. With speculation rife about his retirement, IPL 2024 could be the swansong for the former Chennai Super Kings captain. Under his leadership, CSK achieved enormous success in this league. CSK won the IPL title five times under his leadership. At the start of the season, Dhoni passed the baton of CSK leadership role to young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

See Also: Watch: Dhoni special for fans at Chepauk after beating Rajasthan

MS Dhoni entered the IPL fray in 2008, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history. Over the years, Dhoni has graced the IPL stage with his exceptional batting prowess in 262 matches, amassing a staggering total of 5,218 runs.

With a remarkable batting average of 39.23, Dhoni has been a linchpin for his teams, often delivering match-winning performances. Among his many achievements in the IPL, Dhoni has registered an impressive tally of 24 half-centuries, with his highest individual score at an unbeaten 84 runs.

Dhoni’s ability to find the boundaries is evident from his impressive count of 360 fours and 251 sixes throughout his IPL career. His penchant for finishing matches in style has endeared him to cricket fans worldwide, earning him the moniker of ‘Captain Cool.’

2. Amit Mishra (LSG)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned leg-spinner representing Lucknow Super Giants, finds himself in a similar predicament as Dhoni. At 41 years old, Mishra’s playing opportunities and fitness concerns have dwindled. It’s unlikely that Mishra will feature prominently in future IPL seasons, making IPL 2024 a possible curtain call for the leg-spin maestro.

Amit Mishra made his IPL debut in 2008 and has been a prominent figure in the tournament. Throughout his 162-match career, Mishra has showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 174 wickets. With an impressive average of 23.84, Mishra has proven to be a formidable force in the IPL bowling lineup. He has maintained an economy rate of approximately 7.38 runs per over, demonstrating his ability to consistently contain batters while taking wickets.

Mishra’s best individual bowling performance in the IPL came with figures of 5/17, highlighting his match-winning capabilities with the ball. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Lucknow franchise secured Mishra’s services for Rs 50.00 Lac, recognizing his value as a seasoned spinner.

3. Wriddhiman Saha (GT)

Gujarat Titans wicket keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has had a distinguished career in Indian cricket. However, at 39 years old and with retirement from international cricket behind him, Saha’s IPL prospects seem bleak. His absence from domestic cricket further diminishes the likelihood of seeing him in the IPL beyond 2024.

Wriddhiman Saha entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the tournament. Throughout his IPL career, which spans 170 matches, Saha has consistently performed with the bat, amassing 2,934 runs. His batting average is a respectable 24.25, reflecting his ability to contribute consistently to his team’s success.

Saha’s IPL portfolio boasts one century and 13 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 115 runs. His knack for scoring boundaries is evident from the impressive tally of 296 fours and 87 sixes that he has accumulated over the years.

In the IPL Auction 2024, the Gujarat franchise secured Saha’s services for Rs 1.90 Cr, recognizing his worth as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman.

4. Dinesh Karthik (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, Dinesh Karthik, may appear fit on the field, but at 38, age catches up with even the most seasoned players. As he approaches 40, Karthik’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, with teams possibly preferring younger talent over experienced campaigners.

Dinesh Karthik stepped into the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the tournament. Over the years, Karthik has showcased his batting prowess in 254 IPL matches, accumulating 4,817 runs. With an impressive batting average of 26.61, Karthik has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman in the IPL circuit.

Throughout his IPL journey, Karthik has notched up an impressive tally of 22 half-centuries, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 97 runs. His ability to find boundaries is evident from the 464 fours and 160 sixes he registered in his IPL career.

5. Ishant Sharma (DC)

Delhi Capitals’ experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma, faces the dual challenge of age and fitness concerns. At 35, Sharma’s pace bowling prowess may be on the wane, compounded by potential fitness issues. With the demands of T20 cricket and younger talents emerging, IPL 2024 could mark the end of Sharma’s IPL journey.

Ishant Sharma entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the commencement of his journey in the tournament. Over the years, Sharma has participated in 108 IPL matches, showcasing his bowling prowess on various occasions. With 89 wickets to his name, Sharma has proven to be a valuable asset for his teams in the IPL.

Sharma’s bowling statistics include an average of 34.93, with an economy rate of approximately 8.21 runs per over. His best individual bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/12, reflecting his ability to deliver match-winning performances when called upon.