IPL 2023: 5 Players Who Will Play Their Last IPL This Year
IPL 2023: MS Dhoni & Wriddhiman Saha during a match last season (iplt20.com)
It is just 7 days to go for the most awaited time of the cricketing calendar. Yup, it is Indian Premier League (IPL)'s time. The 16th season of the league is set to be the start of various good things to come, but a few eras could also end with the conclusion of this season.
Every IPL has seen quite a few big names make and break during a season; however, IPL 2023 is one edition where quite a few 'big names' can hang their boots.
Here is the list of the top five shocking names who could play their last IPL season this year:-
#5 Ambati Rayudu
IPL 2023: Ambati Rayudu has joined CSK camp (Twitter)
Rayudu has been one of the most controversial yet celebrated names in Indian cricket. Once, Harbhajan Singh had said that Rayudu is the most talented batter in India after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but he could never get his deserved dues at the highest level.
Having been bought by Mumbai Indians in 2010 and then by Chennai Super Kings in 2018, Rayudu has won five IPL trophies with two of the most successful teams of the league. In 2022, the 37-year-old was acquired by CSK for INR 6.75 crores, but he had a below-average campaign last year.
For this edition, he was retained by the four-time champions, although IPL 2023 could be the last dance for Rayudu in the league.
#4 Dinesh Karthik
IPL 2023: Dinesh Karthik played for RCB last year (Twitter/DineshKarthik)
Karthik manifested an Indian comeback ahead of the last IPL season. And his manifestation came true after a heart-warming season. Scoring some magical at crazy rates helped DK earn the finisher's hat for last year's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
DK has inspired countless athletes worldwide, and he proudly endorses the saying: When this is a will, there is a way!
The wicketkeeper-batter has been the second most successful keeper in the IPL, just behind the phenomenon named - MS Dhoni. With his potential, DK could have achieved a whole lot. But unfortunately, he could always be second to MSD. And IPL 2023 could be the last joyride for Karthik's fans to see him grooving in the league.
#3 Andre Russell
IPL 2023: Andre Russell was bought by KKR in 2014 (Twitter/KKRiders)
As known among his fans, Dre Russ - has been one of the most destructive hitters that IPL has ever seen. When at his true self, Russell can tonk the longest ball. Coupled with his aptness to bowl medium pace and agility to field anywhere at the field, the Jamaican is a complete package.
But one thing that goes against Dre Russ is his fitness. He can win a match on a single leg but will also leave you hanging for the rest of the season. With him not getting any younger, this year could likely be the last of the 34-year-old power-packed all-rounder.
#4 Bhuvneshwar Kumar
IPL 2023: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been SRH's prime pacer in recent years (Twitter)
The stocks for Bhuvneshwar Kumar have dived in the last year or so. Once known as the swing master, he looked clueless for most of the T20 World Cup last year, which is why he has been left out of the Indian lineup.
Bhuvneshwar was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the upcoming IPL season, but a string of low performances can see the franchise bench him mid-season. And with some impressive seamers coming through SRH's ranks, this season could be the last of Bhuvi - at least in Hyderabad's Orange colours.
#1 MS Dhoni
IPL 2023: MS Dhoni in CSK nets ahead of the season (Twitter)
The Man, the Myth, the Legend - Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The name is not just a name; it's an emotion for the Chennai fans. MSD has been the chief endorser of the IPL. A diehard CSK fan would say there can't be Chennai Super Kings without their Thala.
But as a wise man once said: The show must go on! And the show would definitely go on.
MSD has now hinted a zillion times that he could like to end his IPL career in front of the Chepauk crowds, and May 14 (CSK vs Kolkata) can be the 'endgame' for the legend of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
 "Arjun Bhalla")