Retired international players from 2019 set to play IPL 2020
The moment everyone has been desperately waiting for is almost here as the 13th edition of the IPL is set to go underway in the UAE from 19th September. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, the league has been moved to the UAE where 60 matches will be played over 53 days. The 13th edition is special for many reasons as it has come after a long wait of four months from its scheduled time. But this year’s IPL is going to be special for more than one reason. It is a chance to witness some of our most beloved players who retired from their international career in 2019 but will play in the upcoming IPL.
Here are 5 of those:
1. MS Dhoni
Arguably the most crazed sportsperson of the nation after Sachin Tendulkar, MSD hung his boots on the 74th Independence Day of India in his own style. He took Instagram to post a 4:07 minute video with a small caption reading “consider me as retired from 1929 hrs”. The entire cricketing fraternity was shaken by this gesture and his fans went in a spell of gloom. Having represented India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is, Dhoni’s career spanned over 15 years. While his journey in the blue is over, much to his fans’ satisfaction, the journey in yellow is left. Despite having retired internationally, the most successful captain in IPL is certain to play this year with CSK.
2. Imran Tahir
The champion leg-spinner from South Africa called it quits from 50-overs cricket in 2019. He concluded his ODI career with 173 wickets in 107 matches with best figures of 7/45. However, he will continue to play the shortest format for his county. This year, he will be seen in action with CSK.
3. Ambati Rayudu
Indian middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in July last year. His retirement came as a massive shock for many as they felt he had a lot left in him. He was in the news ever since being ignored for the 2019 World Cup and finally decided to say goodbye after playing 55 ODIs and 6 T20Is for India. For all his fans, IPL 2020 is good news as he will be running and batting for the ‘Yellow Army’.
4. Lasith Malinga
An undeniable legend of the game, Lasith Malinga needs no introduction. His toe-crushing yorkers and slower deliveries have been a delight to watch for all cricket lovers. He called time on his international career after the first ODI against Bangladesh last year in July. However, he will continue to feature in the shortest format of the game for his nation. Malinga has represented Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, 226 ODIs and 83 T20Is. He is the leading wicket-taker in IPL with 170 scalps in 122 matches and will be seen in action for Mumbai Indians. Although, he is set to miss the first few games due to personal reasons.
5. Dale Steyn
The Protea speedster called it quits from Test cricket in 2019 to focus on his limited-overs game. He was part of the RCB setup last year but was forced out early due to an injury. Steyn is back for IPL 2020, alongside his South African teammate AB de Villiers, who himself retired in 2018. RCB would hope Steyn delivers a full-fledged performance for the entire duration of the tournament.
