2020 was the year of retirements in Indian Cricket. While MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina were the major retirees, players like Sudeep Tyagi also bid adieu from the game in 2020.
Retirement in this era has a different face. BCCI does not allow players to participate in foreign leagues if you are registered under them. However, when you retire, you can then go and play across the globe. This is why the likes of Irfan Pathan and Sudeep Tyagi had announced their retirements. On the other hand, there are a few who retire after completing many years in their career. MSD is the prime example of the same.
In line with these traditions, we thought we could see a few more exits in Indian Cricket in 2021. In this article, we tell you five Indian players who could retire from the game next year.
1. Harbhajan Singh
It is worth noting that although many of his contemporaries have already announced their retirement, Bhajji is yet to quit the game. But, ironically, compared to most of his peers, Harbhajan is less active in the game. He hardly plays domestic cricket and has not explored any foreign leagues. The Punjab player has only played in IPL in recent years. With age catching up and an IPL contract also unlikely, Bhajji could as well make a decision next year. He might quit the game and make himself eligible for leagues such as LPL and CPL. Therefore, we feel he will the prominent name who could take the retirement route in 2021.
2. Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan is also at the fag end of his career. A T20 World Cup winner with the Indian Team, Yusuf’s time in the blue jersey was limited. Nevertheless, he is still regarded as one of the pioneers of the big-hitting game that is now so popular across the globe. With no buyers, Yusuf had to miss the 2020 version of the Indian Premier League. It is likely that there would be no takers for the veteran next season as well. Therefore, Yusuf might call time on his career to step into the next innings of his career.
3. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is one of the unluckiest cricketers of this era. A brilliant leg-spinner, despite performing decently, Amit’s chances were always limited with the Indian Team. For him, competition for the spot in the team was also cut-throat. In effect, the leggie just became known as an India representative and not as a big name. Like Yusuf, for Amit as well, IPL cricket has been the norm in recent years. Although he has played in domestic cricket, IPL has always been his opportunity to be in the limelight. With an unfortunate injury, even that was taken away from him in 2020. Taking into account people of his age-group, Amit might also retire from the game in 2021.
4. Faiz Fazal
Not many are aware, but Faiz Fazal has represented the Indian Cricket Team. The veteran cricketer has been one of the most prolific batsmen in domestic cricket over the years. With Vidharba, he has won a few titles too. Nevertheless, both IPL and International Cricket haven’t happened as desired for the player. Therefore, with opportunities even few now, Faiz Fazal might retire from the game in 2021.
5. Murali Vijay
It will not be a surprise if Murali Vijay hangs up his boots in 2021. Unfortunately, the career of Vijay has taken a steep decline after his axing from the Indian Team. Ever since, be it domestically or in IPL, the player has failed to construct one noticeable performance for his side. It is inevitable that CSK would release him before next season. And also, other teams may not show an interest in an out-of-form aging opener. All these reasons could spur Vijay to take the big decision in 2021.
