ICC Champions Trophy has always been a glorious cricketing event and all teams will be eyeing for another ICC tournament triumph. The series starts from 1st June till 28th June.
The event has resulted in many victorious moments in the past along with some breathtaking performances. However, this season might be an end for few of the legends who have amazed us with their cricketing skills in the past years.
We take a look at 7 such cricketers who might be playing their last ICC Champions Trophy :-
– by Shraddha Kejriwal
- MS DHONI
After quitting as India’s ODI and T20 skipper, MS Dhoni will be playing his first ICC event. Not being the captain, the pressure on MSD’s head has dwindled to a great extent. It’s the time he can finally display his batting in more empowering way. Fitness has never been an issue of concern for him neither is his great wicket keeping skills. However, not being able to play a lot of matches in the recent past may act as a hurdle between his batting.
“The great Finisher” as he is often termed has been facing the problem of finishing the innings. The champions Trophy can be an indicator whether he is ready to play the upcoming ICC events. However, MS Dhoni knows the best and no stats can define his career’s end, its Dhoni’s decision afterall.
- YUVRAJ SINGH
Yuvraj Singh made his debut in second Champions Trophy 2000. From there on it has been a journey full of ups and downs for him. When he was at the peak of his career, cancer interrupted him. Fighting from cancer and numerous injuries, Yuvraj Singh
struggled hard to again become a part of Indian Cricket Team. Yuvraj Singh missed his first warm-up game of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against New Zealand due to high fever. He has definitely played more matches and have a greater experience than his fellow teammates but his stats in the past 2-3 hasn’t been quite impressive.
India will be playing against Pakistan on 4th June at Edgbaston.
- AB DE VILLERS
Ab de villers had a poor IPL with just 216 runs in 9 matches. He had to miss a few games due to injuires which has always been an issue for him. However, AB de Villers is not worried about his form and is all set to take on Sri Lanka on 3rd June. Ab de Villers and co will be fighting hard to remove the “chokers” tag imposed upon them. SA hasn’t won an ICC trophy since past 19 years. Alongside, ABD’s form will play a crucial role for South Africa.
- LASITH MALINGA
Getting recovered from his injury, his fitness will be tested in this league. Malinga is the most crucial bowler for Sri Lanka and even an injured malinga can contribute some amount in SL’s victory. Sri Lanka has missed Malinga’s bowling in limited overs cricket and without him they were miserable in ODI in the past year.
But the real question is, can Malinga bowl for 10 overs in ODI? Malinga took a few wickets in IPL 2017 but at the same time he proved to be quite expensive in many instances. Malinga will be playing his fourth Champions Trophy, struggling hard with his fitness. However, Sri Lanka’s coach Alan Donald thinks that even 7-8 overs bowled by him will be beneficial for SL.
- SHOAIB MALIK
Shoaib Malik made his debut in 1999 and will be playing his 6th Champions Trophy. In 15 matches of Champions Trophy, Shoaib Malik has scored 326 runs and took 20 wickets. In a recent interview shoaib malik said that,
“I personally have a bigger role to play in the tournament than just performing with the bat and the ball. I need to help the younger guys to overcome their nerves and showcase the talent they possess to themselves and the world that”ll be watching.”- shoaib malik
The next ICC tournament is a couple of years away, so this might just be the last one for the former Pakistani cricketer. Pakistan will play against India on 4th June, Edgbaston.
- IMRAN TAHIR
© AFP
Replacing the Australian pacer Mitchell Marsh, Imran Tahir spotted his place in IPL playing for Rising Pune Supergiants. Imran Tahir was recently replaced as No.1 ODI bowler by his fellow teammate Kagiso Rabada. Proteas will be eyeing to win their Second Champions Trophy after 1998.
SA is in group B along with India, SL and Pakistan and will be playing their first match against SL on 3rd June.
- Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez made his ODI debut at Sharjah Cricket Association against Zimbabwe in 2003. Having a lot of experience, he can guide the young pakistani players along with Shoaib Malik. Mohammad Hafeez has an average of 32.73 in his ODI career. However, this might just be the last Champions Trophy for him and he’ll be all set to contribute in his team’s overall performances.
– by Shraddha Kejriwal