As We Look Ahead To 2020, Here Are Some Cricketers Who Could Possibly Call It A Day Next Year

We are fast approaching 2020, and while there is a lot to look forward to, the current year also saw plenty of cricketers bid adieu to the game. It is nature¡¯s rule that the previous generation will make their way for the younger lot. The next year too, will see the end of some careers, where the legends will call it a day.

Let's look at cricketers who might quit the game in 2020.

MS Dhoni

India's most successful captain MS Dhoni hasn't played a game for his country since the 2019 World Cup exit. Having won everything that was there for the taking, many expected Dhoni to quit after the World Cup, but he is still hoping to be part of the team at the 2020 T20 World Cup.

While there is no guarantee Dhoni will make the squad, he is in all certainty expected to call time on his illustrious career. Having scored more than 15,000 runs across all cricketing formats, he will go down in history as one of the best wicketkeeper batsmen. This is dhoni success story!

Chris Gayle

'The Universe Boss' Chris Gayle has been box-office entertainment worthy throughout his career. The dashing left-handed batsman has not been part of the West Indies setup for sometime now, but is still available for selection.

The man who has made his name in different T20 leagues across the world, 40 year-old still impacts the game. Much like Dhoni, he is hoping to take part in the T20 World Cup. With vast experience and a career spanning over 20 years, the World Cup might be his final swansong.

Harbhajan Singh

This might come as a shock, but Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh still hasn't retired. The world cup winner despite not having donned the Indian shirt for years now, and has rather been seen only in the commentary box. He still continues to remain a fixture in the team.

With young Indian spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal doing well and establishing themselves in the team, Singh is expected to walk into the sunset in 2020.

Shoaib Malik

Pakistan all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, announced his retirement from ODI cricket after their last ICC World Cup 2019 fixture. However, Malik will continue playing in the T20s and aims to feature in the World T20 next year.

Malik, who made his debut in the 1990s, played a total of 287 ODIs, garnering 7534 runs, the fifth-highest tally for a Pakistan batsman. He also took 158 wickets, in a career that began against West Indies at Sharjah in October 1999.

The veteran all-rounder has been one of the stalwarts of Pakistan cricket still competes in various T20 leagues across the globe. But will in all probability call it a day next year.

Dale Steyn

One of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Dale Steyn called time on his Test career this year. After struggling with injuries, he decided he wasn't up for the rigorous fight of the longest format.

Steyn played 93 Tests for South Africa, finishing with 439 wickets, the most in the long format by a Proteas bowler. His strike-rate of 42.3 balls per wicket is the best of anyone with more than 200 Test wickets. Moreover, his 263 weeks spent atop the ICC MRF Tyres Test Bowling Rankings is also unmatched by any other bowler.

Steyn will though continue to play in the ODI and T20I format of the game. But given how he has been unable to keep fit, he might well quit the game in 2020.

Mohammad Hafeez

THe Pakistan allrounder Hafeez has been a terrific player. He has scored more than 10,000 international runs and picked up more than 200 wickets. The 39 year-old retired from Test Cricket in 2018, but continues to play in limited over formats.

A career that has seen 15 years of international cricket is into its final stretch and will most definitely run its course next year.

Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka's match-winner for so many years, Lasith Malinga called time on his ODI career after the first game against Bangladesh in July. The veteran reminded everyone of his greatness with a three-wicket haul helping his side clinch a comfortable victory.

Malinga finished with 338 wickets in 226 matches - going ahead of Anil Kumble to be ninth on the all-time list of wicket-takers. His toe-crushing yorkers and slow delivery has been a treat to watch for all the cricket lovers.

However, the pacer will continue to feature in the shorter version of the game for his country and will lead the side in the T20 World Cup, which might also be his last appearance for the country.