IPL 2018: 4 cricketers who should call curtains to their career after IPL 2018

The repertoire of players playing in this annual cricketing feast called the Indian Premier League (IPL) is quite extraordinary. On one hand, we have a 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman who is setting the stage on fire with his magical spin bowling, while on the other, we have a gigantic Caribbean batsman Chris Gayle who is also having a similar effect but he his more than twice the age of Mujeeb.

However, unlike Gayle, many veteran cricketers are having poor seasons. There is no denying that age has taken a toll on them and their body does not work in the same way as it used to once. Their reflex and skills have gone down for obvious reasons. Let us have a look at 4 such cricketers who should call curtains to their careers soon.

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#4 Brendon McCullum (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

IPL's very first hero, Baz's romance with cricket is perhaps over

Brendon McCullum set high standards for what now is one of the most popular leagues in the world in its inauguration. Over the years, 'Baz' has entertained us in numerous ways. But the former New Zealand international is 36-years-old now, and though he is exceptionally fit for a person of his age, his batting is not the same anymore.

Baz's aggressive batting has lost its sheen and he now finds himself at the dugout rather than on the field. He was given three opportunities in this season by Royal Challengers Bangalore and he failed to capitalize even in a single one of them. In three matches, McCullum has scored 47 runs at an average of around 15 and he should realise when to put an end to his highly illustrious career.

#3 Harbhajan Singh (Chennai Super Kings)

Bhajji will be turning 38 this July

Like McCullum, Harbhajan Singh has been a highly entertaining and animated character. His queer bowling action, destructive batting and ominous presence in the field were cherished by the fans. But the Turbanator will be turning 38 this July and should now consider about his future.

Bhajji has given all he could to both Indian cricket and Mumbai Indians, and he was bought by Chennai Super Kings this year. In 4 games, he has just two wickets to his name and his economy rate is 9 runs per over. At this age, he does not need to prove anything and should hang up his boots.

#2 Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils)

Gautam Gambhir will take a call on his career after the completion of IPL

Gautam Gambhir's reunion with his first IPL team Delhi Daredevils has not been fruitful as he has renounced captaincy after losing five games out of six. The 36-year-old has scored just 85 runs in 6 games at an average of 17 and his strike rate is not even run-a-ball.

In such a scenario, the Delhi lad has decided not to take salary from his team because of his poor performance and has also stated that he will take a call after the IPL. Till last year, Gambhir was regarded as a remarkable IPL player. Only six games have managed to tarnish his image and before it gets dismantled to a greater extent, Gambhir should pack his bags.

#1 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj wants to play till 2019

Like Gambhir, the Punjab southpaw reunited with his first IPL team Kings XI Punjab but this reunion turned out even worse than Gambhir's. Yuvraj scored just 50 runs in 6 games at an average of around 12 and strike rate of less than 90.

He has bowled just a couple of overs only to concede 23 runs without taking any wicket. Because of his poor performances, Yuvi was subjected to endless trolls and harsh criticisms. Though he wants to continue playing for at least another year, he should take a decision whether to put an end to the trolls by calling an end to his career or encourage the opprobrium.