5 legends who could be playing their last World Cup

Cricket is a sport played all around the globe. The popularity of the sport is only second to football. And furthermore, with the invention of T20 format, the game has reached new heights in its popularity. But at the same time, the 50-over format is getting affected by all the T20 leagues.

Once every four years, the World Cup tournament is played out. The expectations are always high since the best teams battle it out for the ultimate glory within a span of about six weeks. Every team has already started to prepare for the World Cup 2019 which will be held in June in England this time.

There are many great players for whom this could be the last outing at the sport's biggest stage. In this segment let us look at those 5 legends whom we won't get to see in another 50-over World Cup.

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#5 Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor is probably the most underrated ODI cricketer of the century. His 50-over game records are as good as any in middle order batter in the past. He is undoubtedly the greatest NewZealand batsmen since Martin Crowe.

The 34-year-old Ross Taylor has played 210 ODI matches in which he has managed to score 7709 runs at an impressive average and strike rate of 47.88 and 83.12 respectively. He has scored 20 centuries and 45 half-centuries. Recently, he has managed to go past the record of scoring 50-plus runs in 5 consecutive innings, while Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli held the record for 4 innings.

In 2018, Taylor managed to score 639 runs at a staggering average of 91.29 and at a strike rate in excess of 88. By scoring a magnificent 181 against England, he once again proved his mettle in the 50-over format.

In 2015, New Zealand reached the World Cup final but unfortunately lost to Australia. This time the Kiwi batting great will be hoping to cling onto that esteemed silverware.

#4 Hashim Amla

The ever so calm and composed South African legend might be playing his last ever World Cup in 2019. Hashim Amla without much limelight has been one of the most underrated batting geniuses of our times.

The 35-year-old Amla with his high backlift and the steady head position has succeeded across all conditions. His zen-like attitude has been the helping hand for South African cricket over the last decade. He has been the real rock for their batting line-up across all formats.

In 169 matches that he has played for South Africa, Hashim has managed to score 7696 runs at an impressive average and strike-rate of 49.65 and 89.29 respectively. He has scored 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries in a very short period of time.

Amla is quickest to have reached 2000-7000 runs in one day cricket. His immaculate timing along with his consistency has made him one of the modern-day greats.

#3 Dale Steyn

Undoubtedly the most influential fast bowler of his generation, Dale Steyn might be playing his last ever World Cup in 2019. The protea legend has made a great comeback from his injury and seems to be quite fit to come charging in to send the batters backpacking.

In 121 ODI matches, Steyn has picked up 192 wickets at an impressive average of 25.7. He has maintained a healthy strike rate and an economy rate of 41.9 and 4.87 respectively. Although Steyn might have not played many 50-over games because of his focus on Test cricket, there are absolutely no doubts on his skills as a shorter format bowler.

The 35-year-old Steyn was heartbroken when Grant Elliot hit a six off him to take New Zealand to the World Cup finals. South Africa have never seen the lights of a world cup final, and this might be a great chance for a player like Steyn to be the difference between the sides and help Proteas clinch their maiden world cup.

Cricket fans all around the globe will be hoping for that classic Steyn celebration.

#2 Chris Gayle

After a lot of struggle, the West Indies somehow managed to sneak into the World Cup 2019. But, if the Universe Boss Chris Gayle fires, then there is absolutely no doubt that the Caribbeans will outperform their expectations.

In an interview dated March 22, 2018, Chris Gayle said that this could be his last ever shout out at the 50-over World Cup. This might not come as a surprise for those who have been following his career closely for the last few years.

Gayle's batting talent has been undermined, but his aura has been exaggerated all the time. The number of runs he has scored in his one-day career is phenomenal for a guy who rarely seemed to have cemented his position in the early part of his career.

The 39-year-old Chris Gayle in 284 one-day games has managed to score 9727 runs at a pretty decent average of 37.10. He has hit 23 centuries and 49 half-centuries.

For a lot of people, Gayle might be a proper T20 batsman, but for those who grew up watching him in the last decade would understand his importance in the West Indian side. And the 215(147) at 2015 world cup was an exhibition of his talent.

#1 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Probably the greatest wicketkeeping batsmen of his generation, MS Dhoni will be playing his last 50-over world cup this time in England. When looked at functionality and not technicality then MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the greatest ODI players of all time.

Dhoni won a billion hearts with just one six that he hit of the last ball of 2011 World Cup. He will surely have a page of his own in Indian cricket history books.

The amount of respect that Captain Cool has earned from his peers for his conduct on the field is immense. Dhoni has always played the game in right spirit and yet ensured Indian cricket team reached new heights during his captaincy.

In 333 matches the 37-year-old Dhoni has played, he has accumulated 10224 runs at an astonishing average and strike-rate of 50.12 and 87.61 respectively. During his captaincy stint, MS Dhoni had won a World T20 title, the 50-over World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

It would be a dream end to his career if Virat Kohli's side could win 2019 World Cup and carry him on their shoulders.