IPL 2019: Three superstars who might go unsold in next season's auction

#3 Yuvraj Singh (MI)

Yuvraj Singh (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com)

Yuvraj Singh has been a fabulous servant of Indian cricket and has played some incredible match-winning knocks for team India. At his peak, he was one of the most destructive batsmen around in the world of cricket. Just when he was taking his game to a different level altogether, he was unfortunately diagnosed with life threating lung cancer.

It happened right after he was adjudged the Man of the Tournament in world’s most prestigious global event, the ICC World Cup 2011, where his spectacular performance enabled India to win back the trophy after long wait of 28 years.

Just like other Indian star players in the first season, the left-handed all-rounder started his IPL as an ‘icon player’ with Kings XI Punjab however over the years, his below-par performances forced him back at the auction table, only to picked up by other franchises at quite a dashing price – Kings XI Punjab (2008-2010, 2018), Pune Warriors India (2011 - 2013), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014), Delhi Capitals (2015), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016-2017) and currently, Mumbai Indians (2019).

However, noticeably, this year, for the very first time in the history of IPL, there was no buyer for his services at the auction up until Mumbai Indians bought him over at a later stage.

Once recruited, the renowned batsman was slated to strengthen the MI’s middle order and started his journey with a fantastic knock of 53 in the very first game against Delhi Capitals. Unfortunately, he could not continue his form and lost his place in the side after a few poor performances, 75 runs in four matches.

Since then, Yuvraj has been warming the bench at the dugout deep down waiting for another opportunity to play the game he loves.

Considering his poor run of form in the second consecutive season and aging body, IPL 2019 will most probably turn out to be last year for the 37-year-old veteran playing the marquee T20 league.