5 notable Indian cricketers, once integral to the team’s success, face uncertain futures due to prolonged absences and competition from emerging talents. With younger players dominating, their return appears unlikely, signaling the end of an era for these seasoned players who significantly contributed to Indian cricket’s legacy.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as ‘Gabbar,’ has been a vital figure for India, accumulating 6793 runs in 167 ODIs. He was instrumental in India’s successes in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and was named Man of the Match in the 2013 Champions Trophy. However, since his last appearance on December 10, 2022, his prolonged absence has raised questions about whether his time with the Indian team has come to an end.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known as the ‘King of Swing,’ has been a key figure in India’s bowling attack, playing 21 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 87 T20Is. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. However, since his last appearance on November 22, 2022, and recent changes to his Instagram bio, retirement speculations have intensified.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma, the second-fastest bowler to play 100 Tests for India, has seen his career trajectory slow in recent years. His last Test appearance was in November 2021, and he hasn’t played an ODI since 2016 or a T20I since 2013. With the rise of younger bowlers like Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur, Ishant’s return to the Indian team remains uncertain, casting doubt on his future in international cricket.
Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik’s career has been a series of comebacks, with his recent return to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t meet expectations, and at 38, his chances of a return to international cricket seem slim. Karthik now thrives in his role as a commentator, where he continues to find success.
Wriddhiman Saha
Saha, a seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman with 40 Tests and 9 ODIs, has seen his career take a downturn since 2021. Rishabh Pant’s remarkable form has made Saha’s inclusion in the squad unlikely. His exclusion from the 2023 Border Gavaskar Trophy, even when Pant was unavailable, seems to signal the end of his international career.