Cricketers have become more popular in the modern era. The social media followers of cricketers like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers highlights the same. However, the cricketers, like almost every athlete, have an age around which they call it a day on their careers.
Some decide to do it early for more opportunities, while some cricketers’ careers end because of injuries. Only a few cricketers have got opportunities on retire on their terms, while some tried to prolong their careers but did not get enough chances to play. Many cricketers have retired from international cricket this year, and in this article today, we will form a strong playing XI from those names.
Openers – Upul Tharanga and Unmukt Chand
There will be a left hand-right hand opening combination for the team. Opening the innings will be Sri Lanka’s Upul Tharanga and India’s Unmukt Chand. Tharanga played in Road Safety World Series after retirement, while Chand is now in the United States of America.
Middle-order – Brendan Taylor (c and wk), Naman Ojha, Thisara Perera
The middle-order of this comprises more names from India and Sri Lanka. Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Naman Ojha is the number four batsman, with Sri Lankan star Thisara Perera right behind him. Zimbabwean wicket-keeper batsman Brendan Taylor will captain the side and also keep the wickets for the team.
All-rounders – Yusuf Pathan, Isuru Udana and Stuart Binny
Yusuf Pathan, Isuru Udana and Stuart Binny continue the trend of Indian and Sri Lankan cricketers in this playing XI. Yusuf played in Road Safety World Series and won the competition after retirement. He also registered for the Lanka Premier League. Meanwhile, Udana retired after the series against India. Stuart decided to hang up his boots earlier this year as well.
Bowlers – Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga and Boyd Rankin
The all-pace attack of this comprises former South African star Dale Steyn along with the former ICC T20 World Cup winning skipper Lasith Malinga. The third pacer is Boyd Rankin, one of the few players to have played for both Ireland and England in international cricket. This team could challenge any team in T20 cricket, especially with Steyn and Malinga in the bowling attack.