In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the spotlight isn’t just on the fresh faces and rising stars. The excitement mounts not just for new stars but also for seasoned players with something to prove. Among them, a group of experienced cricketers carries the hopes and expectations of fans, eager to showcase their talent and reclaim their former glory.
Five veterans cricketers to prove a point
| Player | Team |
| Faf du Plessis | RCB |
| Shikhar Dhawan | PBKS |
| Ajinkya Rahane | CSK |
| R Ashwin | RR |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | SRH |
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has retired from international cricket; however, he harbors one remaining desire—to lead his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), to their first IPL trophy. The 39-year-old South African batter had an impressive IPL campaign last year. However, this season, he is encountering difficulties in scoring runs. In four matches, he has managed to accumulate only 65 runs at an average of 16.25.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan has been absent from the Indian squad for quite some time. Once a match-winner, has struggled to carve out his place in the team recently. However, this season, he is determined to prove to the selectors that he still has cricket left in him and strengthen his case for returning to the national side. The left-handed batter is in fine form this season, having scored 138 runs in four games, including 16 fours, so far in the tournament.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has always been considered a textbook player with orthodox and conventional batting style. However, this doesn’t negate the talent he possesses to score runs in shorter formats of the game. He has proven in the past that he has the ability to score runs in T20 cricket, as evidenced by his achievement of 326 runs at a strike rate of 172.49 in the previous season. This time around, he would also aim to maintain a similar strike rate while scoring runs.
R Ashwin
Ashwin is aging like a fine wine; he is learning every day, and that reflects in his game. As Ashwin moves towards the end years of his career, he aims to perform to the fullest and achieve whatever remains in his illustrious career. Despite his numerous accolades, he has yet to win a purple cap in the IPL. In this season, he aims to tick that box as well.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has only managed to take one wicket in the four games played so far in IPL 2024. Despite being a legend in the Indian Premier League, with a record for the most wickets in IPL history, Bhuvi is currently struggling to find his form. However, he is determined to bounce back and lead Sunrisers Hyderabad from the front.
Editors pick
