The future of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is shrouded in doubt as the pandemic takes a toll across the globe. There are chances that the Indian T20 League might be called off altogether this year and if that happens, it will be a huge setback for these players.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has been on a long sabbatical since India's exit from the 2019 World Cup in the semi-final stage. The former skipper had made himself unavailable for selection and was hoping to get back into the side for a final bow by performing in this year's Indian T20 League. With no competitive cricket under his belt, if the Indian T20 League is cancelled, Dhoni's hopes of featuring in the T20 World Cup will be dimmed.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav's T20 numbers have gone for a toss in recent times and India have continuously preferred Yuzvendra Chahal over him in the shorter formats. The left-arm wrist-spinner is in danger of missing out from the 15-member squad itself if this form continues. The Indian T20 League was an opportunity for him to stay in the selection fray and if that is cast aside, Kuldeep might well be dumped from the limited-overs sides.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers had retired from International cricket in 2018 but was rumoured to have offered to return before the 2019 World Cup only for South Africa to decline the offer. As the T20 World Cup looms and with a change in the Proteas administration, de Villiers has another chance of returning as he himself and coach Mark Boucher made clear. But a lot of that hinged on his performances in the Indian T20 League. Without it, South Africa might be taking a long shot if they decide to welcome back the veteran batter.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is in the twilight of his career and in a format he thrives in, the big West Indian would have been hoping for a final bow in the T20 World Cup. While he plays a lot of T20 cricket around the globe, a good Indian T20 League would have catapulted him straight into the top of West Indies' batting order. At 40, he may not have another chance to make a comeback if the Indian T20 League is cancelled.
Suryakumar Yadav
A consistent performer in domestic cricket, Suryakumar Yadav was on the back of a superb Vijay Hazare Trophy and a splendid Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. He had two good Indian T20 League seasons in 2018 and 2019 and was close to India selection when the coronavirus hit the cricketing world. If the Indian T20 League is cancelled, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lose the stronghold he now has in terms of selection. With the Indian side packed with options, he might have to start from scratch to make it back.
