The swansong is playing: World Cup heroes in the twilight of career

A player's final few games can bring out the best or worst in him. Here is the form meter of those who will retire after the World Cup:

A player's final few games can bring out the best or worst in him. Here is the form meter of those who will retire after the World Cup:

MAHELA JAYAWARDENE (37)

The former Sri Lanka captain jumped to his team’s rescue with a century when they found themselves in a precarious position against Afghanistan. While his form has fizzled off since, Sri Lanka would bank on him in the big games. The right-handed batsman had scored a century in the 2011 World Cup final, which Sri Lanka lost to India.

DANIEL VETTORI (36)

One of the craftiest leftarm spinners to have played the game over the last 15 years, Vettori has made clever use of his experience to be the standout spinner at the World Cup. Not only has he chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, but an economy rate of three for a spinner is unheard of in these times of T20 cricket.

KUMAR SANGAKKARA (37)

The Sri Lankan veteran had announced a few months ago that he would retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup. The clarity of the decision appears to have allowed him to focus on his batting. He has hit a purple patch, which has seen him score three centuries and sit atop the run-getters chart.

MISBAH-UL-HAQ (40)

The team endured a nightmarish start to the World Cup. While they faced a first-round exit, their captain remained the lone bright spot. With four half-centuries in five games, he helped his team stay afloat and storm back into the competition. The 40-year-old, who has over 5000 runs for the country at an average of 43.52, will look to score his maiden ODI hundred.

SHAHID AFRIDI (35)

The volatile all-rounder has had a horrid run with the bat and ball so far. He has thrown away his wicket when his team needed him to spend time at the crease. With Saeed Ajmal not in the team, he was expected to lead the team’s spin-attack. But with the ball, he has been flat and ineffective with his leg-spin.

WILL THEY STAY?

MS Dhoni (33)

Ever since Dhoni decided to walk away from Test cricket, speculation surrounding his ODI future has been rife. The captain himself has been tight-lipped about it.

Michael Clarke (33)

A desperate Clarke overcame a nagging back injury to lead Australia in the current World Cup. But the rate at which his body is breaking down, it remains to be seen if he will decide to concentrate only on Tests.

Chris Gayle (35)

Apart from the 215 against Zimbabwe, Gayle has had a tough time. A stiff body and restricted movements have raised questions over his ability to continue in the longer version of the game.