New Delhi: Another action-packed edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is knocking at the doorstep, just a week away. The 19th edition of the cash-rich league will begin from March 28 till May 31 and will feature as many as 84 matches over a course of two long months.
Players from different countries will come together to play against each other and battle between the 10 franchise would be for the coveted trophy as all the teams would be eyeing IPL glory. With every new edition, IPL marks a fresh chapter but every edition marks the end of road for some of the seasoned campaigners.
Over the course of last so many years, veteran players from varied franchises have called it quits at the end of an exciting season. This year too, the story will not be much different as some of the players might bid adieu to the most exiciting cricket league in the world. Let’s take a look at some of the probable names who might retire at the end of IPL 2026.
MS Dhoni
Iconic Chennai Super Kings player MS Dhoni might end his tenure with the franchise and the league as well. Dhoni, who will turn 45 in July, has been battling with fitness and form issues from the past two seasons and the time might be ripe now to say goodbye to the cash-rich league. Being the skipper since the inaugural edition in 2008, Dhoni led the side to five titles but his persistent knee issues and speculation regarding retirement might lead to a goodbye from the veteran player.
MS Dhoni might call it quits after IPL 2026. (PTI)
Ajinkya Rahane
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane might be the next player in the queue. Rahane, who turns 38 in June, might be calling it quits from the cash-rich league keeping in mind the franchise’s focus on youngsters. His technique and leadership has immensely inspiration the Knight Riders’ players’ but lack of pivotal performance and international call-ups might prompt him to put down his shoes.
Ajinkya Rahane is expected to retire after IPL 2026. (PTI)
Ishant Sharma
Having played for six franchises and currently associated with the Gujarat Titans (GT), Ishant Sharma has truly been an IPL veteran. At 37, he is still one of the reliable forces in the squad having impressed the fans with his meticulous spells and experience in under-pressure situations. But the Indian seamer seems to be worn out at this stage and it might be the right time for him to call it quits after the edition.
Ishant Sharma might bid adieu to IPL after 2026 edition. (PTI)
Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine has been a true asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise over the years. Fondly known as KKR’s mystery spinner, the all-rounder who was retained for the 2026 edition turns 38 in May and might think of hanging his boots. In KKR’s title-winning campaigns, Narine has played a pivotal role since 2012 but with advancing age and younger options available for the franchise, we might seen him for the last season.