{"id":"f-ad3a1c0981-49e0d938-fc2f-58d1-b8b4-2ed152e4800e","title":"IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to Sunil Narine - 5 Players who may Retire after 2026 Season","description":"The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, but 2026 could mark the end of the road for several seasoned campaigners. As the season begins on March 28, fans are watching closely for signs of farewell from veterans facing age, fitness","timestamp":1773370800,"category":"sports","headline":"IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to Sunil Narine - 5 Players who may Retire after 2026 Season","modifiedHeadline":"IPL 2026 may witness 5 legends retiring","subCategories":["scid_185ed133"],"subcategoriesName":["Cricket"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"6ff0e53c-03a9-4fac-a199-00040694f01a","bundleTitle":"Indian Cricket","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"491","iabCategoryName":"Cricket","fcSummary":"the 2026 ipl season could mark a farewell for several veteran players. ms dhoni, csk's iconic leader, may conclude his impactful career after 2026, despite confirmation of playing the season. other potential retirees include isant sharma, ajinkya rahane, mitchell starc, and sunil narine, all facing age, form, or shifting priorities. their contributions have been significant, but evolving team dynamics and personal choices suggest a possible end to their ipl journeys.","summary":"IPL 2026: Dhoni, Narine & others may retire. Age, fitness & form could signal farewells for seasoned stars.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Sports/IN/en/mykhel-english/f-ad3a1c0981-49e0d938-fc2f-58d1-b8b4-2ed152e4800e","sourceUrl":"https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-2026-ms-dhoni-to-sunil-narine-5-players-who-may-retire-after-2026-season-news-cricket-419085.html","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/laODmmOigXd0.webp","content":"

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, but 2026 could mark the end of the road for several seasoned campaigners.

As the season begins on March

\n\n

28, fans are watching closely for signs of farewell from veterans facing age, fitness challenges, or shifting team dynamics. Here are five players who may have IPL 2026 as their final edition.

MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) iconic leader, turns 45 in July 2026. Retained by CSK, the former India captain has been the franchise's soul since 2008, guiding them to five titles with calm leadership, explosive finishing, and sharp glovework. His IPL record includes over 5,000 runs at a 135+ strike rate. Despite knee concerns and a mentor-like shift, CSK's CEO recently confirmed Dhoni will play the full season, though his exact role remains undecided. With international retirement in 2020 and persistent speculation, 2026 feels like a potential emotional curtain call.

\n\n\n

Ishant Sharma

the lanky Gujarat Titans pacer, is 37. Retained ahead of the season, Ishant boasts over 300 Test wickets for India and remains a reliable domestic force. His IPL contributions include economical spells and experience in pressure situations. However, with India's pace attack rejuvenated by younger talents and limited recent opportunities, 2026 could see him bow out gracefully, especially if fitness or form wanes further.

Ajinkya Rahane

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) retained batter and captain in recent stints, turns 38 in June 2026. The elegant right-hander has amassed over 4,500 IPL runs, shining in key moments like CSK's 2023 title run with a high strike rate. His classical technique and leadership have endured, but selectors' youth focus and no recent international call-ups suggest retirement looms. Rahane's resurgence in domestic cricket earned his KKR spot, yet 2026 might cap his franchise journey.

\n\n

Mitchell Starc

the high-profile left-armer now with Delhi Capitals (retained for a hefty sum), is 36. The Australian speedster, a two-time World Cup winner, delivered match-winning spells in KKR's 2024 triumph after a record ₹24.75 crore buy. His raw pace and swing remain lethal, but post-T20I retirement in 2025 to prioritize Tests and ODIs (eyeing 2027 World Cup), heavy international commitments could limit IPL longevity. 2026 may be his last big T20 league hurrah amid workload management.

Sunil Narine

KKR's mystery spinner and retained all-rounder, turns 38 in May 2026. The Trinidadian has claimed over 170 IPL wickets at an economy under 7, while reinventing as a destructive opener. His unorthodox action powered KKR's titles, but post-2023 international retirement and advancing age might prompt an exit, especially with coaching prospects emerging.

\n","readDurationInMinutes":"4","author":{"name":"MyKhel English","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/jpeg/37610a48-88af-43d0-af64-7f16b2ad76d2.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[{"measurementId":"G-VEYN0E5XZR","type":"GA"}],"pointerSummary":["Dhoni, 45 in 2026, will play the full IPL season for CSK, potentially marking an emotional farewell.","Ishant Sharma, 37, faces competition from younger Indian pace bowlers, with 2026 likely his final IPL stint.","Narine, 38, may exit IPL after 2026, with coaching opportunities emerging post his international retirement."],"tags":["IPL2026","CricketRetirement","MSDhoni","ChennaiSuperKings","CSK","IshantSharma","GujaratTitans","AjinkyaRahane","KolkataKnightRiders","KKR","MitchellStarc","DelhiCapitals","SunilNarine","IPLVeterans","CricketLegends"],"consent":true,"redirectionEnabled":false}

IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to Sunil Narine - 5 Players who may Retire after 2026 Season

SUMMARY