The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced several legendary cricketers since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the auction dynamics have changed
a lot, and teams are required to revamp their squads once every three seasons in order to comply by the mega auction guidelines. As a result, many times had to take tough calls of not being able to retain some of their proven performers over the years.
While many players have represented multiple franchises over the years, a few icons built such a strong bond with their teams that they chose retirement over switching franchises. For these players, loyalty, legacy, and identity mattered more than extending their IPL careers elsewhere.
Here are 3 IPL legends who chose retirement over playing for another team
Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard is one of the greatest overseas players in IPL history and a true Mumbai Indians (MI) icon. Pollard joined MI in 2010 and remained with the franchise until his retirement after the 2022 season. Over the years, he became synonymous with Mumbai’s success and culture. The Caribbean cricketer featured in 189 IPL matches, scoring 3,412 runs at an impressive strike-rate, often finishing games single-handedly under pressure.
With the ball, he chipped in with 69 wickets, making him a valuable all-round contributor. His presence played a crucial role in MI’s dominance, including their maiden IPL title in 2013 and multiple championships thereafter. Instead of playing for another franchise, the seasoned all-rounder chose to retire and continues to serve MI as a member of the support staff, further strengthening his legacy with the five-time champions.
Andre Russell
Another West Indies superstar, Andre Russell, is remembered as one of the most destructive all-rounders in IPL history. Russell made his IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils in 2012 but found his true home after joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2014. That very season, KKR went on to win their second IPL title. Russell evolved into a fearsome lower-order batter and a match-winning bowler for KKR.
The Caribbean cricketer scored over 2,400 runs at a staggering strike rate of 170+ and picked up more than 100 wickets for the three-time champions. Russell crossed 300 runs in a season on four occasions and became a fan favourite at Eden Gardens. Having played over 100 matches for the franchise, Russell opted for retirement and later took up the role of ‘Power Coach’ in the league just before the 2026 season.
Suresh Raina
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, fondly known as Mr. IPL, is one of the league’s most consistent performers. Raina represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) throughout his IPL career, barring the two seasons (2016-17) when CSK were suspended, when he played for Gujarat Lions.
Raina featured in 205 matches, scoring 5,528 runs and maintaining an extraordinary record of scoring 350+ runs in 12 consecutive seasons. He also contributed with the ball, taking 25 wickets. After going unsold in the 2022 auction, Raina chose retirement rather than joining another franchise, ending his IPL journey as a true CSK legend. Today, he remains involved in the game as a commentator and analyst, forever etched in IPL history.
