The nineteenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached its final destination, with the title clash set to be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. While the buzz around the grand event is in the air, the game on Sunday, May 31, may be an emotional ride for a few cricketers, as it might just be the last time they step onto the field.
While the obvious senior name that comes to mind is that of the legendary RCB batter Virat
Kohli, a few others also may say goodbye to IPL cricket, making it a perfect time to say goodbye to their storied respective careers in the marquee T20 tournament, where they have been entertaining fans for close to a couple of decades.
Here are 3 veterans who might be playing their last IPL final
3. Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans)
There is no doubt about the fact that Jos Buttler is among the most vital cogs in the GT batting line-up. For the last two seasons, Buttler has handled the responsibility in the top order for the Gujarat-based franchise, apart from being one of the most celebrated overseas opening players in the league. With seven centuries to his name, Buttler also has 4627 in 137 IPL matches at an average of 39.88.
The experienced English wicketkeeper-batter will turn 36 in a few months' time, and by the time the 2027 season comes, Buttler might want to relax himself a bit. His form in T20 cricket over the last twelve months or so hasn't been great, owing to which he also had to give up on captaining England in the shortest format. If GT win the trophy, Buttler might find it the right time to hang up his boots from the league.
2. Ishant Sharma (Gujarat Titans)
Legendary pace bowler Ishant Sharma has yet to feature in a single match in the 2026 edition of the tournament. However, his guidance to young bowlers in the GT set-up has surely yielded them great rewards. For a fast bowler, playing beyond a certain age becomes extremely difficult, since it also comes at the cost of keeping the body in perfect shape and rhythm to keep up with the ever-changing demands.
Ishant has played 117 matches in his IPL career, which kicked off with Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural 2008 edition. In the last five seasons of the cash-rich league, Ishant has picked up only 25 wickets, and the opportunities have also been limited. With the fast bowler turning 38 ahead of the 2027 season, he might call it a time at the gigantic venue.
1. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
A retirement that most fans think of but are scared of happening is that of Virat Kohli. The New Delhi-born cricketer is undoubtedly the best batter the league has ever produced. He is the highest run-getter in the league and also has nine centuries to his name, with a mind-boggling tally of 9261 runs, all coming in one single jersey.
Virat had to wait for eighteen seasons to lift his first-ever trophy in the IPL, which happened in 2025, when RCB and the then 36-year-old accomplished one of the most dearly awaited awards. This time, both have the chance to double it up, which will not only stamp their legacy but also make them only the third side to defend a title after MI and CSK. Virat will certainly be IPL's toughest goodbye whenever it happens.
