This article sheds light on five veteran players who can play their last IPL season in 2026
The IPL is entering its nineteenth season, and there are many players who have been a part of the league from the very first edition that was played in 2008. These players have played a vital part in taking the league where it is today, along with inspiring a lot of youngsters to take up the sport professionally.
The Journey
The likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have seen the league, from being a concept which was unheard of as far as the game of cricket is concerned, to becoming the talk of the town.
The Impact
Other than the above-mentioned names, overseas players like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Chris Gayle also made the legacy memorable for die-hard fans of the game.
Let’s look at five veteran players who can play their last IPL season in 2026
MS Dhoni
The former Indian captain MS Dhoni is one of the five veteran players who can play their last IPL season in 2026, the reason being his fitness. Dhoni has been struggling with knee issues for the last couple of years and has also been demoting himself in the batting order, which suggests that the upcoming season might be his last
Mitchell Starc
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has already announced his retirement from T20 International cricket to prolong his career by focusing on Test and ODI cricket, and with age not being on his side, he might be one of the veteran players who can play their last IPL season in 2026.
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Ajinkya Rahane
Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane also finds his name in the list of veteran players who can play their last IPL season in 2026, as he is in the twilight period of his career, and with the nature of the format demanding fresh blood, Rahane might call curtains on his IPL career.
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Ishant Sharma
Fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who has not yet retired from international cricket, might play his final IPL season this year, a claim that is solidified by the fact that he was not a regular feature in the Gujarat Titans’ playing XI last season and didn’t have the best of outings in the games that he played.
Sunil Narine
The West Indian spinner and former IPL and World Cup winner Sunil Narine, who is a vital part of the Kolkata Knight Riders and played a crucial role in helping them lift multiple titles, might play his final IPL season in 2026. Although Narine has been economical in the last few seasons, he hasn’t been able to pick up wickets the way he used to in his initial days with KKR.
Also Read: Top Bowlers in IPL 2026 Ready to Dominate the Season
