The excitement for IPL 2026 is already building, but before the tournament begins, the focus has shifted to a few veteran cricketers who might soon call it a day. With the IPL 2026 auction around the corner, many fans are wondering if legends like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, and Trent Boult will continue to play, or if this marks the end of an unforgettable era in Indian cricket.
Adding to the buzz, Kane Williamson has joined Lucknow Super Giants as a strategic advisor, making fans even more curious about how IPL 2026 will shape up.
Let’s take a closer look at the players who might retire before the IPL 2026 season begins.
1. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru
As IPL 2026 nears, discussions about Virat Kohli’s future in the league have grown louder. He recently did not renew his commercial contract with RCB, sparking rumours of retirement. However, this move doesn’t affect his playing contract. Reports suggest that the delay is linked to changes within the franchise ownership.
Kohli, who stepped back from T20 internationals, has shown no signs of quitting IPL yet. In fact, he continues to train and focus on upcoming tournaments. He has also expressed interest in playing the 2027 World Cup, which means his IPL career may still have some exciting years left.
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So, while fans keep guessing about Kohli’s IPL retirement, nothing has been officially confirmed.
2. MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings
Every IPL season begins with one big question will this be MS Dhoni’s last? At 44 years old, Dhoni continues to impress fans with his calm leadership and quick glovework. After IPL 2025, he mentioned that he would take four to five months to decide his future, depending on his fitness.
Known as one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL history, Dhoni has slowly reduced his batting load, often coming in at number 7 or 8. Whether he plays in IPL 2026 or not, one thing is certain his impact on Chennai Super Kings and the IPL as a whole will never fade.
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3. Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma’s career has also been under the spotlight after he retired from T20Is and stepped away from Test cricket in 2025. This has led to questions about whether he will soon end his IPL journey too.
However, Rohit has clearly stated that he’s not retiring yet, especially from ODIs. After leading India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, he dismissed retirement rumours, saying fans shouldn’t believe false news.
While Rohit Sharma’s IPL future is uncertain beyond the next season, Mumbai Indians supporters will likely see him lead the team at least one more time in 2026.
4. Faf du Plessis | Delhi Capitals
At 41 years old, Faf du Plessis might be nearing the final phase of his IPL career. After leaving RCB, he was picked up by Delhi Capitals at his base price during the IPL 2025 auction. However, his performance was modest, scoring 202 runs in nine matches, well below his usual standards.
Having already retired from international cricket, Faf now plays only in franchise leagues. With his age and declining form, it’s possible that IPL 2026 could be his last season as a player. Still, his professionalism and fitness might keep him active in a mentoring role for younger cricketers.
5. Trent Boult | Mumbai Indians
New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult might also be close to ending his IPL journey. Now 36, Boult stepped away from his central contract with New Zealand in 2022 to focus on league cricket. He even announced that the 2024 T20 World Cup would be his final international tournament.
Boult remains an important bowler for Mumbai Indians, but the physical demands of fast bowling and his age are becoming key factors. Many expect that he could retire from IPL soon, making way for the next generation of pacers.
Also Read: AUS vs IND: Fans Flood X With Memes After Virat Kohli’s Cryptic Tweet Goes Viral
