The fans are gearing up for an action-packed IPL 2026, and ahead of that, the mini-auction is all set to take place on December 15 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The entire focus is on the released players and the stars who might retire or go unsold next month.
However, this article will shed light on the retained cricketers and shed light on the players who might play their last season despite being retained.
1. MS Dhoni Ever since the Chennai Super Kings won their fifth IPL title in 2023, there is a word in the market that MS Dhoni will bid adieu to the game anytime. However, the captain cool has squashed off every rumour and turn up for the new season.
However, this time around, CSK management has already hinted that IPL 2026 will be MS Dhoni's last and have already begun their preparations around that. Meanwhile, the Men in Yellow have also brought in Sanju Samson as a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni.
Let's look at MS Dhoni's dip in form since IPL 2023
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2. Ishant Sharma Gujarat Titans retained Ishant Sharma for IPL 2026 and are likely to play his last next year. The 37-year-old is out of form and looks a pale shadow of his past versions.
Ishant struggled with his fitness in IPL 2025 and also went viral when he got off the field during a day game because of the heat. Thus, with age not on his side and struggling form, it is safe to say that IPL 2026 will be Ishant Sharma's last.
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3. Ajinkya Rahane A shocking name, but Ajinkya Rahane is also in the business end of his playing days. The 37-year-old is on the wrong end of his thirties and has been retained by KKR as a sign of respect for leading the franchise in IPL 2025.
There are reports that the Knight Riders are looking for a new captain, and as things stand, Rahane is most likely to be given a solitary season to shine by the Knight Riders. Now the issue for Rahane is that no other team than KKR is interested in the 37-year-old.
Even during IPL 2025 auction, Rahane nearly found no bidders and was bought by KKR in the accelerated round, further dampening his desire to play in the cash-studded league.
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IPL 2024Select Add Row Above Add Row Below Add Column Right Add Column Left Delete Row Delete Column Delete Table Select Add Row Above Add Row Below Add Column Right Add Column Left Delete Row Delete Column Delete Table
IPL 2025 Select Add Row Above Add Row Below Add Column Right Add Column Left Delete Row Delete Column Delete Table Select Add Row Above Add Row Below Add Column Right Add Column Left Delete Row Delete Column Delete Table
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It is worth nothing that despite a consistent season with the bat, Rahane has seen a dip in his strike-rate and his age could be the reason of a potential last season.
4. Mohammed Shami Mohammed Shami has had a troubled couple of years as the right-arm seamer has not been the same since the 2023 World Cup final. Shami has fallen out of the scheme of things in international cricket and struggled in the IPL as well.
Despite just being 35, Shami's physical fitness is not in the best shape as the right-arm seamer has dealt with several injuries recently. Shami has recently moved to LSG from SRH for 10 crores, but this move has been touted as illogical by the pundits because of Shami's recent injury history.
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MS Dhoni for CSK - (Source: AFP)
.jpg?type=mq "What makes Starc an all-time great")
