Veteran Players Who Might Retire From IPL Like R. Ashwin Before 2026 Season

Debashis Sarangi

Ravichandran Ashwin retired from IPL [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]Ravichandran Ashwin retired from IPL [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

On Wednesday, Ravichandran Ashwin left the cricketing world shell-shocked, announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League. The ace spinner, who was purchased for INR 9.75 Crores, won't be a part of the tournament's next season. 

While Ashwin's age and poor form decreased his IPL brand value, forcing him to retire from the competition, several others could take a similar route before the 2026 season. 

Faf du Plessis

Why could Faf retire from IPL before 2026 season?

  • Faf du Plessis was a magnificent top-order batter in the IPL a few seasons back. However, his form has regressed in the recent past, as he has scored only 640 IPL runs at a modest average of 26.7 since 2024. 
  • Du Plessis's inconsistency was a major reason behind his decreased IPL stocks in the 2025 auction, where DC secured his services for only 2 Crores. Considering he could score only 202 runs at a horrible average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 123.93, we believe he could be one of the big names that the Capitals will release ahead of the next season. 
  • Considering Faf is 41 years old and his fitness issues kept him out of five matches in the 2025 season, it's highly unlikely that any team will purchase him in the upcoming mini auction if he is released. If he goes unsold, the veteran batter might hang up his boots from the IPL. 

Ishant Sharma 

Why could Ishant retire from IPL before 2026 season?

  • Ishant Sharma joined the Gujarat Titans franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 at his base price of INR 75 lakhs. The seasoned campaigner failed to make an impact in the competition, managing only four wickets at a horrendous average of 51.25 and an economy rate of 11.18. 
  • More importantly, the 36-year-old pacer had poor fitness standards, failing to give his best under the hot and humid conditions, particularly in GT's home games in Ahmedabad. Therefore, given that GT will certainly revamp their bowling unit and add quality pacers to accompany Siraj and Prasidh, Ishant will likely be released before the auction. 
  • Considering his form and fitness, we doubt if any team in the IPL will invest in the veteran seamer. Thus, if he goes unsold, Ishant might announce retirement from the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell

Why could Maxwell retire from IPL before 2026 season?

  • Glenn Maxwell emerged as a game-changer with his spin-hitting during his stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the Australian all-rounder has struggled to get going in the IPL since 2024, managing only 100 runs across 15 innings at a shocking average of 6.67. 
  • Additionally, Maxwell has also sustained multiple injury setbacks of late. Punjab Kings have his poor performance as a valid reason to release him, and the other franchises might no longer show interest in the 'Big Show', prompting him to bid adieu to the IPL before the 2026 season. 

Mohammed Shami

Why could Shami retire from IPL before 2026 season?

  • Mohammed Shami was one of the most expensive picks in the 2025 mega auction as Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased him at a whopping price of INR 10 Crores. 
  • However, the veteran speedster couldn't justify his price tag, recording an abysmal average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23 in nine IPL 2025 matches. 
  • Furthermore, the ankle injury which Shami sustained during the 2023 World Cup has affected his bowling prowess. Considering his ineffectiveness as a pacer, the Sunrisers might release him, with none of the other franchises likely to buy him for IPL 2026. Therefore, if Shami's injury-prone body leads to his non-selection in the IPL, he might retire from the tournament before the upcoming season.