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From Virat Kohli to MS Dhoni: The rare list of IPL icons who remain unreleased by their teams

Sakshi Sharma

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in IPL (Source: AFP)MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in IPL (Source: AFP)

With the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December, all ten franchises have revealed their lists of retained and released players. While player movement is a regular part of IPL history, only a few cricketers have remained untouched (never released by their team).

These players have become an integral part of their franchises, representing them for multiple seasons. Here’s a look at the active players who have shown unmatched loyalty and consistency in the cash-rich league.

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)

When we talk about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one name that instantly comes to mind is Virat Kohli. He is the only player to feature in all 18 IPL seasons for a single franchise (RCB). Signed for just ₹12 lakh in 2008, Kohli has grown into the league’s most iconic batter.

He holds records for most runs (8661), most centuries (8), and delivered the unforgettable 973-run season in 2016. Despite difficult years and multiple rebuilds, RCB never let Kohli go. Their loyalty was rewarded when he finally lifted his first IPL trophy in 2025, ending an 18-year wait for the franchise.

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

MS Dhoni (Source: AFP)MS Dhoni (Source: AFP)

MS Dhoni has been the face of CSK since the very beginning. Bought for ₹6 crore in 2008, Dhoni’s leadership brought five IPL titles and turned CSK into one of the most successful teams in league history. It is important to note that CSK has never released the legendary player. However, the only seasons he did not play for the franchise were 2016 and 2017, when CSK was suspended. He represented Rising Pune Supergiant during that time. 

Ahead of IPL 2026, there was a lot of buzz about Dhoni's availability, but the franchise's CEO has confirmed that MSD will be playing for CSK in the upcoming season.

Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Sunil Narine (Source: AFP)Sunil Narine (Source: AFP)

Mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who joined KKR in 2012, is one of the most loyal overseas players in IPL history. He has remained with KKR for over a decade now, becoming their most capped player and leading wicket-taker. The ace bowler has played 189 matches for the Kolkata-based franchise and has taken 192 wickets at an economy rate of 

The fact that cannot be denied is that, whether with the ball or as an explosive opener, Narine has played a major role in KKR’s three IPL titles, and the franchise has never considered releasing him.

Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)

Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AFP)Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AFP)

Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians' bowling since he debuted in 2013. Over the years, he has grown into one of the world’s best fast bowlers. Bumrah has played 145 matches, taking 183 wickets at an economy of 7.24, and formed the core of MI’s success during their dominant title runs. 

MI has always retained him, making him one of the franchise’s most trusted players. Ahead of IPL 2026, MI decided to retain him as well for INR 18 crore.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: AFP)Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: AFP)

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who debuted for CSK in 2020, has quickly become one of the side's most consistent performers. The current CSK skipper has made over 2,500 runs in 71 matches at an average of 40.35 and a strike rate of 137.47 for the 'Yellow Army'.

It is vital to note that on 21 March 2024, Ruturaj was appointed as the captain of the CSK after MS Dhoni decided to step down from the role. CSK has never released him since he joined the team, and ahead of IPL 2026, the franchise has also confirmed him as the captain for the upcoming season.