The topic of IPL 2026 is much discussed because mini auction is going to be held on 16th December. This time many great players can be seen in the auction, because great players like Andre Russell to Glenn Maxwell have been released. Everyone will be keeping an eye on the players who have been released in the auction, but there are also some retained cricketers who can be seen playing for the last time in IPL 2026. See here the list of players who can retire after IPL 2026.

1. MS Dhoni

The first name in the list is that of MS Dhoni. Whenever the new season of IPL is about to come, the news of Dhoni’s retirement starts gaining momentum. But every time Dhoni puts an end to the rumors of retirement. Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanath has confirmed that Dhoni will play in IPL 2026. Dhoni’s knee problem is not hidden from anyone, while Sanju Samson is being seen as his successor. Samson has now come to CSK from Rajasthan Royals.

2. Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma has been retained by Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026. His form has not been very good in the last few seasons. In IPL 2025, he took only 4 wickets in 7 matches and the economy rate was 11.80. Last season he also became a victim of fitness related problems. If Ishant retires from the Indian Premier League after 2026, it will not be a surprising decision.

3. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders last season, but under him the KKR team stood eighth in the points table. Now, to keep the captaincy option open, KKR has retained him for IPL 2026 also. Rahane was not finding any buyer in the mega auction, but KKR had played a gamble and bid on him. Rahane scored 390 runs in 12 matches in IPL 2025 and his strike rate was also around 148. But the problem is that apart from KKR, no other team is showing interest in Rahane.

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