IPL 2026: 10 Players From CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, DC, SRH, PBKS, GT, RR & LSG Who May Have Played Their Last Season
IPL 2026 mega auction may mark the end for several iconic IPL stars. Here are 10 players from CSK, MI, SRH, PBKS, GT, RCB, DC, RR, KKR and LSG who may have played their last IPL season.
Players like Dhawan, Warner, Ashwin and others may have already completed their final IPL season ahead of the 2026 mega auction.
The 2026 IPL mega auction is just months away and the franchises are already getting ready to mould the squad for a fresh era of the league. With teams more courting the young talents, crushing the ball, mysterious bowlers and multi-role performers, some experienced names speculate if these players will play IPL ever again.
From former Indian internationals to retired overseas veterans, few who had been shown doors or lived their lifetime look quite unlikely to be a part of the upcoming season. A glance at the top 10 cricketers from different franchises under CSk, MI, RCB, PBKS, GT, KKR, SRH, RR, DC, and LSG that look as if they have finished their last IPL season.
1️⃣ Karn Sharma (MI)
Released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Karn Sharma’s future remains uncertain. Bought at his base price of ₹50 lakh for the 2025 season, the leg-spinner couldn’t secure a long-term role in the lineup.
2️⃣ Ishant Sharma (GT)
Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma was signed by Gujarat Titans during the 2025 auction for ₹75 lakh after his Delhi Capitals stint. However, limited opportunities and fitness concerns may mean the end of his IPL journey.
3️⃣ Karim Janat (GT)
Karim Janat appeared in just one match for Gujarat Titans after being purchased in the 2025 mega auction for ₹75 lakh. GT released him ahead of IPL 2026, signaling a likely exit from the league.
4️⃣ Mujeeb Ur Rahman (MI)
Mumbai Indians released Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was brought in as an injury replacement in 2025. With MI rebuilding, his return seems unlikely.
5️⃣ Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK)
One of the IPL’s most decorated bowlers, R Ashwin retired from the league in August 2025. With 187 wickets in 221 matches, he leaves as the 5th highest wicket-taker in IPL history.
6️⃣ Sachin Baby (SRH)
Acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 auction, Sachin Baby returned for a brief stint, but inconsistent performances may prevent him from featuring again.
7️⃣ Piyush Chawla (MI)
Former World Cup winner Piyush Chawla officially retired from cricket in June 2025. The leg-spinner leaves as one of IPL’s top wicket-takers, cementing his place in history.
8️⃣ Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
Shikhar Dhawan — the second-highest run scorer in IPL history — played his final season in 2024. With 6,769 runs and the record for most fours, “Gabbar” leaves behind a legacy fans won’t forget.
9️⃣ David Warner (SRH)
After going unsold in the 2025 mega auction, David Warner’s time in the IPL appears over. The former Sunrisers captain remains the fourth-highest run scorer and holds the record for most Orange Caps (3).
🔟 Cheteshwar Pujara (CSK)
Pujara retired from all formats of Indian cricket in August 2025. Although more known for Tests, he was part of multiple IPL teams and last featured in the CSK camp in 2021.
Why These Stars May Not Return
One day the most destructive years of IPL were the youthful period of cricket in 2017, when Sunrisers Hyderabad had pinned 181 off Royals Challengers Bangalore.New Era Incoming
With the IPL 2026 mega auction set to usher in a generational shift, fans may witness a wave of emotional farewells — while a powerful new generation prepares to take over the biggest T20 stage in the world.
