The mega auction for IPL 2026 is only a few months down the line, and franchises are ready to set up their teams for a fresh period. The transformation of teams with young power-hitters, tricky bowlers, and active all-rounders as the main priority will result in the exclusion of some seasoned players from the league.
Starting from ex-India internationals to foreign veterans, these 10 players from CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, DC, SRH, PBKS, GT, RR, and LSG might have just finished their last IPL season.
1️⃣ Karn Sharma (MI)
Mumbai Indians released Karn Sharma ahead of IPL 2026. Signed for ₹50 lakh in 2025, the leg-spinner failed to secure a consistent place in the squad, leaving his IPL future uncertain.
2️⃣ Ishant Sharma (GT)
Gujarat Titans picked up Ishant Sharma for ₹75 lakh in IPL 2025, but injuries and limited appearances indicate his time in the league may be nearing its end.
3️⃣ Karim Janat (GT)
Karim Janat featured in just one match for GT after being bought for ₹75 lakh. With the franchise releasing him before the next auction, a return looks unlikely.
4️⃣ Mujeeb Ur Rahman (MI)
Afghanistan off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was brought in as an injury replacement in 2025. With MI undergoing a rebuild, he has been released and may not find a way back into the tournament.
5️⃣ Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK)
R Ashwin officially retired from the IPL in August 2025. With 187 wickets in 221 matches, he finishes as the 5th highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history and one of its greatest spinners.
6️⃣ Sachin Baby (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad brought Sachin Baby back in 2025, but inconsistency meant limited game time. With SRH focusing on young batting talent, he may have played his final season.
7️⃣ Piyush Chawla (MI)
Piyush Chawla retired from professional cricket in June 2025. One of the IPL’s most successful leg-spinners, he exits as one of the top wicket-takers in league history.
8️⃣ Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
Shikhar Dhawan, the second-highest run scorer in IPL history, played his final IPL season in 2024. With 6,769 runs and the record for most fours, “Gabbar” leaves behind an iconic legacy.
9️⃣ David Warner (SRH)
After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, David Warner’s IPL journey appears complete. The former SRH captain remains the fourth-highest run scorer and the only player with three Orange Caps.
🔟 Cheteshwar Pujara (CSK)
Cheteshwar Pujara retired from Indian cricket in August 2025. Known for his Test brilliance, he had short IPL stints with multiple teams, last appearing with CSK in 2021.
Why These Veterans May Not Return
The impact players rule, rising pace depth, and explosive young batting options have shifted IPL teams towards future-ready profiles. As franchises gear up for the IPL 2026 mega auction, a generational shift is inevitable.
Several icons of the league — once central to its biggest moments — now make way for emerging stars ready to take over the global T20 stage.
