New Delhi: The buzz of the IPL is resonating across the globe, featuring the participation of renowned players from both domestic and international arenas. Every IPL season witnesses the debut of new players as well as the retirement of others. This time around, there are several players who may announce their retirement following the conclusion of this IPL season.
To put it plainly, their IPL careers are widely considered to be drawing to a close. We are going to tell you about three such players whom no team would likely wish to acquire. Consequently, these three players may well announce their retirement from the IPL. So, who exactly are these three players? You might be surprised to find out.
- Context: IPL 2026 season underway
- Prediction: Three players are likely to announce retirement after this season
- Reason: Poor performance, age factor, or being benched – no team may want them in future auctions
🔹 Player 1: Ajinkya Rahane (KKR)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹1.5 crore (retained by KKR) |
| Role | Captain (since 2025) |
| Runs in 6 matches (2026) | 152 runs |
| Scores this season | 67, 8, 8*, 41, 28, 0 |
| Career IPL Matches | 204 |
| Career Runs | 5,184 |
| Career Average | 30.49 |
| Highest Score | 105* |
| Centuries / Half-centuries | 2 / 34 |
| Outlook | If released, unlikely to find another buyer |
🔹 Player 2: Manish Pandey (KKR)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹75 lakh (retained by KKR) |
| Status | Not included in playing XI yet |
| Age by next IPL | 37 years |
| Career IPL Matches | 174 |
| Career Runs | 3,942 |
| Career Average | 29.42 (underwhelming) |
| Highest Score | 114* |
| Centuries / Half-centuries | 1 / 22 |
| Outlook | Not included in the playing XI yet |
Ajinkya Rahane May Retire
Ajinkya Rahane was dropped from Team India due to a string of poor performances. Now, following the 2026 IPL season, his career in the league may also come to an end. This season, KKR retained him for the 2026 IPL for a sum of ₹1.5 crore. He has also been captaining the Kolkata franchise since 2025; however, he has failed to make any significant contribution to the team with his batting.
In the six matches played so far, he has managed to score a total of just 152 runs. Rahane’s scores in the 2026 IPL season thus far have been 67, 8, 8*, 41, 28, and 0. If KKR decides to release him, it appears highly unlikely that any other team would be willing to purchase him.
Throughout his IPL career, Ajinkya Rahane has played a total of 204 matches, scoring 5,184 runs at an average of 30.49. During this period, his highest individual score stands at 105 runs. To date, Ajinkya Rahane has notched up 2 centuries and 34 half-centuries in his IPL career.
Manish Pandey May Bid Farewell to the IPL
Manish Pandey, too, appears to be playing in the IPL merely as a stopgap measure at this stage. His career has reached the very brink of its conclusion. Kolkata retained him this time around for a sum of ₹75 lakh. However, he has not yet been included in the playing XI.
This has fueled speculation that if KKR releases him before the next season, the likelihood of him finding a buyer appears very slim. In any case, he will be 37 years old by the time the next IPL arrives. His advancing age and his exclusion from the playing XI seem to point towards his impending retirement. In his IPL career, he has scored a total of 3,942 runs across 174 matches at a rather underwhelming average of 29.42. His highest score stands at 114 runs; he has also registered one century and 22 half-centuries.
Ishant Sharma Also Set to Retire
Ishant Sharma—who once played the role of a formidable pace bowler for the Indian cricket team—is currently playing for the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 IPL season. Gujarat retained him for a total sum of ₹75 lakh. However, he has not yet been given a spot in the playing XI. The Gujarat Titans squad is currently fielding a pace attack featuring Indian bowlers such as Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Ashok Sharma.
Moreover, he has already turned 37. It is anticipated that Gujarat may release him before the next IPL auction. It seems highly unlikely that any franchise would place a bid for him during the 2027 IPL auction. To date, Ishant Sharma has played 117 IPL matches, in which he has claimed 96 wickets.
