IPL 2026 begins: Preparations for the first match

New Delhi. The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is going to start on March 28. In the first match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has so far released the schedule of the first 20 matches, while the details of the remaining matches will be announced soon.

Veteran players may be seen bidding farewell in the next season

This season of IPL 2026 may prove to be the last for some key players. These players have made significant contributions in taking their teams and the league to new heights. Keeping in mind age and fitness, these players may decide to retire from IPL after the upcoming season. Let us know about five such players.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni The former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one of the living legends of the IPL. Considering his age and fitness, it is believed that IPL 2026 could be his last season. Dhoni will turn 45 in July 2026. Despite knee problems in the last few seasons, he has played effective innings and led the team to victory. The CSK CEO has confirmed that he will play the entire season, but many fans believe that this could be his emotional farewell season. CSK has won the IPL title five times under the captaincy of Dhoni.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narinethe Caribbean bowling all-rounder, is one of the important players of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has taken 192 wickets for Kolkata in the IPL and has also performed as an explosive opener recently. Narine has scored 1780 runs in IPL. He will turn 38 in May and due to his increasing age, there is a possibility that he may bid farewell to this league after IPL 2026.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma Has represented seven different teams in the IPL. His international career is almost over and he has been out of Team India for the last few years. Due to this competition, IPL 2026 could be the last part of his cricket journey. Ishant has taken 311 wickets in 105 test matches for India. Now Ishant, 37, is a member of Gujarat Titans (GT) and is considering a final career decision.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahanewho is considered a technically proficient batsman, has scored a total of 5032 runs in the IPL and has played for six teams. After their resurgence with CSK in 2023, he also captained Kolkata Knight Riders. This year also he can captain KKR. This season could be the last for Rahane, who turns 38 in June.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starcthe Australian fast bowler, is also among the players whose future appears uncertain after this IPL season. Starc, who is considered a sharp left-arm fast bowler, played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders winning the title in 2024. He is 36 and considering the busy schedule of international cricket, it is likely that he may decide to reduce his workload going forward.