MS-Dhoni. (Photo source: X)

The  has always been a platform for finding out young cricketing talent. It provides emerging players with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and accomplished cricketers in the world. At the same time, seasoned players also benefit from the league by gaining fresh perspectives, learning from others, and drawing inspiration to perform at the highest level.

However, as the tournament continues to evolve, some players may not be part of its 19th edition, which is set to take place in 2026. The reasons for their absence could range from age and form to personal decisions such as retirement. As a result, the next season of the IPL might witness the departure of a few popular and beloved players from one of the most celebrated cricket leagues globally.

In this article, CricTracker dives deeper into analyzing five cricketers who might end their IPL journey this season, and might not get a team in 2026.

5 Players who might not play IPL 2026 5. Glenn Maxwell Glenn-Maxwell. (Photo source: X)

The mighty Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell might not feature in the next edition of the IPL in 2026. The right-handed batter is representing in the 2025 season, and has struggled to find form by scoring just 48 runs in the seven matches played so far. This fall in performance comes in contrast to his earlier IPL highs, the most notably in 2014 for PBKS and in 2021 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

In the 2014 season, Maxwell played a key role in helping PBKS reach the finals, where they faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With his current form and the fact that he is 36 years old with not a lot of age on his side, there is a possibility that the all-rounder might not be part of the tournament next year.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin Ravi-Ashwin. (Photo Source: X)

The veteran off-spinner made a return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, which the franchise he originally represented during his debut season. After being performed 17-year in the IPL, the spinner has played for multiple teams and has claimed 185 wickets. However, this season has been underwhelming for the experienced spinner, where he picked up only five wickets to his name, and his batting skills have fairly been unutilised.

The Madras-born had announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024 to focus on franchise leagues, and would have hoped for a stronger IPL campaign. But considering his current form and the demands of the game, there is a possibility that he might not feature in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

3. Faf du Plessis Faf du Plesis (Source: IPL)

South African opener is representing Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2025 season of the IPL. The right-handed batter is known for his consistency and ability to anchor innings, and he has rarely disappointed in the IPL. The opener has scored 4,736 runs in his IPL career, and has been a reliable performer over the years.

In the current season, he scored 165 runs from five matches and has been sidelined due to injury for some matches. He also featured as an Impact Player in a couple of games. The 40-year-old might not be part of next year’s IPL, as the franchise may look to invest in younger talent for the future.

2. Sandeep Sharma Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The right-arm pacer may have limited opportunities to feature in the next edition of the IPL. He has represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the past three seasons, and was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and being a dependable option in the death overs.

Over the course of his IPL career, he has claimed 146 wickets. However, in the 2025 season, his performance was underwhelming and managed to take nine wickets in 10 matches at an average of 40.11. With the focus shifting towards more impactful bowlers, the RR franchise may consider moving on from the seasoned pacer ahead of the 2026 IPL.

1. MS Dhoni MS Dhoni (Source: IPL/Star Sports)

When it comes to IPL retirement talks, the Indian cricketer ’s name is always at the centre of the conversation. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper is 43 years old and has been part of the league since its inaugural season in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK has reached the playoffs multiple times and lifted the IPL trophy five times. The wicketkeeper batter’s presence has been instrumental not only in CSK’s success, but also in the immense popularity of the IPL itself. His calmness, sharp brain, and fiery finishing skills have made him a fan favourite for over a decade.

Every season, the speculation will arise when the veteran will hang his boots. But, year after year, the legend returns to the field for the delight of fans who flock to stadiums just to catch a glimpse of him in action. There is a stronger sense this time that the former Indian captain might finally call it a day and close the final chapter of his cricketing journey, and so he might not return for the IPL 2026.