The IPL stage lights might take time to dim out, but the numbers will help us gauge when that happens. The upcoming IPL 2026 can spell the end for some long-lasting veterans of the tournament. Leading the way is MS Dhoni with his record-breaking total of 5,439 runs in 278 matches, boasting an average strike rate of 137.45, and winning five titles under him as the captain. Following behind him is Ajinkya Rahane who has scored 5,194 runs in 206 matches with two centuries to his name. On the other hand, we have Ishant Sharma, the veteran pacer, with 96 wickets in 117 matches but low contributions lately. Similarly, there’s Mitchell Starc with 65 wickets in 52 games, although he is consistent with his deliveries.
This transition period is evident in all teams, where there will be limited space left for experienced players. Even though they play an important role, performance will now be the key to success in the IPL 2026 season. For some, it may be one last push. For others, a quiet exit.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s IPL experience is unparalleled when it comes to leadership and longevity. Dhoni has been the frontman for CSK since he joined the team back in 2008. As the leader of CSK, he managed to lift five trophies, reaching the final ten times. MS Dhoni’s batting best came in 2018 when he scored 455 runs at a strike rate of over 75. In 2024, he had a strike rate of 220.54, even with fewer opportunities. Nonetheless, Dhoni has retired as a captain and reduced his involvement. With fitness concerns growing, this season could mark the end.
Ajinkya Rahane
The IPL career of Ajinkya Rahane has evolved over time. While Rahane made his start with the Mumbai Indians, he progressed with the Rajasthan Royals to make runs in abundance from 2011 to 2015, which included two seasons with 560 and 540 runs respectively. Inconsistency was however observed later on, especially from 2020 to 2022. However, the year 2023 gave him a new lease of life with a strike rate more than 170 in winning the tournament. Now leading Kolkata Knight Riders, he still contributes, but age and fluctuating strike rates suggest this could be his final chapter.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma has been playing in the IPL since its inception back in 2008. He has played for different franchises and has shown good performances, such as taking 5/12 early on. However, injury issues and bad form have resulted in him not having enough game time. Despite showing a relatively good performance in 2019 for Delhi Capitals, he was not seen often afterwards. With 96 wickets overall but limited recent success, and just four wickets in seven games last season, his place is under threat.
Mitchell Starc
The IPL career of Mitchell Starc is one of burst performance. Although he has played only 52 matches for his franchise, he has scalped 65 wickets, which includes some very crucial innings in winning the IPL. The year 2024 was very impressive for Mitchell Starc as he contributed 17 wickets as his team won the IPL trophy. But, due to various factors such as injury and international matches, his participation in the IPL has been limited over the years. Now with Delhi Capitals and still effective, workload management could push him toward an IPL exit soon.
Heinrich Klaasen
Klaasen is another instance of a later-career dilemma. Klaasen was a key member of the Sunrisers Hyderabad starting in 2023, characterized by attacking shots. He hit 51 maximums in the 2023 and 2024 seasons of the IPL, and in the 2025 season, he accumulated 487 runs at a strike rate of 172.69. Overall, he has amassed 1,829 runs from 57 games with an average higher than 41. However, given that his skills are fading due to age and lack of high-stakes competition, maintaining this performance may prove challenging.
