The mini public sale for IPL 2026 season is scheduled for December, and all ten franchises will quickly announce their record of retained and launched gamers. The retention record goes reside on November 15, revealing which stars have been saved and who will enter the public sale pool.
Whereas participant shuffles and trades are a daily characteristic of the IPL, just a few cricketers have remained untouchable – by no means launched by their groups.
This is a have a look at 5 such loyal IPL icons.
Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians)
The “God of Cricket” performed for Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2008 to 2013, and the franchise by no means launched him throughout his six-year stint. After retirement, Tendulkar continued his affiliation with MI as a mentor. Apparently, his son Arjun Tendulkar can be a part of the Mumbai squad, although experiences recommend he may very well be traded to Lucknow Tremendous Giants forward of the 2026 season.
Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Because the league’s inception in 2008, Virat Kohli has been synonymous with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The franchise has by no means launched him – even throughout transition phases. After years of heartbreak, Kohli lastly lifted his first IPL trophy in 2025, ending an 18-year look forward to RCB.
MS Dhoni (Chennai Tremendous Kings)
MS Dhoni has been the face of Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) since 2008 and has by no means been launched by the franchise. Underneath his management, CSK has received 5 IPL titles.
The one exception got here in 2016 and 2017, when CSK was suspended, and Dhoni performed for Rising Pune Supergiants – not as a result of he was launched, however as a result of his residence crew was banned. Dhoni is about to characteristic once more in IPL 2026.
Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Thriller spinner Sunil Narine joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012 and has remained loyal ever since. Identified for his wicket-taking spells and explosive cameos as an opener, Narine has been a significant cog in KKR’s success story. Regardless of the franchise present process a number of rebuilds, Narine has by no means been launched.
Shane Warne (Rajasthan Royals)
Late Australian legend Shane Warne captained Rajasthan Royals (RR) to victory within the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He remained with the franchise till his retirement in 2011, and RR by no means launched him throughout his taking part in years. Warne’s management laid the muse for Rajasthan’s legacy within the match.