The countdown to the nineteenth version of Indian Premier League – IPL 2026 – has formally begun, with the participant public sale set for December 16.
Nevertheless, the joy has been combined with disappointment, as two iconic IPL performers have introduced their retirement, leaving followers and franchises emotional.
Each gamers have been launched forward of the brand new season, and their resolution to retire has hit the cricketing neighborhood laborious. One was recognized for his fiery tempo, whereas the opposite dominated along with his all-round brilliance. Let’s take an in depth take a look at the 2 stars who’ve bid farewell.
1. Mohit Sharma
The primary to name time on his profession is Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who shocked everybody by retiring from all types of cricket simply earlier than the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Mohit’s IPL journey started in 2013 with Chennai Tremendous Kings, the place he immediately made an influence by choosing 20 wickets in his debut season beneath MS Dhoni. He raised his recreation even additional in 2014, successful the Purple Cap. His closing IPL stint got here with Delhi Capitals in 2025.
Mohit Sharma’s IPL Journey
Throughout his IPL profession, Mohit persistently delivered robust performances. From 2013 to 2020, he represented CSK, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals. After going unsold in 2021, Gujarat Titans revived his profession in 2022. His standout season got here in 2023, when he took 27 wickets on the age of 35. He adopted it with 13 wickets in 2024 and performed a handful of video games for Delhi in 2025. In whole, Mohit featured in 120 IPL matches, taking 134 wickets, and constructed a status as a dependable death-overs specialist.
2. Andre Russell
The second main identify to retire forward of IPL 2026 is West Indies famous person Andre Russell, one of the feared all-rounders the league has ever seen. Russell made his IPL debut for Delhi in 2012, however his rise to superstardom started after becoming a member of Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014.
He grew to become the spine of KKR for greater than a decade. With KKR releasing him forward of 2026, Russell selected to retire gracefully.
Andre Russell’s IPL Legacy
Russell carved out a legendary IPL profession along with his explosive batting, sharp bowling, and electrical fielding. In 140 matches, he smashed 2,651 runs and picked up 123 wickets. He received the IPL MVP award twice – in 2015 and 2019 – and performed a key function in KKR’s title victories in 2014 and 2024. Although he has retired as a participant at 37, Russell will proceed with the franchise as “Energy Coach” beginning IPL 2026.