The IPL 2025 season, starting soon could mark the end for several cricket legends. Here’s a look at the 7 star players —Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Faf du Plessis—and why they might hang their boots after this season. MS Dhoni, now 43, has been a CSK icon since IPL began. His recent comments suggest he’ll decide based on retention rules and team needs. At his age, the physical toll of wicket-keeping and batting late might push him to retire after IPL 2025. Fans hope for one last memorable season.
Virat and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is after the World Cup win but confirmed IPL 2025 participation. They’re in form at 36 and 37, but the cricket demands might lead them to call it quits, especially if they win titles with RCB and MI. It’s uncertain but possible.
Ashwin, retired from all international cricket, might see IPL 2025 as his final bow at 38. Jadeja, 36, is vital for CSK, but his future depends on team plans. Both could retire, given their ages and achievements. Moeen, 37, retires from domestic cricket post-2025, hinting that IPL might end soon. Faf, 41, shows no clear plans, but his age suggests IPL 2025 could be his last. Their departures would impact KKR and DC significantly.
Potential IPL 2025 Retirements
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, with the tournament set to kick off on March 22, 2025, cricket enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about whether this could be the final chapter for several iconic players. The list includes Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and international stars Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis. After India’s dominating performance in CT 2025, beating teams like Pakistan and New Zealand, the IPL fever returns with a bang.
Given their ages, recent performances, and statements, there’s a growing consensus that IPL 2025 might mark the end of their T20 league careers. This analysis delves into each player’s career trajectory, potential retirement factors, and the broader implications for the IPL, ensuring a comprehensive exploration for fans and analysts alike.
MS Dhoni: The Enigmatic Captain’s Potential Farewell
MS Dhoni, affectionately known as “Thala” by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, has been a cornerstone of the IPL since its inception in 2008. At 43, his leadership has guided CSK to multiple titles, and his finishing abilities with the bat have often turned matches in his team’s favour. At the same time, Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to keep the wickets.
Recent statements, such as those made during a promotional event in Hyderabad, indicate that Dhoni’s decision to continue playing will depend on the IPL’s retention rules and what’s best for CSK. “There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the team’s best interest,” he said, as a leading cricket news outlet reported.
Given his age and the physical demands of wicket-keeping and batting in the death overs, many believe IPL 2025 could be his swansong. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2019, and since then, each IPL season has been accompanied by retirement rumours. However, he has defied expectations, continuing to perform at an elite level.
CSK CEO K.S. Viswanathan expressed hope that Dhoni will continue playing, noting. “We are very hopeful of MSD’s participation in IPL 2025,” in a video posted by the franchise. The emotional attachment between Dhoni and CSK fans is unparalleled, and his potential retirement would be a poignant moment for the franchise and the league, especially as he turns 44 during the tournament.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: The Run Machines’ Uncertain Futures
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both retired from T20 Internationals after India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024, have confirmed their participation in IPL 2025. Kohli, at 36, stated in a post-match presentation after the World Cup final, “I’m 100% playing next year under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy,” while Rohit, 37, echoed similar sentiments in an interview, saying, “100%,” when asked about IPL 2025. Their IPL careers are storied, with Kohli being one of the highest run-scorers and Rohit leading Mumbai Indians (MI) to multiple titles.
However, the demands of playing high-intensity cricket year-round might eventually take a toll. Kohli, playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has yet to win an IPL title, and at 36, he might consider focusing on other formats or taking a break after a few more seasons. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performances will be under the Radar as they are both Important squad members of the India National Cricket Team and have their eyes on the 2027 World Cup.
Similarly, with MI, Rohit might see IPL 2025 as a chance to add another title before potentially retiring, especially if he achieves success under his captaincy in ICC events. Their ages and the physical strain of T20 cricket suggest that while they’re expected to continue, IPL 2025 could be one of their last seasons, depending on performance and personal goals.
Spin Wizards: Ashwin and Jadeja’s Twilight Years
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both in their mid-30s, are India’s spin-bowling stalwarts whose IPL contributions have been immense.
Ashwin, 38, surprised many by announcing his retirement from all forms of international cricket after the Test series against Australia in December 2024, according to Hindustan Times.
Following 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, this decision suggests that franchise cricket, particularly the IPL, might be his final playing platform. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2025, Ashwin’s experience and variations remain valuable, but at his age, the physical demands of spin bowling might lead him to consider retirement after this season.
Jadeja, 36, retired from T20Is after the World Cup win but remains a key player for CSK. His all-round abilities, both with bat and ball, are crucial for the team’s balance.
Like Dhoni, Jadeja’s future in the IPL might be tied to CSK’s retention plans and his desire to continue playing. With their extensive achievements, both spinners might see IPL 2025 as a fitting end, given their ages and the emergence of younger talents in the league.
The Jadeja magic was seen in the crucial matches against Australia in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025, where he produced dome magical breakthroughs for India and showed his worth. Also, he provides much stability in the batting lineup as players above him can play freely, thinking that Jadaja can smash balls down the order.
International Stars: Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis’ Potential Exits
As reported by ICC Cricket, Moeen Ali, the English all-rounder, has retired from international cricket with his last appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024.
At 37, he’s set to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, but he has also announced his retirement from English domestic cricket after the 2025 season, as per a Sky Sports article. This timeline suggests that IPL 2025 might be one of his last seasons in franchise cricket, given his age and the shift toward coaching roles, such as his upcoming stint with Warwickshire.
Faf du Plessis, the South African opener, is 41 and has already retired from Test cricket in 2021, with his last ODIs and T20Is in 2019 and 2020, respectively, according to Sportskeeda.
Not retained by RCB, Delhi Capitals picked him up for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, as reported by Sportstar. His experience and batting prowess make him valuable, but at his age, retirement might not be far off.
While he has not explicitly stated about retiring from the IPL, the physical demands and his career stage suggest IPL 2025 could be his final season, impacting DC’s opening lineup significantly.
Implications and Legacy Of the Stars
The potential retirements of these players after IPL 2025 would mark the end of an era for the IPL. Dhoni’s departure would leave a void in CSK’s leadership and fanbase, while Kohli and Rohit’s exits could reshape RCB and MI’s strategies. Ashwin and Jadeja’s retirements would affect the spin bowling landscape, and Moeen and Faf’s departures would reduce the international flavour of their teams. T20 Cricket is fun in itself, where one Day, A team like Zimbabwe beats India in Harare, and the next day, the same team defends 30 runs in 4 overs against South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup.
Their legacies, however, will endure, with Dhoni’s five IPL titles, Kohli’s run-scoring records, and Rohit’s championship wins leaving indelible marks. For fans, IPL 2025 offers a chance to cherish these legends’ final performances if they retire.
The transition to younger players, such as emerging talents from the recent auctions, will be crucial, ensuring the IPL’s future remains vibrant. This season, starting March 22, 2025, promises to be both a celebration and a farewell, depending on each player’s decision.
