The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a cornerstone of cricketing excellence since its inception in 2008. Over the years, this money-rich T20 franchise league has not only showcased the talents of budding cricketers but also provided a platform for seasoned veterans to extend their careers.

As the 2024 edition of the IPL approaches, speculation mounts about the potential swansongs of celebrated players who have graced the tournament with their brilliance. Now, for many players, this IPL 2024 might be the last time they are featuring in this cash-rich league. Take a look at 5 players who might not feature in the next IPL season.

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

Despite advancing age and concerns about fitness, MS Dhoni has defied expectations with his enduring presence in the IPL. After winning his fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni’s future in the tournament remains uncertain as he approaches the age of 43.

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After winning his fifth IPL in 2023, many expected him to announce his retirement, seeing he was not the same player throughout the season, but Dhoni made no such announcement. Speculations abound that IPL 2024 might mark Dhoni’s final hurrah, with fans bracing themselves for the possibility of bidding farewell to the iconic former Indian captain. 

Dhoni’s contributions to Chennai Super Kings and his indelible impact on the league make his potential retirement a momentous event in IPL history. This year, he handed over the captaincy of CSK to Ruturaj Gaikwad. In July 2024, MS Dhoni will be 43. Being a wicket-keeper and one about to reach 43, Dhoni’s appearance in the 2025 season looks improbable.

Amit Mishra (Lucknow SuperGiants)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned spinner, made a remarkable comeback to the IPL in 2023 at the age of 40, signing with the Lucknow Super Giants. With 166 wickets in 154 IPL games, Mishra’s illustrious career has been characterized by his guile and mastery over spin bowling.

The spinner stood out with his crafty bowling and wicket-taking prowess and has been in contention for the prestigious purple cap for more seasons than not during his long spell in the T20 league. However, citing his advanced age, he could be on his last legs as well.

Renowned as the “Hat-trick Man,” Mishra etched his name in IPL history by claiming three hat-tricks in the 2008, 2011, and 2012 seasons. His ability to outsmart batters with his crafty bowling has been instrumental in his team’s success over the years.

David Warner (Delhi Capitals)

David Warner, the highest-scoring overseas batter in IPL history, could be nearing the twilight of his IPL career. With a string of stellar performances and a cult following in the Indian subcontinent, Warner’s potential retirement would mark the end of an era in T20 cricket.

The maverick opener is likely to play his final T20 World Cup this year, and the southpaw, who has created a cult following in the Indian subcontinent with his brilliant batting and off-the-field antics, could also be inching towards retirement from the IPL.

As Warner prepares to play his final T20 World Cup, speculation mounts about his retirement from the IPL. With close to 6400 runs to his name, Warner’s legacy as one of the IPL’s most iconic batters is firmly established.

Ishant Sharma (Delhi Capitals)

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who missed the 2022 season, returned to the IPL in 2023 with Delhi Capitals. 35 years old, Sharma acknowledges that IPL 2024 could be his final season, marking the end of a distinguished career.

Ishant made his IPL debut in 2008. He has played 105 matches to date in his IPL career, and he took 86 wickets, with an average of 35.24, conceding nearly 8.20 runs per over with a best individual figure of 5/12. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Delhi franchise acquired the services of Ishant Sharma for Rs 50.00 Lac. The 35-year-old is not part of the Indian team anymore, and he also knows that this could be his last season in the IPL.

Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)

Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, will be playing his 17th straight season in the IPL. Leading Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Dhawan’s illustrious career may be nearing its conclusion. Retirement looms on the horizon, and with his growing age, there are very few chances that he will continue playing in 2025.

PBKS bought him in a 1pl 2022 Auction for 8.25 Crores. Dhawan, a consistent run-getter in the competition, is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL’s history. With a wealth of experience under his belt and a large number of runs against his name, the swashbuckling left-hander will be crucial to PBKS’ fortunes.

He made his IPL debut in 2008. Shikhar Dhawan has played 221 matches to date in his IPL career and has scored 6,755 runs, with an average of 35.37. He has also slammed 2 centuries and 51 half-centuries, with his highest IPL score being 106* runs. Shikhar Dhawan has hit 766 fours and 152 sixes in his IPL career. He has played for six different franchises in his IPL career, but the 39-year-old is more likely to retire after the IPL in 2024.