5 Players Who Can Announce International Retirement Based On IPL 2026

5 Players Who Can Announce International Retirement (Source: AFP Photos)

When the Indian Premier League (IPL) happens, all the eyes of cricket fans, experts, as well as the selectors from all cricket governing bodies stay closely towards the competition. Hence, performing there and staying active for their respective IPL team’s betterment hold the key before anything else.

The selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did exactly the same, keeping in mind that they host the high-stakes competition and there are mega ICC competitions coming up for grabs.

Here, based on the performances, IPL 2026 availability and other factors, let’s take a look at who could hang up their boots from international cricket.

5. Mohammed Shami

While announcing the Indian squads for the Afghanistan series, the BCCI gave a clear indication that they have moved beyond Mohammed Shami, who was once their go-to wicket-taking option, even during the 2023 World Cup.

Even though Shami had performed supremely well in India’s domestic circuit across different competitions, it won’t be enough for him to make a comeback to the national side.

[Mohammed Shami IPL 2026 Stats]

Even though Shami began IPL 2026 superbly with the new ball in hand for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he could not carry on the momentum throughout the competition. His economy rate kept worsening, which impacted LSG’s overall performance in IPL 2026 as well.

Therefore, Shami, 35 now, understands age is no longer in his favour either with fitness for long spells being a concern, making him a strong candidate for announcing retirement from international cricket.

Also Read: India's Test Squad vs Afghanistan- Ranji Trophy Top Performers Whom BCCI Overlooked

4. Yuzvendra Chahal

Another popular contender who can take international retirement imminently is Yuzvendra Chahal. The veteran leg-spinner had a subpar IPL campaign with Punjab Kings, although his fielders let him down more than anyone.

[Yuzvendra Chahal IPL 2026 Stats]

Let’s not forget the fact that Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, having taken 233 wickets in 188 matches. The numbers could have increased had the Shreyas Iyer-led side not dropped eight catches in different phases of the competition.

Yet the 35-year-old Chahal did not look as lethal in IPL 2026 as he had been in the past. To make matters worse, the rise of Varun Chakavarthy in T20Is makes his job even more difficult for an international comeback.

3. Manish Pandey

Even at the age of 36, Manish Pandey remains one of the finest athletes in Indian cricket. In addition, he can deliver big whenever given the opportunity, as he made 25 and 45 in his only two IPL 2026 innings.

Manish Pandey's international retirement will open the door for him to explore opportunities in overseas T20 competitions. There is still a lot of cricket left in Manish Pandey, and he should not waste his cricketing days with a slim hope of making an international comeback.

2. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane must understand his cricketing days are no longer far from over. The KKR captain struggled significantly while opening the innings in almost every IPL 2026 match, and there was no extraordinary impact from his end in India’s domestic red-ball competition either for his state, Mumbai, over the past 12 months.

[Ajinkya Rahane IPL 2026 Stats]

Hence, it would be better for Rahane to take the international retirement to focus on other things. In fact, unlike the above-mentioned names, his IPL career is in doubt as well.

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2026 was in two phases. He did superbly with the bat before picking up an injury, particularly against KKR, in which he made 78 off just 38 deliveries.

However, his form has worsened since returning, and he has only been available for 9 matches for the Mumbai Indians. In addition, he was mainly used as an impact substitute in the latter half of IPL 2026, raising more concerns about the most-talked-about subject in terms of cricket at present – his fitness.

[Rohit Sharma IPL 2026 Stats]

Therefore, keeping 2027 ODI World Cup in mind, if Rohit feels his body does not permit any longer for the 50-over format, he must stay away from the game by announcing retirement from international cricket for the betterment of the Indian cricket team.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Nightmare Demands Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Debut