5 Indian Cricketers Who Could Retire in 2026, Unlikely to Feature in 2027 World Cup

New Delhi: As 2026 gets underway, several Indian cricketers may announce their retirement this year. Some players have been out of the national team for a long time, either due to age or a dip in form, making a return increasingly unlikely. Here’s a look at five Indian players who could bid farewell to international cricket in 2026.

1. Ajinkya Rahane
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane’s return to the national team now seems nearly impossible. Rahane, who has played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, currently represents Mumbai in domestic cricket. He will turn 38 in June 2026, and a comeback to international cricket appears highly unlikely.

2. Umesh Yadav
Pace bowler Umesh Yadav is completely out of the selectors’ plans. He plays only sporadically for Vidarbha in domestic cricket. Once considered India’s fastest bowler, Yadav has taken 288 international wickets across formats but now finds opportunities limited.

3. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma debuted for India in 2007 and played his last international match in 2021. The 37-year-old has claimed 311 Test wickets, 115 ODI wickets, and 8 T20I wickets, but a return to the national team seems highly unlikely.

4. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, once a key spinner for India and part of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad, has not featured in any international matches since 2023. His pathway back into Team India appears almost entirely closed.

5. Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey, the first Indian batter to score a century in the IPL, has played 29 ODIs and 39 T20Is for India. He is not currently active in domestic cricket, making retirement a probable step this year.

With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, it seems unlikely that any of these players will be part of India’s plans. 2026 may well mark the end of an era for several seasoned campaigners who have contributed significantly to Indian cricket.