What’s an IPL season without its familiar faces? Since 2008, we have watched the same set of old warhorses create magic year after year.
But IPL 2025 will feel different because three veterans who have played in every single season so far will not be part of the tournament – Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik and Wriddhiman Saha.
It’s not just three names missing from the roster; it’s the end of an era in IPL history.Think of the moments they gave us. Dhawan, always dependable, slicing the ball past point with ease.
Dinesh Karthik, cool as ever, finishing games in the final overs when all hope seemed lost.
Saha, silent but deadly, surprising everyone with a century in an IPL final. These guys weren’t just players.
They were the backbone of many teams, adapting, evolving and proving themselves every season. And just like that, after 17 years, they are gone.
In the IPL, survival is not just about skill; it’s about keeping up with the breakneck speed of the game.
Injuries slowed down Dhawan in 2024 and Punjab Kings had to rethink their approach.
Dinesh Karthik, despite still being a reliable finisher for RCB, chose to walk away on his own terms.
Saha, who often played a supporting role for Gujarat Titans, has decided to focus on domestic cricket and mentorship.
This league waits for no one and in a world where franchises are always building for the future, tough calls had to be made.
Now comes the big question who replaces them? The IPL has always been about new talent but can young players bring the same level of calm under pressure?
Dhawan’s steady starts, Karthik’s clutch finishing and Saha’s precision behind the stumps were qualities that didn’t just appear overnight.
Experience is hard to replace and though the league moves forward, we will miss the assurance these three brought to the game.
For players who gave nearly two decades to this tournament, there were no grand send-offs, no emotional farewell speeches in front of packed stadiums.
That’s the IPL fast, relentless and unforgiving. But their impact won’t fade. The next time a young batter plays a fearless Dhawan-esque innings or a finisher channels Karthik’s
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