Top 5 players who may retire before the T20 World Cup 2026

As cricket evolves, several legends approach the twilight of their careers. Here are 5 players who may bid farewell before the T20 World Cup 2026, from Rohit Sharma to Trent Boult.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: ESPNCricinfo)

Cricket is entering a new era, with fresh talent emerging across formats and younger players taking center stage in global tournaments. The T20 format, in particular, demands peak fitness, reflexes, and adaptability, making it increasingly challenging for veterans to sustain at the international level. With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, speculation is already rife about which household names may hang up their boots before the tournament begins.

For fans, the prospect is bittersweet. While retirements mark the end of legendary careers, they also create space for the next generation of stars. Here’s a look at 5 international cricketers who may step away from the game before the 2026 edition of cricket’s shortest-format World Cup.

Top 5 players who may retire before T20 World Cup 2026

1. Rohit Sharma (India)

At 38 in 2025, Rohit remains one of the finest white-ball openers in history. His leadership in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and years of IPL dominance have cemented his legacy. However, Rohit has already stepped away from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win, focusing instead on ODIs.

Given India’s push toward grooming younger captains and top-order hitters, Rohit may call time on his international career entirely before 2026. While fans would love to see him continue, his age and workload management could be decisive.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli shocked many by retiring from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup and Tests, ending a decorated chapter of his career. However, his ODI appearances have also become selective, with fitness management and family commitments taking priority.

By 2026, Kohli will be nearly 38. Unless he reinvents himself in a new role, it seems likely that he may step aside fully, making way for India’s next generation of batting superstars.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)

Once India’s most reliable swing bowler, Bhuvneshwar has already been out of the national squad since 2022. At 35, he continues to shine in domestic leagues, but injuries and declining pace have affected his international prospects.

While his skill remains unmatched in the powerplay and death overs, selectors are moving toward younger pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar. Unless there’s an injury crisis, Bhuvneshwar’s chances of returning appear slim, making retirement before 2026 highly probable.

4. Trent Boult

Boult opted out of New Zealand’s central contract in 2022 to prioritize franchise leagues, though he still represents the Black Caps occasionally. At 36 in 2025, his pace remains sharp, but workload management is critical.

With younger pacers like Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne taking charge, Boult may retire from international T20s before 2026, focusing entirely on franchise cricket worldwide.

5. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen, will be 36 in 2026. Known for his calmness and technique, Williamson has faced recurring injuries, particularly to his knees.

While he may still play ODIs or Tests, the high-intensity demands of T20 cricket may push him to retire from the format before 2026. His leadership legacy, however, will inspire generations of Kiwi cricketers.

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