In the ever-churning machine of the Indian Premier League—where stars are traded, released, and auctioned like digital assets—true loyalty is almost mythical. Yet, against all odds, five players have defied the trend: they’ve never been released by their IPL franchises, not once, not ever. From royalty like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and enigmas like Sunil Narine, these icons represent something rare in modern franchise cricket: mutual trust, legacy, and identity.
As the IPL 2026 retention deadline looms, this elite group stands as a testament to what happens when a player and a franchise become inseparable. They’re not just employees—they’re flag bearers. Let’s explore who they are, why they’ve remained untouchable, and what their legacy means for the soul of the IPL.
Table of Contents
- Meet the Five: IPL’s Untouchable Core
- Virat Kohli & RCB: A Love Story With No Exit Clause
- MS Dhoni: The Heartbeat of Chennai Super Kings
- Sachin Tendulkar: Mumbai Indians’ Founding Father
- Sunil Narine: KKR’s Secret Weapon for Over a Decade
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: The New-Age CSK Heir
- Why Franchise Loyalty Still Matters in the IPL
- Conclusion
- Sources
Meet the Five: IPL’s Untouchable Core
Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, hundreds of players have come and gone. Auctions reshape rosters annually, and even World Cup winners find themselves on the release list. But only five have enjoyed uninterrupted tenure with a single franchise:
- Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008–present)
- MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings (2008–present)
- Sachin Tendulkar – Mumbai Indians (2008–2013)
- Sunil Narine – Kolkata Knight Riders (2012–present)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – Chennai Super Kings (2020–present)
Note: Sachin retired in 2013, but was never released—he played his entire IPL career with MI. The others are still active, making their loyalty even more remarkable.
Virat Kohli & RCB: A Love Story With No Exit Clause
Virat Kohli’s name is synonymous with RCB. Drafted as a 19-year-old in 2008, he’s played 242+ matches for the franchise, scored over 7,000 runs, and captained them for nearly a decade . Despite RCB’s infamous “no trophy” drought, Kohli never wavered.
“This is my team,” he once said. And RCB feels the same. They’ve structured their entire identity around him—from merchandise to marketing. Releasing Kohli would be like removing the Eiffel Tower from Paris. It’s simply unthinkable for both player and IPL franchises.
MS Dhoni: The Heartbeat of Chennai Super Kings
“Thala” isn’t just CSK’s captain—he’s its soul. From 2008 to his likely swansong in 2025 or 2026, Dhoni has led CSK to five titles and countless miracles. Even when he stepped back from captaincy, the franchise retained him instantly.
His value goes beyond stats. Dhoni is CSK’s biggest crowd-puller, mentor to young stars like Gaikwad, and a symbol of calm under pressure. The Chennai faithful would revolt at the idea of him in another jersey—and the owners know it.
Sachin Tendulkar: Mumbai Indians’ Founding Father
Though his IPL career was shorter, Sachin Tendulkar’s impact on Mumbai Indians was foundational. He played 78 matches, scored 2,334 runs, and brought instant credibility to the franchise in its formative years.
MI never considered releasing him—not out of obligation, but out of reverence. As the “God of Cricket,” Sachin gave MI global recognition. His presence helped attract future superstars like Rohit Sharma and Pollard. His legacy lives on in Wankhede’s stands and MI’s culture.
Sunil Narine: KKR’s Secret Weapon for Over a Decade
Sunil Narine’s journey hasn’t been without controversy—his bowling action was once under scrutiny—but Kolkata Knight Riders have stood by him through thick and thin.
Why? Because he’s a match-winner. With 170+ wickets and a staggering economy rate under 6.5, Narine dominates powerplays like no other. And his batting? A bonus. KKR knows that in T20 cricket, unpredictability wins—and Narine is their ultimate X-factor. Releasing him would be strategic suicide.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The New-Age CSK Heir
Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s 2021 Orange Cap winner, represents the franchise’s future. Since his debut in 2020, he’s been a model of consistency—over 2,000 runs at a 135+ strike rate .
What’s remarkable is that CSK identified his potential early and never let go—even when other teams bid aggressively in mini-auctions. They see him as Dhoni’s long-term successor: calm, technically sound, and fiercely loyal. At just 27, Gaikwad is already being groomed as CSK’s next flag bearer.
Why Franchise Loyalty Still Matters in the IPL
In an era of global T20 leagues and mercenary player movement, these five remind us that cricket is more than transactions. Loyalty builds:
- Brand identity – Fans connect with consistent faces.
- Team culture – Veterans mentor newcomers organically.
- Long-term success – CSK and MI’s titles were built on stable cores.
As ESPNcricinfo notes, “Franchises that retain core players consistently outperform auction-hoppers over time” . For more on team-building strategies, see our [INTERNAL_LINK:IPL Retention Strategies That Win Titles].
Conclusion
The five players who’ve never been released by their IPL franchises are more than just athletes—they’re institutions. In Kohli, Dhoni, Tendulkar, Narine, and Gaikwad, we see the rare marriage of performance, personality, and permanence. As the IPL evolves, their stories will serve as a blueprint: that in the quest for trophies, loyalty isn’t outdated—it’s essential.
Sources
- Times of India. “From Kohli to MS Dhoni — Players who were never released by their franchises.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- IPL official website player archives https://www.iplt20.com/.
- ESPNcricinfo stats and franchise analysis [[3], [5], [6]].
- BCCI and team press releases on player retentions.