In the fast-paced T20 setting, these players scripted survival stories through different methods

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is knocking on our doors, and as always, several youngsters will get the opportunity to showcase their talent with the hope that one day, they will get a chance to represent their national side. However, IPL is not only about youngsters but also veterans who play to guide the youngsters, and their experience helps the team take the game to the opponent. In fact, some veterans of the game have scripted survival stories by being part of the IPL since 2008, either by virtue of performance or tactical thought process, because of which teams continue to rely on them.

In the following paragraphs, check out veterans who made their IPL debut in 2008 and are still active and will be part of the IPL 2026.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

No one knows for sure if this is the final curtain call for Dhoni, but if it is, I hope he bows out with a script straight out of 2018:- 455 runs, an average of 75, strike rate of 150.

And of course, lifting that trophy one last time to cement the perfect fairy-tale ending.💛 https://t.co/VN7246Nv8t pic.twitter.com/F4o4JwOm8e

— Neeraj⁵⁶ (@MStark_56) March 10, 2026

At 44, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to appear in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings – a team that is his second home. Since 2008, Dhoni has played for the Super Kings and has led them to five IPL trophies. So far, he has played 278 games for the team, having amassed 5,439 runs. Despite losing his batting prowess, Dhoni remains a part of Chennai, given his tactical thinking is a treasure, so it doesn’t matter even if Dhoni fails to make runs. Not to forget, the presence of Dhoni also generates massive revenue for Chennai.

Rohit Sharma

IPL 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ grind begins for Rohit Sharma 😎pic.twitter.com/R8qlgxe1Mm

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) March 7, 2026

One of the four batters in IPL to have over 6,000 runs, Rohit Sharma led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL trophies. Debuting in 2008, Sharma is no longer the captain of the Mumbai Indians outfit but remains part of the team despite retiring from T20 international. Similar to Dhoni, Sharma’s thought process on the field and fan following make him an asset for Mumbai.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is all set for the IPL

(Video - Kohli’s Instagram) pic.twitter.com/xRXoAd02d2

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) March 11, 2026

Virat Kohli also made his debut in 2008 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and never played for any other team. In fact, last year, after 17 years of struggle and trophy drought, Kohli and Bengaluru finally won their maiden IPL trophy. Kohli, too, has retired from the T20 international format but will play, given his runs will help the team to important wins, whereas his fan following will help Bengaluru revenue. Not to forget, Kohli and other veterans like Sharma and Dhoni enjoy a lucrative salary, so why leave the tournament and stop that cash flow?

Ravindra Jadeja

𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢, 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 🔥⚔️

Ravindrasinh Jadeja has arrived for IPL 2026 💗 pic.twitter.com/fVUVl5zTjZ

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 10, 2026

One of the finest all-rounders in the IPL, Ravindra Jadeja had a long association of 12 years with Chennai Super Kings. However, in the upcoming season, he will play for Rajasthan Royals after taking a massive pay cut. In the domestic tournament, Jadeja has played over 250 games, scored over 3,200 runs and taken 170+ wickets.

Apart from these four players, Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey also made their debuts in 2008 and will play in the 2026 edition.