IPL 2026: Icons or emerging stars - what should franchises bet on?

Published - 11 Nov 2025, 15:05 IST | Updated - 11 Nov 2025, 15:05 IST

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to make headlines year-round, during the season, before the auctions, and even after the tournament concludes. Fans and experts constantly debate which players teams should retain or release ahead of the next season. As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, the familiar dilemma returns.

The IPL has always been a platform for young talent to shine and pave their way into the national team. Players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Abhishek Sharma all made their mark through the tournament before establishing themselves as regulars in international cricket. Youngsters bring energy, adaptability, and long-term value to franchises. Investing in them often pays dividends as they grow into future leaders who can serve both the franchise and the country for years to come.

On the other hand, legendary players bring immense experience and stability to a team. Their presence alone can influence a game, not just with performance but through leadership and composure under pressure. Veterans like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have carried their teams for years, guiding younger players and making tactical decisions that can turn matches around. Their knowledge of handling big moments and reading the opposition is invaluable.

However, when it comes to retention, teams must strike the right balance. Legends must be retained strategically and not merely out of sentiment. Their current form and fitness, the value they add to the squad and their long-term future availability are a few factors that must be considered. Meanwhile, retaining promising youngsters should be prioritised, as it provides them with confidence and security to perform without the fear of being dropped.

In essence, a successful franchise builds around a blend of both, the experience of legends who anchor the side and the enthusiasm of rising stars who give fresh energy. While legends can shape the culture of a team, it is the rising stars who carry that legacy forward. The ideal IPL strategy, therefore, lies in knowing when to cherish experience and when to invest in potential.