What if MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli retire this season?

The ongoing season of the Indian Premier League is the 18th edition of arguably the most-awaited and hyped franchise competition around the globe. MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli are amongst the four cricketers, including Manish Pandey, to have made their presence felt in all 18 seasons so far.

It's no secret how the trifecta of Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli has been a crucial component of the IPL over the years. Through a heap of stellar performances with the bat and via captaincy, the three Indian legends have become the face of the competition. They have made their respective franchises reach great levels in their own right.

Dhoni's only outlet of competitive cricket is the IPL. As for Rohit and Kohli, with them already retiring from T20Is in 2024, the IPL remains their only avenue of 20-over cricket with them well in the midst of the twilight of their careers. There's quite a strong chance that all three might end up hanging their boots from the IPL after the current season.

What if MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli retire this season?

1. End of an era

If Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli call time on their IPL careers, it would truly symbolise the conclusion of a storied legacy. Their varied personalities have made their franchise’s supporters come out to a multitude of venues in large numbers. The supporters have remained glued to their television sets when any of the three cricketers has been involved in the IPL.

2. Massive fan void & emotional impact

The departure of the three will most definitely lead to a deep sense of heartbreak among supporters in India and across the world. The sentimental aftershock would include social media being flooded with emotional tributes and throwback moments. For a whole lot of young ardent followers of the three, the impact would be quite profound; almost as if a part of their childhood had vanished.

3. Brand value & viewership drop

The commercial domain of the IPL could have a significant decline with the exits of Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli. A huge chunk of sponsors, revenue via the sale of merchandise, and social media engagement would be expected to be cut off following the three transitioning their way out of the cash-rich league. The very star-driven appeal of the IPL will undeniably take a massive hit.

4. Fan wars might cool down

Groups of passionate fans of the three cricketers have dominated the cyber space as well as the home venues of the players' respective sides. These debates have often turned heated - be it through meme wars online or physical fights inside the venues themselves. The three calling it a day would be assumed to be linked with the toning down of the high-octane battles which would unfold between the cricketers' follower communities.

Also Check: 5 reasons why IPL 2025 could be MS Dhoni’s final season

 5. A new era would begin  

Every chapter must close, and so will that of Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli once they make their way out. With three seasoned professionals out of the league, there would surely be a lot of opportunities for youngsters in their respective franchises to step into larger roles and forge a reputation of their own. As far as their respecitve sides are concerned, their management would be forced to build new cores and reshape previously-constructed strategies.