In the IPL, we have seen some of the biggest players showcasing their skills. If we specifically talk about Indian names, there is no question that players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who have been part of the tournament since its inception, are once again set for IPL 2025 as the tournament approaches.
However, there are quite a few Indian players who have featured in every edition of the IPL but will not be part of IPL 2025. Take a look at the three big Indian names who won’t be playing in IPL 2025.
Dinesh Karthik
One of the most celebrated names in cricket, Dinesh Karthik has had an incredible career, both for India and in the IPL. His ability to be flexible made him a key player, and we saw how he transformed himself into a finisher when RCB needed someone to play that role. Even for India, the Nidahas Trophy final remains the best example of how he turned the game around in India’s favour.
Speaking of the IPL, Karthik played his final season in 2024. The veteran featured in 257 IPL matches, representing six different franchises. He began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils in 2008 before joining Kings XI Punjab in 2011. After two seasons with Mumbai Indians, he returned to Delhi in 2014. In 2015, RCB acquired him, followed by a stint with Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. He then spent four seasons with KKR.
Last but not least, his transformation into a finisher in the IPL came in the last few years, especially when he joined RCB, representing them from 2022 to 2024.
Wriddhiman Saha
One of the most impressive wicketkeepers for India in Test cricket, Wriddhiman Saha is surely a player who did his job silently, whether for India or in the IPL as well. In the cash-rich league, he played for as many as five different teams, starting with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, where he remained until 2010. He then joined Chennai Super Kings from 2011 to 2013, but with MS Dhoni as the main wicketkeeper, he didn’t get many opportunities. However, whenever he did, he performed well. His moment came when he moved to Punjab Kings, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad, and he finished his IPL career with Gujarat Titans, playing for them from 2022 to 2024 and performing admirably. But now, he will also not be part of the IPL.
Shikhar Dhawan
Known as Mr. ICC, this superstar excelled in the IPL as well. In fact, he is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history after Virat Kohli. This southpaw announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last year and will not be part of the IPL this time. He last played for Punjab Kings, but his career began with Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils). He then moved to the Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers before his turning point came in 2013 when he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he delivered magical performances and became a key player for them. In 2019, he returned to Delhi Capitals, and from 2022 to 2024, he was with Punjab Kings.
