IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma becomes first capped cricketer to play 19 seasons

Indian Premier League veteran Rohit Sharma etched his name into the record books on Sunday, March 29, becoming the first player in IPL history to feature in all 19 editions of the tournament as a capped cricketer. The milestone came as the Mumbai Indians’ opener was named in the playing XI for MI in their IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29. 

Overall, Rohit and Virat Kohli are the cricketers to have played all 19 seasons of the Indian Premier League. However, what sets Rohit apart is that he has been a capped international player throughout his IPL journey. The right-hander had already made his India debut in June 2007 against Ireland in Belfast, followed by his T20I debut later that year, well before the inaugural IPL season in 2008.

In contrast, Kohli featured in the 2008 before making his international debut for India later that year against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The former RCB skipper has remained a one-franchise player with Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the league’s inception. So overall, despite playing all seasons, Virat played the inaugural season as an uncapped player.

Meanwhile, Rohit began his IPL career with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, representing them in the first three seasons of the IPL. During his stint for them, he scored 1170 runs in 45 matches and played a key role in their title-winning campaign in 2009. Notably, he also clinched the Emerging Player of the Season award that year and registered a memorable hat-trick against his current franchise, Mumbai Indians.

The stylish batter moved to Mumbai Indians during the 2011 mega auction and has since become synonymous with the franchise, leading them to five IPL championships under his captaincy. Over the years, Rohit has featured in 228 matches for MI, amassing 5876 runs and establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent performers.