The IPL isn’t just cricket—it’s cinema, theatre, emotion. And nothing hits harder than those farewell moments when legends take their final bow in front of millions of fans.
Here are some of the most emotional player farewell moments in IPL history—ones that brought tears, applause, and goosebumps.
🟡 1. MS Dhoni’s (Possible) Last Lap – IPL 2023 & 2024
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🛐 Fans chanted his name in every stadium—even as visitors
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🛵 Took a lap on a cart with teammates waving to the crowd after winning IPL 2023
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🏹 Still no official retirement, but every game felt like “one last ride”
Moment: That slow, teary lap at Chepauk… absolute goosebumps.
🧢 2. AB de Villiers – Farewell at Chinnaswamy (2021 announcement, 2022 ceremony)
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💔 Didn’t get a playing farewell due to retirement post-2021
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🏟️ RCB gave him a special sendoff in 2022—video tributes, emotional crowd
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🤝 His bond with Virat Kohli brought fans (and players) to tears
Moment: Virat saying “I’ll always consider you my batting partner.”
🧨 3. Lasith Malinga – MI’s Silent Goodbye (2020)
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🐐 MI’s bowling heart walked away quietly after winning the 2019 final with the last over
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🧊 No grand farewell due to COVID bubble in 2020
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💙 Still remembered with love by MI and fans worldwide
Moment: MI tribute video calling him “The Yorker King Forever”
🔥 4. Suresh Raina – “Mr. IPL” Left Unceremoniously (Post 2021)
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💛 Core of CSK, but not retained in 2022
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🥹 Fans heartbroken, as there was no on-field goodbye
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🕊️ Later honored as a legend by CSK and fans
Moment: Commentary debut where fans chanted “Come back Raina!”
🧠 5. Dwayne Bravo – The Party Ends (2022)
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🎶 The entertainer, the finisher, the DJ—retired after 2022
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🎤 CSK and IPL celebrated him with flair
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👑 He ended as IPL’s all-time highest wicket-taker (at the time)
Moment: His dance farewell with CSK team post final match 💃
🛡️ 6. Shane Watson – Teary Retirement Speech (2020)
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🔚 Retired in the CSK dressing room, breaking down mid-speech
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🥹 “I gave it everything, for you all.”
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🎥 Fans only saw this later via emotional video footage
Moment: Watson choking up with gratitude after his 2018–2020 CSK run.
🔵 7. Kieron Pollard – MI’s Loyal Giant Steps Down (2022)
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🧨 One-franchise legend, stepped down after 13 seasons with MI
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🙏 Became part of MI’s support staff
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💙 Emotional press note: “This franchise means the world to me.”
Moment: Tribute montage showing his journey from power-hitter to mentor.
🎩 Honorable Mentions:
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Harbhajan Singh (MI/CSK) – Quiet but respected exit after 2021
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Yuvraj Singh – Played for multiple teams, but fans still hoped for one last hurrah
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Gautam Gambhir – His last KKR match didn’t get the farewell his legacy deserved
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Chris Gayle – No formal farewell yet, but every crowd still chants for him
🧠 Why These Moments Hit So Hard:
| Element |
Why It Matters |
| Player-Fan Bond |
Some players are the identity of a franchise (Dhoni-CSK, ABD-RCB) |
| Long-Term Loyalty |
Farewells sting more when it’s one-club legends stepping away |
| Unspoken Goodbyes |
Many greats didn’t get the final home crowd sendoff |
| On-field to Mentor |
Passing the baton often happens emotionally in dugouts |
🗣️ Fan Quote Vibes:
“We didn’t cry because they left. We cried because they gave us so much to remember.”
Want me to turn this into a tribute article, graphic timeline, or even a reel script for each farewell?