Amit Mishra has announced his retirement from cricket

Amit Mishra has announced his retirement from cricket

42-year-old Indian cricket veteran Amit Mishra has retired from professional cricket. His career spanned over 25 years. The leg-spinner's international career included 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is.

India’s legspinner Amit Mishra has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 42. He played international cricket from 2003 to 2017, appearing in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. His last match was for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024.

Mishra said he’s proud of his 25-year journey, where he played alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar, under captains like MS Dhoni, and with current stars like Rohit Sharma. “Cricket gave me everything respect, identity, and purpose,” he said. “I may not have had a grand farewell, but I gave my best every time I played.”

In the IPL, Mishra played for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and LSG. He featured in every season from 2008 to 2024, except 2022. He took 174 wickets in 162 matches eighth on the all-time list and holds the record for most IPL hat-tricks (three), achieved in 2008, 2011, and 2013.

He said his 2008 hat-trick was a turning point. “I was doing well in domestic cricket, but couldn’t get back into the Indian team. That hat-trick helped me return and kickstart my T20 career.” He had also impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy the year before, taking 25 wickets.

Mishra began his career with Haryana and made his first-class debut in the 2000-01 season. Known for his classic legbreaks and sharp googlies, he made his international debut in 2003 in an ODI against South Africa. His Test debut came in 2008 against Australia when Anil Kumble was injured. He took five wickets in that match, but didn’t get a long run in the team due to strong competition from other spinners.

“There was pressure to fill Kumble’s shoes,” Mishra said. He continued to shine in domestic cricket and the IPL, which earned him comebacks to the national side, including for the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Talking about his ups and downs, Mishra admitted it was tough. “Sometimes I was in the team, sometimes not. It was frustrating. But I reminded myself that playing for India is a dream. I stayed positive and worked hard on my fitness, batting, and bowling. Whenever I got a chance, I gave my best.”

Mishra ends his career with 535 wickets in 152 first-class matches, 252 wickets in 152 List A games, and 285 wickets in 259 T20S. He also scored a double-century an unbeaten 202 against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy in 2012.