Veteran spinner Amit Mishra announces retirement from all forms of cricket

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Indian cricket has bid farewell to one of its most seasoned performers as Amit Mishra announced his retirement from professional cricket. Known for his clever variations, flight, and accuracy, Mishra was a dependable leg-spinner who combined traditional skills with modern adaptability. Over the course of 25 years, he became a name synonymous with consistency in both international and domestic cricket, while leaving a lasting legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Mishra’s international career may not have been as prolonged as some of his peers, but it was filled with impactful performances. He represented India in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is,76, 64, and 16 wickets respectively. His memorable debut in 2008 against Australia in Mohali saw him claim a five-wicket haul, placing him among an elite list of Indian bowlers.

In 2013, Mishra equalled Javagal Srinath’s world record for most wickets in a bilateral ODI series by taking 18 wickets in Zimbabwe. He was also instrumental in India’s journey to the final of the 2014, where he picked up 10 wickets at an economy of just 6.68. His last appearance for India came in 2017, after which he continued to play domestic cricket and franchise leagues.

Explaining the reasons behind his retirement, Mishra said that injuries and the desire to pave the way for younger talent prompted his decision.

“These 25 years of my life in cricket have been nothing short of memorable. I am deeply grateful to the BCCI, the Haryana Cricket Association, the support staff, my teammates, and my family. I would also like to thank the fans whose love and support made this journey unforgettable,” Mishra stated as quoted by TOI.

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Where Mishra truly carved his niche was the IPL, where he remains the only bowler to claim three hat-tricks—a feat achieved for Delhi Daredevils in 2008, Kings XI Punjab in 2011, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013. Across 162 matches, he bagged 174 wickets, making him the eighth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history. His consistency, with an average of 23.82 and economy of 7.37, established him as one of the league’s most reliable spinners. His final IPL outing came in 2024 for Lucknow Super Giants, where he signed off with figures of 1/20 against Rajasthan Royals.

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