Amit Mishra Announces Retirement from Cricket After 25-Year Career

India legspinner Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 42, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished 25-year career. His last international appearance came in 2017, while his final competitive outing was for Lucknow Super Giants in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.

A seasoned campaigner, Mishra represented India in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is between 2003 and 2017. Known for his classical leg-spin and deceptive googly, he remained a prominent figure in Indian domestic cricket and the IPL even after falling out of the national squad.

Mishra’s IPL career was particularly noteworthy. He played for four franchises — Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants. Except for IPL 2022, he featured in every season from the tournament’s inception in 2008 to 2024, finishing with 174 wickets in 162 matches — eighth on the all-time list. He also holds the record for the most hat-tricks in IPL history, achieving the feat thrice — in 2008, 2011, and 2013.

In an emotional message shared on social media, Mishra said:

“Today, after 25 years, I announce my retirement from cricket — a game that has been my first love, my teacher, and my greatest source of joy. This journey has been filled with countless emotions — moments of pride, hardship, learning, and love... Cricket has given me everything, and now, I look forward to giving back to the game that made me who I am.”

Mishra began his cricketing journey with Haryana, making his first-class debut in the 2000-01 season. Despite early promise, his opportunities at the international level were limited due to the dominance of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. He finally made his Test debut in 2008 against Australia in Mohali, stepping in for an injured Kumble and making an immediate impact with a five-wicket haul.

Although never a permanent fixture in the national side, Mishra remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket and was called up for key tournaments, including the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2014 T20 World Cup.

His domestic and franchise career statistics are impressive:

• First-Class: 535 wickets in 152 matches, including a double-century (202*) against Karnataka in 2012

• List A: 252 wickets in 152 matches

• T20s: 285 wickets in 259 matches

As he steps away from the field, Amit Mishra leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s most skillful and enduring legspinners, admired for his craft, longevity, and contribution to the IPL’s history.