Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 25-year career. The 42-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, citing recurring injuries and a desire to give opportunities to the next generation of cricketers. Throughout his career, Mishra was known for his sharp variations, which made him a valuable asset for both the national team and various domestic and franchise sides.
In a statement, Mishra expressed his gratitude for his long and memorable journey. "These 25 years of my life in cricket have been nothing short of memorable," he said. "Cricket has given me countless memories and invaluable learnings, and each moment on the ground has been a memory I'll treasure for life." He thanked the BCCI, the Haryana Cricket Association, and all his colleagues, family, and fans for their support over the years.
Mishra's international career spanned from 2003 to 2017, during which he played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. He took a total of 156 international wickets, with notable performances including a five-wicket haul on his Test debut against Australia in 2008 and equalling Javagal Srinath's record by taking 18 wickets in a five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in 2013. He was also part of India's squad that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and finished as runners-up in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
While his international career was punctuated by sporadic opportunities, Mishra was a consistent and highly successful bowler in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He concludes his IPL career as the seventh-highest wicket-taker, with 174 wickets in 162 matches. Mishra holds a unique and impressive record, as he remains the only bowler in IPL history to take three hat-tricks, accomplishing the feat for three different teams: Delhi Daredevils (2008), Kings XI Punjab (2011), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013). His last competitive match was for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024.
Mishra has stated that he plans to stay involved in cricket in a new capacity. He intends to pursue opportunities in coaching, commentary, and mentoring young players. He also plans to continue engaging with fans through social media and his YouTube channel, where he shares insights and stories from his playing days. He leaves the sport having made a significant impact, particularly with his skill as a leg-spinner, and a legacy that will be remembered in the record books.
