Amit Mishra retires from cricket: Highlights of his career

Amit Mishra retires from cricket after a glorious career. Explore his records, IPL success, memorable spells, and legacy as India’s celebrated leg-spinner.

Amit Mishra, one of India’s most enduring leg-spinners, has officially retired from all forms of cricket at the age of 42, bringing an illustrious 25-year-long career to an end and closing the chapter on one of IPL’s most iconic bowling stories. Mishra leaves behind a legacy highlighted by his record of 174 IPL wickets, fifth among all spinners in the tournament’s history, and the unique distinction of holding three IPL hat-tricks, a feat yet unmatched by any other bowler in the league.

Announcing his retirement, Mishra expressed deep gratitude to the BCCI, Haryana Cricket Association, his coaches, teammates, fans, and especially his family for their unwavering support through every high and low. He cited recurring injuries and a desire to make way for the next generation of talent as reasons for stepping down.

Early career and national debut
Amit Mishra’s journey began on the domestic circuit in the early 2000s, where he quickly made a name for himself with classical leg-spin artistry, combining guile, and a deceptive googly that troubled batters at every level. 

With contemporaries like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh dominating the national side, Mishra’s entry into international cricket was delayed. He finally debuted for India in ODIs in 2003 and received his Test cap in 2008 when an injury opened the door for him against Australia in Mohali. 

He seized the moment with a five-wicket haul, becoming only the sixth India bowler to take a five-for on Test debut. Despite a promising start, Mishra struggled for a consistent place due to the depth of Indian spin resources but remained a stalwart for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions.

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Stats across formats 
Mishra, 42, last played for Team India in 2017. However, he was active in the domestic arena and IPL, most recently turning out for Lucknow Super Giants in 2024. He finished his career with 22 Tests, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is to his name for India, bagging 156 international wickets. 

Throughout his IPL tenure, Mishra solidified his status as one of the most dependable spin bowlers across teams, with a remarkable tally of 174 wickets in 162 matches. He alone holds the record for three IPL hat-tricks, each achieved with a different franchise: Delhi Daredevils (2008), Deccan Chargers (2011), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013).

Beyond the IPL, his overall career stats are equally impressive: 535 wickets from 152 first-class games, 252 wickets in 152 List A matches, and 285 wickets in 259 T20s. Mishra occasionally chipped in with the bat, highlighted by his unbeaten double-century (202*) for Haryana against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy in December 2012.

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. I am deeply grateful to the BCCI,… pic.twitter.com/ouEzjU8cnp

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 4, 2025

IPL superstardom
If any stage belonged unequivocally to Mishra, it was the IPL. He played for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants. His adaptability, relentless accuracy, and ability to vary his pace made him a linchpin for every franchise he represented. He provided invaluable breakthroughs and rarely allowed batters to dominate. 

Key international performances
Mishra was at his best during short bursts at the national level. A standout moment came in the 2013 Zimbabwe series, where he took 18 wickets in five ODIs, matching Javagal Srinath’s record for the most wickets in a bilateral ODI series for India. During the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, his ten wickets at an average of 14.70 helped India reach the final.

What lies ahead
Amit Mishra’s journey with cricket does not end with his retirement. He will surely look to remain closely involved with the sport, be it through coaching, commentary, or mentoring young cricketers. Mishra is also active on social media and YouTube, where he regularly shares stories, analysis, and cricketing lessons for fans and aspiring athletes. 

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