Amit Mishra Retirement: Indian Spinner With 3 IPL Hat-Tricks Bids Farewell After Taking 1000+ Wickets

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who bamboozled some of the finest batsmen with his crafty spin, has officially announced his retirement from professional cricket. On Thursday, 4 September 2025, Mishra shared an emotional note on social media, confirming the end of his two-decade-long journey in the sport.

The 42-year-old bowler had been away from the Indian team, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and even domestic cricket for quite some time. With no active cricket in recent years, Mishra finally decided to call it a day. Known for his ability to turn matches with his leg-breaks, googlies, and control, he leaves behind a legacy few bowlers in India can match.

Amit Mishra’s International Career

Mishra made his Test debut for India in 2008 and went on to play 22 Test matches, where he bagged 76 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. In 36 ODIs, he picked up 64 wickets, while in 10 T20 Internationals, he managed 16 wickets.

Despite his undeniable talent, Mishra often found himself overshadowed by legends like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, limiting his opportunities at the international level. Yet, whenever he got a chance, Mishra delivered memorable performances, especially in the 50-over format where he bowled several match-winning spells.

Dominance in Domestic Cricket

Where Mishra truly shone was in India’s domestic circuit. Representing Haryana, he became one of the most prolific spinners in first-class cricket.

• 152 First-Class matches → 535 wickets, including 27 five-wicket hauls

• List A cricket → 252 wickets

• T20 cricket → 285 wickets

In total, Mishra accumulated a staggering 1072 wickets across formats in professional cricket. Not just with the ball, he also contributed with the bat, scoring 4176 runs in first-class cricket, which includes a double century — a rare feat for a lower-order batsman.

IPL Journey: The Hat-Trick King

Amit Mishra’s name is etched permanently in IPL history. Across 15 seasons, playing for franchises like Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Deccan Chargers, and Lucknow Super Giants, Mishra became one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.

• 174 IPL wickets in 161 matches

• 3 IPL hat-tricks — the most by any bowler in the league’s history

• Best bowling figures: 5/17

• Economy rate: 7.37 — an exceptional number considering his long career in the shortest format

Mishra’s knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs made him a captain’s go-to bowler. With his guile and variations, he often turned the tide of matches. Over the years, he also became one of the highest earners in the league, pocketing more than ₹36 crore during his IPL career.

A Career Worth Celebrating

From the dusty grounds of Haryana to the packed stadiums of the IPL, Amit Mishra’s cricket journey is a story of perseverance, skill, and passion. While he may not have played as many matches for India as fans would have liked, his overall numbers and impact speak volumes about his talent.

With over 1000 wickets in professional cricket, multiple match-winning performances, and the rare record of three IPL hat-tricks, Mishra has secured a place among India’s most successful spinners.

As he steps away from the game, Mishra leaves behind countless memories for fans and an example for aspiring young spinners to follow.