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A Journey of Spin and Grit: Amit

Mishra Bids Farewell to Cricket

After a 25-year career marked by resilience, comebacks, and record-breaking feats, India’s

leg-spinner Amit Mishra has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
mit Mishra, one of India’s most consistent
leg-spinners, announced his retirement
Afrom professional cricket on Thursday,
closing a chapter spanning over a quarter-century.
Known for his cunning spin, determination, and
occasional brilliance that changed matches, Mishra
leaves behind a legacy both in domestic cricket and
on the international stage.
Mishra, reflecting on his career, acknowl-
edged that repeated injuries and a desire to give
younger players opportunities influenced his de-
cision. “These 25 years of my life in cricket have
been nothing short of memorable,” he said. “I am
deeply grateful to the BCCI, Haryana cricket asso-
ciation, my colleagues, family, and the fans whose
love and support made this journey unforgettable.”
Born in 1982 in Haryana, Mishra burst onto
the international scene in 2003 with an ODI debut
against South Africa during the TVS Cup in Dha-
ka. While his first outing was modest—bowling
five overs and claiming the solitary wicket of Neil
McKenzie—he displayed glimpses of the craft that
would define his career. Across formats, Mishra played 68 matches for India, claiming 156 wickets, while remaining a stalwart
Yet, Mishra’s journey was far from smooth.
With Indian spin stalwarts Anil Kumble and Har- for Haryana in domestic cricket (File photo)
bhajan Singh dominating the scene, opportunities
were scarce. For roughly five years, he was largely his IPL debut in 2008 for Delhi Daredevils, led by extended absences, personal struggles, and tri-
absent from the national team, a period that tested Virender Sehwag, who personally called to include umphant comebacks. Through it all, he remained
both his skill and mental resilience. He candidly him in the squad. “IPL helped me a lot financially committed to improving his craft, fitness, and bat-
spoke about the personal toll, revealing that he and provided a platform for my comeback,” Mish- ting, displaying the grit that endeared him to fans
struggled with depression while being sidelined, ra said. Over 162 matches in the league, he claimed and teammates alike.
but he found motivation in self-reflection and the 174 wickets, finishing as the seventh-highest wick- Looking ahead, Mishra intends to stay active-
sheer love of cricket. “I started to focus on improv- et-taker in IPL history with an economy of 7.37. ly involved in cricket, whether through coaching,
ing my small performances, enjoying cricket, and Mishra remains the only bowler in IPL history to commentary, or mentoring young cricketers. He
keeping myself motivated,” he said. secure three hat-tricks for three different teams: also plans to maintain a strong connection with
During this challenging period, Mishra tire- Delhi Daredevils (2008), Kings XI Punjab (2011), fans via social media and YouTube, sharing in-
lessly represented Haryana in domestic cricket, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013). sights and experiences from his journey. “Cricket
striving to prove his worth and earn a recall. His Despite his success, Mishra often lament- has given me countless memories and invaluable
patience and persistence eventually paid off. When ed the delayed recognition of leg-spinners as learnings, and each moment on the ground is a
Kumble faced injury setbacks, Mishra returned to match-winners. “I am sad that it took so long treasure I’ll carry forever,” he said.
the international stage in 2008, making a dream for people to acknowledge that leg-spinners are As Amit Mishra walks away from professional
start to his Test career with a seven-wicket haul wicket-takers,” he remarked, citing legends like cricket, he leaves behind a story of resilience, skill,
against Australia in Mohali. This remarkable de- Shane Warne and Anil Kumble. Nevertheless, he and perseverance. His career serves as a testament
but made him just the sixth Indian bowler to take a embraced every opportunity, performing consis- to the highs and lows every athlete faces, and how
five-for in his first Test, outfoxing established bats- tently whenever selected. passion, hard work, and determination can trans-
men such as Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, and Across formats, Mishra played 68 matches for form setbacks into unforgettable achievements.
Simon Katich. India, claiming 156 wickets, while remaining a stal- For Indian cricket, Mishra’s legacy as a leg-spin
The Indian Premier League (IPL) also played wart for Haryana in domestic cricket. His career maestro, IPL legend, and relentless performer will
a crucial role in Mishra’s resurgence. He made was defined by peaks and valleys—early promise, be remembered for years to come.

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