Veteran India spinner Karn Sharma announces retirement from all forms of Cricket

Veteran India leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 38, bringing the curtain down on a professional career spanning nearly two decades.

Sharma confirmed his decision after Kanpur Superstars’ UP T20 League clash against Meerut Mavericks on Saturday. He will play his final professional match on August 25, when Kanpur face Meerut again during the Lucknow leg of the tournament.

Karn Sharma Career

The spinner, who made his first-class debut in 2007, represented India in one Test, two ODIs and one T20I. His international career came in 2014, with his final appearance for India coming in November that year. In his only Test, against Australia in Adelaide, Sharma claimed four wickets across the two innings.

While his international career was brief, Sharma established himself as a highly experienced domestic and T20 cricketer. He played 97 first-class matches, taking 270 wickets, while also claiming 153 wickets in 123 List A matches and 168 wickets in 191 T20 matches.

His IPL career remains a major part of his legacy. Sharma played 90 matches in the competition and took 83 wickets. He was part of four IPL-winning teams – Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Mumbai Indians in 2017, and Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021. His three successive titles with three different franchises between 2016 and 2018 remain a unique achievement.

Announcing his decision, Sharma thanked his family, the BCCI, Railways, UPCA, Andhra and everyone who supported him throughout his career.

“I now want to retire. I am extremely grateful to my family, BCCI, Railways, UPCA, Andhra, Vidarbha Cricket Association and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. After this, I will be available for coaching and other responsibilities related to the game of cricket,” Karn said.

With his final match set for August 25, Karn Sharma is now preparing to close a memorable chapter in Indian cricket and begin the next phase of his journey away from competitive playing.