In a moment that marks the end of one of cricket’s most remarkable journeys, Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a 25-year career that redefined leg-spin bowling in Indian cricket. The 42-year-old veteran, who holds the unique distinction of being the only bowler with three IPL hat-tricks, bid farewell to the sport that he calls “my first love, my teacher, and my greatest source of joy.”
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The Numbers That Tell a Story
Mishra’s retirement announcement on September 4, 2025, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, but his legacy was already etched in golden letters across multiple formats. From a young Delhi boy who started as a top-order batsman to becoming one of cricket’s most celebrated leg-spinners, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Amit Mishra’s Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 22 | 76 | 35.72 | 5/71 | 6th Indian with debut 5-wicket haul |
| ODIs | 36 | 64 | 23.60 | 6/48 | Equalled Srinath’s 18 wickets vs Zimbabwe |
| T20Is | 10 | 16 | 24.50 | 3/17 | 2014 T20 World Cup finalist |
| IPL | 162 | 174 | 23.82 | 5/17 | Only bowler with 3 hat-tricks |
| First-Class | 191 | 720+ | 28.50 | 8/80 | Highest 8th wicket partnership (392) |
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.
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 4, 2025
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
The Hat-Trick Hero: A Unique IPL Legacy
What sets Mishra apart in the pantheon of IPL greats isn’t just his 174 wickets that make him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in tournament history, but the unprecedented feat of achieving three hat-tricks for three different teams. This remarkable achievement remains unmatched in IPL history and perhaps never will be equaled.
The Three Magical Hat-Tricks
2008 – Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers
- First hat-trick in IPL history by a spinner
- Victims: Shahid Afridi, Herschelle Gibbs, and three others in a five-wicket haul
- Achievement unlocked: First spinner to take an IPL hat-trick
2011 – Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers
- Second hat-trick while playing for a different franchise
- Victims: Ryan McLaren, Mandeep Singh, Ryan Harris
- Historic moment: Established pattern of hat-tricks across teams
2013 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors India
- Third and record-breaking hat-trick
- Victims: Angelo Mathews, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Sharma, Ashok Dinda
- Epic achievement: Four wickets in an over, cementing his place in IPL folklore
The International Stage: Moments of Brilliance
While IPL brought him fame, Mishra’s international career was punctuated with moments of pure brilliance. His Test debut against Australia in 2008 was the stuff of dreams – walking in as a replacement for the injured Anil Kumble and immediately making his mark with figures of 5/71 in the first innings.
Career-Defining International Performances
Test Debut vs Australia (2008)
- Became the sixth Indian to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut
- Match figures: 7/106 in India’s comprehensive victory
- The moment that announced his arrival on the international stage
ODI Series vs Zimbabwe (2013)
- Equalled Javagal Srinath’s record with 18 wickets in five matches
- Best figures: 6/48 in Bulawayo
- Performance that showcased his mastery in limited-overs cricket
T20 World Cup 2014
- 10 wickets at an average of 14.70
- Economy rate of 6.68 in crucial matches
- Instrumental in India’s journey to the final
The Domestic Giant
Beyond the glitz of international cricket and IPL, Mishra remained a stalwart for Haryana in domestic cricket. His loyalty to the state team that gave him his first break never wavered, and he repaid their faith with over 720 first-class wickets.
Record-Breaking Domestic Achievement
In the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy, Mishra etched his name in cricket history by scoring his only first-class century – an unbeaten 202 against Karnataka. More remarkably, he shared a 392-run eighth-wicket partnership with Jayant Yadav, the highest eighth-wicket stand since World War I and second-highest of all time.
The Man Behind the Records
What made Mishra special wasn’t just his skill with the ball, but his approach to the game. Known for his classical leg-spin that relied on flight, turn, and variations, he adapted his game across formats and conditions. His googly was a thing of beauty, often leaving batsmen bewildered and stumped.
The Philosophy of a Legend
Speaking about his retirement, Mishra reflected: “These 25 years of my life in cricket have been nothing short of memorable. From the struggles and sacrifices in the early days to the unforgettable moments on the field, every chapter has been an experience that has shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”
Looking Ahead: Life After Cricket
True to the spirit of giving back, Mishra has announced his intention to remain involved in cricket through coaching, commentary, and mentoring young cricketers. His plans include regular interactions with fans through social media platforms and YouTube, ensuring his knowledge and experience continue to benefit the next generation.
The Legacy Continues
With his retirement, Indian cricket loses not just a skillful bowler but a craftsman who understood the art of spin bowling like few others. His three IPL hat-tricks, international achievements, and domestic dominance have inspired countless young leg-spinners to take up the craft.
The Bottom Line
TL;DR: Amit Mishra retires as IPL’s only three-time hat-trick hero with 174 wickets, 25 years of international and domestic excellence, and a legacy that transformed leg-spin bowling in Indian cricket. His journey from Delhi boy to cricket legend is complete, but his influence on the game will endure for generations.
As Mishra himself puts it, “Cricket has given me everything, and now, I look forward to giving back to the game that made me who I am.” The game of cricket has indeed been enriched by his presence, and while fans bid farewell to a legend, they can take comfort in knowing that his expertise will continue to nurture future champions.
The hat-trick king has bowled his final delivery, but his legacy will spin on forever in the hearts of cricket lovers worldwide.
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