Veteran Indian Spin Bowler Karn Sharma Retires from All Forms of Cricket

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket at the age of 38, concluding a professional career that spanned nearly two decades.

Sharma confirmed his decision following Kanpur Superstars’ UP T20 League match against the Meerut Mavericks on Saturday, and will play his final professional match on August 25, when Kanpur meets Meerut again in the Lucknow leg of the tournament.

Karn Sharma Career

The spinner made his first-class debut in 2007 and represented India in a single Test, two ODIs, and one T20I. His international tenure began in 2014 and concluded in November of the same year, with his sole Test against Australia in Adelaide yielding four wickets across both innings.

Although his international career was brief, Sharma built a distinguished domestic and T20 record, appearing in 97 first-class matches and taking 270 wickets, 153 wickets in 123 List A games, and 168 wickets in 191 T20 fixtures.

His IPL career forms a significant part of his legacy; he played 90 matches and claimed 83 wickets, winning titles with Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016), Mumbai Indians (2017), and Chennai Super Kings (2018 and 2021). His three consecutive championships with three distinct franchises from 2016 to 2018 constitute a unique accomplishment.

Announcing his decision, Sharma expressed gratitude to his family, the BCCI, Railways, UPCA, Andhra, Vidarbha Cricket Association, and all who supported him throughout his career.

“I now wish to retire. I am deeply grateful to my family, the BCCI, Railways, UPCA, Andhra, Vidarbha Cricket Association, and everyone who has supported me on this journey. Moving forward, I will be available for coaching and other cricket-related responsibilities,” Karn said.

With his final match scheduled for August 25, Karn Sharma is preparing to close a memorable chapter in Indian cricket and embark on the next phase of his career beyond competitive play.

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