- Karn Sharma retires from international and Indian domestic cricket at 38.
- He represented India in one Test, two ODIs and one T20I.
- Sharma won four IPL titles during his career and will play his final professional match on August 25.
Veteran Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from international and Indian domestic cricket at the age of 38, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned nearly two decades.
The four-time IPL winner confirmed his decision after the UP T20 League clash between Kanpur Superstars and Meerut Mavericks on Saturday.
Sharma will play his final professional match when Kanpur Superstars face Meerut Mavericks again on August 25, marking the end of a memorable journey that saw him represent India, play for several major IPL franchises and establish himself as one of the most experienced leg-spinners in domestic cricket.
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Karn Sharma Announces Retirement At 38
The veteran spinner made the announcement following Kanpur Superstars' nine-wicket defeat to Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League. Sharma revealed that he had decided it was time to bring his playing career to an end.
“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,” Sharma said.
He also indicated that he intends to remain involved in the sport after retirement.
“After this, I will be available for coaching and other responsibilities related to the game of cricket,” he added.
'There Is No Point In Playing Anymore'
Sharma also opened up about the thinking behind his decision, admitting that at 38, he felt continuing to play would not make sense when opportunities for an India comeback appeared unlikely.
“My station has arrived, I am already 38 and I feel there is no point in playing anymore. The more I play, I will occupy the place of a young player in the team,” Sharma said.
The leg-spinner last represented India in 2014 and finished his international career with four appearances, one Test, two ODIs and one T20I.
Karn Sharma's Four IPL Titles
While Sharma's international career was brief, his legacy in the Indian Premier League is considerably bigger.
He won his first IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, before becoming part of Mumbai Indians' championship-winning campaign in 2017. He then lifted the trophy with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and again in 2021.
That made him a four-time IPL champion and one of the few players to win three consecutive IPL titles with three different franchises between 2016 and 2018.
Across 90 IPL appearances, Sharma claimed 83 wickets, underlining his longevity in the competition. He represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru during his IPL career.
Short International Career With India
Sharma made his international debut in 2014. He played his only Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he dismissed Chris Rogers and David Warner.
He also played two ODIs for India and one T20I. His final international appearance came in November 2014.
Despite limited opportunities at the international level, Sharma remained a prominent figure in India's domestic cricket structure for years.
Final Match On August 25
Although Sharma has announced his retirement, fans will get one final opportunity to watch the veteran leg-spinner in competitive cricket.
He is set to play his final professional match for Kanpur Superstars against Meerut Mavericks on Tuesday, August 25 in the UP T20 League.