Veteran Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from all formats of competitive cricket at the age of 38, bringing the curtain down on a nearly two-decade career highlighted by four IPL titles and 591 wickets across formats.
Sharma made the announcement after Kanpur Superstars suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League. He will play his final professional match against Meerut on August 25 before officially ending his playing career.
Born in Meerut, Sharma came through the Uttar Pradesh cricket system before making his first-class debut for Railways in 2007. He enjoyed a breakthrough Ranji Trophy season in 2012-13, taking 21 wickets in three matches and earning the BCCI’s Best Under-25 Cricketer award.
His performances earned him an IPL breakthrough and eventually an India call-up. Sharma represented India in one Test, two ODIs and one T20I.
However, his biggest success came in the IPL. Sharma is a four-time IPL champion, winning the title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Mumbai Indians in 2017 and Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021. His four championships underline his significant contribution to some of the league’s most successful teams.
Sharma finished his career with 270 first-class wickets, 153 List-A wickets and 168 T20 wickets, taking his overall tally to 591.
The veteran spinner thanked his family, the BCCI, Railways, UPCA and everyone who supported him throughout his career. He also indicated that he could explore coaching after retirement.
His final appearance will bring an emotional end to a memorable journey in Indian cricket.
