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September 4, 2025

Amit Mishra: The Spin Maestro Who Ended a 25-Year Legacy

K
Kalpana SharmaCurrent Affairs Editor & Content Lead

Key Highlights

  • 25‑year career spanning international and IPL cricket.
  • Only bowler to claim three IPL hat‑tricks.
  • Accumulated 535 first‑class wickets, a testament to domestic prowess.
  • Retired on 4 September 2025 at the age of 42.

Detailed Insights

Born in 1983, Amit Mishra emerged as a classic leg‑spinner whose flight, turn and occasional googly made him a formidable threat on sub‑continental pitches. He debuted in Tests during Anil Kumble’s farewell series in 2008, taking a five‑wicket haul in Mohali, yet competition from stalwarts such as Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah limited his international exposure.

In the 2015 Sri Lanka tour, Mishra showcased his match‑winning potential by claiming 15 wickets across three Tests. He was also part of India’s victorious 2013 ICC Champions Trophy squad and played a pivotal role in the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, where India finished as runners‑up.

His IPL journey is equally remarkable. Representing franchises like Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, Mishra became the sole bowler to achieve three hat‑tricks in the league. He remained a reliable middle‑over pacer, consistently picking up key wickets even under pressure.

Beyond the limelight, Mishra was a stalwart for Haryana’s domestic side, taking 535 wickets in 152 first‑class matches from 2001 to 2017. His experience and mentorship helped nurture the next generation of cricketers.

Key Concepts

  • Leg‑Spin: A bowling style where the ball turns from the leg side to the off side for a right‑handed batsman.
  • Hat‑Trick: Three wickets taken by the same bowler in consecutive deliveries.
  • First‑Class Cricket: The highest standard of domestic multi‑day matches.
  • Spin‑Friendly Pitch: A surface that offers significant turn, aiding spin bowlers.
  • Middle Overs: The phase of limited‑overs cricket where bowlers aim to restrict runs and take wickets.

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