Karn Sharma announces his decision during UPT20 League

The 38-year-old leg-spinner confirmed his decision on Saturday night after the UPT20 League match between Kanpur Superstars and Meerut Mavericks.

Karn will play his final game during the Lucknow leg of the tournament on August 25 before stepping away from competitive cricket. Although his international career was brief, the Railways cricketer leaves behind an impressive domestic record and a reputation as one of India’s most experienced T20 spinners.

“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,” Karn said after announcing his decision.

He also revealed that he intends to remain involved with the sport, adding that he will be available for coaching and other cricket- responsibilities after retirement.

From Ranji Trophy century to India debut

Karn began his first-class, List A and T20 careers during the 2007-08 domestic season. An all-rounder in his early years, he made an immediate impact by scoring a century on his Ranji Trophy debut. His breakthrough, however, arrived during the 2012-13 season. Karn picked up 21 wickets at an average of 19.04 in just three Ranji Trophy matches and was subsequently named the BCCI’s Best Under-25 Cricketer.

His performances also earned him a major opportunity in the IPL. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for INR 3.75 crore at the 2014 auction, making him the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the time. That season proved to be a turning point. Karn was selected for India’s tour of England and made his T20I debut, dismissing Joe Root for his only wicket in the format.

Four international appearances and an IPL legacy

Karn soon featured in India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

He made his ODI debut in the famous match in which Rohit Sharma smashed a world-record 264. Karn played another game in the series but went wicketless in both appearances. Later in 2014, he received his Test opportunity against Australia in Adelaide. He claimed two wickets in each innings, but the match ultimately became his final appearance for India. An injury ruled him out of the 2015 tour of Zimbabwe, and he never returned to the international setup.

Despite his limited international opportunities, Karn carved out a memorable IPL career.

In 2018, he became the first player to win three consecutive IPL titles with three different teams — Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Mumbai Indians in 2017 and Chennai Super Kings in 2018. His last IPL appearance came for Mumbai Indians in 2025, while he continued representing Railways across formats during the 2025-26 domestic season.

Impressive numbers underline longevity

Karn finishes his first-class career with 270 wickets from 97 matches at an average of 27.60, including 14 five-wicket hauls. He also contributed 2,866 runs, with two centuries and 17 fifties. In List A cricket, he collected 153 wickets in 123 matches, including three five-wicket hauls. His T20 career yielded 168 wickets from 191 matches, with 83 coming in 90 IPL appearances.

After announcing his retirement, Karn leaves the playing field with a career built on perseverance, adaptability and longevity. His next chapter will remain connected to cricket, with coaching and other roles potentially offering the veteran spinner another way to contribute to the game he has served for so long.