After a 14-year long professional journey across domestic cricket, the IPL, and international cricket, veteran Indian seamer Mohit Sharma has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 35-year-old took to Instagram, where he made an emotional farewell and thanked all the people and experiences that were part of his journey. “Today, I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket with a full heart. It has been an amazing journey, starting from representing Haryana and then playing for India as well as in the IPL,” he said.
Rise From Domestic Cricket to Team India
Mohit Sharma started his cricket journey in the domestic arena when he made his first-class debut for Haryana in 2011. His good form, in particular, his ability to swing the ball and do well under pressure, swiftly made him one of the most promising fast bowlers in the country. His excellent performances in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season brought him to the attention of the national selectors and got him the first call-up for India.
Mohit played 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India from 2013 to 2015, where he took 37 wickets in total. Being known for his line and length, trickier slower balls, and composed nature, he was a reliable choice in India’s limited-overs squad during this time. One of the highlights of his India tenure was participation in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup squad, wherein he played a significant role in giving the team crucial breakthroughs and ended up as India’s joint third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
IPL Success and the Purple Cap Breakthrough
Mohit’s performance was even more praised in the Indian Premier League, where he was able to execute some of the best spells of his career. As a player for Chennai Super Kings, he became well-known during the 2014 season, attaining the Purple Cap with 23 wickets—a feat that solidified his position as one of the leading fast bowlers of the league.
After a slow period, Mohit made a remarkable comeback with the Gujarat Titans in 2023, where he took 27 wickets at the age of 35, and once again demonstrated his talent, experience, and ability to revitalize himself. The mastery of his last over became the most important weapon for the franchise that season.
His last IPL match was played for Delhi Capitals in 2025, where he was featured in eight games. Though the results were not as good, he brought depth and experience to the squad’s bowling line.
During the IPL career, Mohit managed to get 134 wickets from 120 matches, thereby creating a great legacy in the world’s biggest T20 league.
Consistent Performer in Domestic Cricket
Mohit did not only achieve great things in the IPL and international cricket but also managed to stay a consistent performer across domestic formats. He ended his career having taken:
127 wickets in 44 first-class matches
86 wickets in 78 List A matches
167 wickets in 172 T20 games
A Heartfelt Farewell and Future Aspirations
Mohit, in his retirement letter, expressed sincere thanks to the people and establishments that stood by him through his career. He especially acknowledged the Haryana Cricket Association, referring to it as the “backbone” of his journey. Besides that, he thanked Anirudh Chaudhry extensively, mentioning that he had been a significant factor in the development of his cricketing path.
Besides that, he also thanked the BCCI, his coaches, teammates, IPL franchises, support staff, and, most importantly, his family. “Thank you especially to my wife… I’m excited about serving this game differently in the future,” he said, revealing a possible link with the cricket world in a different role, maybe coaching or mentoring young players.
A Legacy of Discipline, Resilience, and Commitment
Mohit Sharma, as he leaves professional cricket, is remembered for the legacy he built through his sheer hard work, determination, and relentless dedication to his art. His evolution from a Purple Cap winner to representing India on the biggest stage of the sport is a journey that will always inspire young fast bowlers, especially those coming out of the domestic circuit.
His contribution to the Indian cricket domestic and franchise structures will be cherished for a long time while he makes a transition to the next chapter of his cricketing life.
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