Karn Sharma, a four-time IPL champion, announces his retirement from all cricket, stating there's no reason to continue playing.

Former Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 38, concluding a professional journey that spanned over two decades. Sharma's international career included a solitary Test match, two One Day Internationals (ODIs), and one T20 International, with his last appearance for the national team occurring in November 2014.

In a candid conversation with The Indian Express, Sharma reflected on his decision to retire, stating, “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.” He emphasized the importance of allowing younger talent to emerge, acknowledging that he did not foresee a return to the national squad. After discussions with family and friends, he concluded that it was the right time to step away from the game.

Sharma made his Test debut against Australia in Adelaide in 2014, but struggled to secure a consistent spot in the national lineup as R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja solidified their roles in India's spin attack. Despite this, he looks back on his career with pride. Over his domestic career, he played 97 First-Class matches, claiming 270 wickets, and represented various teams including Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Vidarbha, and Andhra. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he participated in over 90 matches for franchises such as Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings, contributing to four IPL championship victories.

Sharma expressed gratitude for his journey, stating, “God gave me everything which I never dreamt of. When I began to play cricket, my dream was always to play for India and play all three formats for the Indian team.” He acknowledged the support he received from family, friends, coaches, and teammates throughout his career.

One of Sharma's most cherished memories is receiving his Test cap, which he described as a defining moment in his life. “Getting a Test cap remains a special place in my heart. It was the best day for sure,” he recalled. As he transitions into retirement, Sharma has not outlined specific plans but expressed a desire to stay connected to the sport. “I want to give back to the game. If someone needs my help, I will be there,” he said, indicating his intention to explore new opportunities in the cricketing world.