Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma has officially announced the end of his professional cricket career. The 35-year-old pacer from Haryana declared his retirement from all forms of the game on a social media platform, marking the conclusion of a journey that saw him represent India and shine in the Indian Premier League.
An Emotional Farewell and Heartfelt Gratitude
In a detailed and emotional note, Mohit Sharma expressed his profound thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He credited the national cricket board for providing him with the invaluable opportunity to represent his country. The bowler also extended his sincere appreciation to the Haryana Cricket Association and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL.
Mohit Sharma played his last international match for India in 2015. Despite stepping away from the national team early, he remained a formidable force in domestic cricket and the IPL. His retirement post comes after his recent participation in the 2024 IPL season, where he played for the Gujarat Titans.
A Career Defined by Key Moments and Loyalty
Mohit Sharma's career is notably associated with the Chennai Super Kings, where he played a crucial role during their successful campaigns. He was a part of the CSK squad that clinched the IPL title in 2018. His most remarkable individual season came in 2014, where his stellar performance earned him the prestigious Purple Cap for taking the most wickets (23 wickets) in that IPL edition.
On the international stage, the right-arm medium-fast bowler donned the Indian jersey in 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is between 2013 and 2015. He was also a member of India's squad for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. In first-class cricket, representing Haryana, he secured 185 wickets from 62 matches.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins
In his retirement announcement, Mohit Sharma did not just look back. He also looked forward with optimism and a heart full of thanks. He expressed deep gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support throughout the highs and lows of his career. The cricketer stated that while his innings on the field is over, his sense of gratitude will last forever.
The announcement solidifies the departure of a dedicated cricketer known for his clever variations and death bowling. His retirement marks the end of an era for his supporters and adds his name to the list of Indian cricketers who concluded their playing journeys in 2024. The cricket community has begun sharing tributes, celebrating the contributions of a player who gave his all for team and country.