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The classy Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all professional cricket. The decision brings to a close the career of one of India’s most skilled wrist-spinners, whose artistry and deceptive bowling brought joy to fans and frustration to batters for a decade.
Despite being a regular feature in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mishra often found himself in and out of the national side. An underrated bowler in his time, he played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, taking a combined total of 156 international wickets. His classic right-arm leg-spin, characterized by a well-disguised googly, consistently bamboozled batsmen and delivered crucial breakthroughs whenever he was given the opportunity.
Here are top 5 spells of Amit Mishra in international cricket:
5. 4 for 47 vs Zimbabwe: 2013
During his remarkable series in Zimbabwe, Mishra continued his relentless form. At Harare, his control proved too much for the opposition, as he expertly spun a web to claim four vital wickets for just 47 runs. The dominant performance was instrumental in another convincing win for India and earned him the Man of the Match award.
4. 3 for 24 vs West Indies: 2016
In a rain-affected T20I in Lauderhill, Mishra’s spell was a masterclass in economy and precision. He ran through the West Indies lineup with a magnificent three-wicket haul, conceding only 24 runs. While the match ended without a result, his impactful bowling showcased his class in the fast-paced shortest format.
3. 5 for 71 vs Australia: 2008
Mishra’s Test debut in Mohali was a testament to his talent. Filling in for the injured Anil Kumble, the rookie leg-spinner completely baffled the Australian batsmen, claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul. His figures of 5 for 71 were a crucial contribution that helped India secure a famous victory on home soil.
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2. 5 for 18 vs New Zealand: 2016
In a high-stakes series decider in Visakhapatnam, Mishra delivered a performance of a lifetime. His magical spell of 5 for 18 completely unraveled the Kiwi batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 79. This incredible display of skill secured a monumental 190-run win and rightly earned him the Player of the Series award.
1. 6 for 48 vs Zimbabwe: 2013
This spell remains the pinnacle of his one-day international career. In the final ODI of the series in Bulawayo, Mishra’s masterful leg-spin dismantled the opposition with a career-best haul of 6 wickets for just 48 runs. The dominant performance not only sealed a 5-0 whitewash but also saw him tie a world record with 18 wickets in the series.
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