On Sunday, August 23, the former Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Notably, Karn represented India in one Test, two ODIs and a T20I, with his last international outing coming in November 2014.
While Karn played his only Test in Australia in Adelaide in 2014, he played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers of Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings in his 16-year career.
“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. There is no point in staying in playing when you know that India call will never come. So I spoke to my family and friends and they said, it’s the right time,” Karn Sharma told The Indian Express.
“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. There are very few players who play all three formats. I did all the hard work, gave all I had. Somewhere in destiny it was written that I will play these games and am happy. I want to thank everyone, my family, friends, coaches, trainers, various Ranji and IPL sides. Physios, trainers and groundsmen, all played a part in my career,” he added.
Karn, who made his first-class debut in 2007, played for more than two decades, where he represented Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Vidarbha and Andhra, playing 97 games and taking 270 wickets in his long career.
“Getting a Test cap remains a special place in my heart. It was the best day for sure. Playing for India and learning I got will hold a special place for sure. Everytime I played, I gave it all I had, I always tried to learn and improve. The time has come for me to say goodbye and sign off cap number 283,” he explained.
What will he do next? There is no immediate plan. “I don’t know, it will be hard to say at the moment but I want to give back to the game. If someone needs my help, I will be there. I will be going into my second innings of my life post retirement, will see what opportunities come my way,” he concluded.
