'No point in playing anymore': Karn Sharma, winner of 4 IPL titles, retires

Former India leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 38, after a career spanning over two decades. Sharma played one Test, two ODIs, and one T20I for India, with his final international appearance taking place in November 2014.

Reflecting on his career, Sharma expressed that his time in the game had come to an end. With India's call unlikely to return, he decided to speak to his family and friends, who agreed that it was the right time for him to retire. Sharma's journey included a successful Test match against Australia in 2014, followed by a struggle to reclaim his place in the national team due to the emergence of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India's spin department.

Despite these challenges, Sharma remains content with his accomplishments, having played 97 First-Class matches, taking 270 wickets, and representing Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Vidarbha, and Andhra. He also made over 90 IPL appearances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings, securing four IPL titles.

Sharma credited his family, friends, coaches, trainers, physios, trainers, and groundsmen for their contributions to his career. He particularly remembered receiving his India Test cap as one of the most significant moments in his life. Sharma's final appearance in a Test match earned him the number 283 cap.

As he steps away from the game, Sharma has no immediate plans but hopes to remain connected to cricket. He expressed a willingness to assist others in need and shared his intention to embark on a new chapter in his life.