Amit Mishra
The leg-spinner who claimed three IPL hat-tricks, a feat matched only by one other.
Amit Mishra is a former Indian cricketer born on 24 November 1982, known as a right-arm leg-break bowler and right-handed tail-ender. He has represented India in Test matches, ODIs, and T20s, and was a member of the squad that won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. In domestic cricket, he plays for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. His IPL career began with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), where he made history by taking three hat-tricks. He also played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. Mishra is recognized as the seventh highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history.
- Role
- Right-arm leg-break bowler
- Affiliation
- Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Haryana
- Status
- Former Indian cricketer
- Key Attribute
- One of only two players to take three hat-tricks in IPL history
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Mishra's international career began with a dramatic Test debut against Australia at Mohali after Anil Kumble was injured. He took 5/71 in the first innings and 2/35 in the second, leading India to victory. Despite initial plans to drop him if Kumble recovered, injuries to Harbhajan Singh and other circumstances kept Mishra in the side for a period, though the timeline and specifics are often misremembered. His Test journey included struggles on tours of New Zealand and England, where he was often dropped for Pragyan Ojha or Harbhajan, yet he produced standout performances like his highest score of 84 against England in 2011 and seven wickets in a single Test against Bangladesh.
In Their Own Story
In the IPL, Mishra etched his name into history on 17 April 2013 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Pune Warriors India. He took a hat-trick, becoming the first player ever to achieve three hat-tricks in IPL history; his previous two came in 2008 for Delhi Daredevils against Deccan Chargers and in 2011 for Deccan Chargers against Kings XI Punjab. His dominance continued as he became the bowler who has dismissed Rohit Sharma the most times in the tournament, equalling Zaheer Khan and Sandeep Lamichhane's record. Although a finger injury cut short his 2020 campaign after three wickets at an economy of 7.20, his legacy as a prolific wicket-taker for Delhi Daredevils across multiple seasons remains intact.
Reader's Guide
Mishra made his ODI debut against South Africa in the TVS Cup in 2003. A highlight of his limited-overs career occurred during the July 2013 series against Zimbabwe, where he took 4/47 to win the Man of the Match award in the third ODI. He equalled Javagal Srinath's world record for most wickets (18) in a bilateral ODI series, achieving this feat in fewer matches than the original record holder. In New Zealand's 2016–17 tour of India, he was named Player of the Series after taking 15 wickets in five games, including a match-winning 5/18 in the final game. He also took three wickets (3/24) in one of two T20I games during India's 2016 tour of the West Indies.
Did You Know?
- Mishra took his third IPL hat-trick on 17 April 2014, becoming one of only two players to achieve three hat-tricks in the tournament's history.
- His best performance in a bilateral ODI series came in 2016–17 against England, where he took 15 wickets and won Player of the Series.
- During his Test debut against Australia, he took 5/71 and 2/35, becoming the leading wicket-taker of the match.
- He is the only Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in three different IPL seasons.
- Mishra's 5/17 against Punjab in 2008 remains one of the best bowling figures in IPL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amit Mishra?
Amit Mishra is a retired Indian cricketer born on November 24, 1982, renowned primarily as a right-arm leg-spin bowler. He represented India across all formats and was part of the squad that secured the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy title.
What role does he play for Delhi Capitals?
For Delhi Capitals, Mishra serves as a specialist right-arm leg-break bowler who occasionally contributes with lower-order batting. His primary duty is to contain runs in the middle overs and take crucial wickets against top-line opposition.
What unique record does he hold in the IPL?
Mishra holds the distinction of being the first player in IPL history to claim three hat-tricks during his career. This remarkable feat underscores his ability to change the momentum of a match instantly with his spin variations.
Which other teams has Amit Mishra represented?
Beyond Delhi, Mishra also represented Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Lucknow Super Giants in franchise cricket. Domestically, he plays for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy alongside his white-ball commitments.
Why is Amit Mishra considered a legend of the franchise?
He is an icon for Delhi Capitals due to being one of the franchise's most experienced and consistent performers over many seasons. His longevity and record-breaking achievements make him a vital part of the team's legacy history.