India’s two-time World Cup-winning leg-spinner, Piyush Chawla, announced his retirement from all formats of professional cricket on Friday.
“After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game,” the 36-year-old Chawla wrote in an Instagram post.
Featuring for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, Chawla amassed over 1000 wickets across formats in professional cricket. Chawla played 3 Tests, 25 ODIs and 7 T20Is for India across six years till his last appearance in 2012, nabbing 43 wickets.
Aged 17 years and 75 days when he first represented India in a Test match against England in March 2006, Chawla remains as India’s second youngest male debutant in the format after Sachin Tendulkar (16y 205d).
“From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment in this incredible journey has been nothing short of a blessing. These memories will forever remain etched in my heart,” Chawla added.
In a prolific IPL career spanned across four franchises, Chawla racked up 192 wickets in as many matches, with his last stint coming with the Mumbai Indians between IPL 2022-24.
“A heartfelt thank you to the IPL franchises who placed their trust in me – Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The Indian Premier League has been a truly special chapter in my career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it. I owe my deepest gratitude to my coaches – Shri K.K. Gautam and Late Shri Pankaj Saraswat-for nurturing and shaping me into the cricketer I became.”
“Today is a deeply emotional day for me as I officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket.
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Chawla made his final competitive appearance for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in November 2024, recording figures of 4/12 at the Wankhede Stadium.
“Though I step away from the crease, cricket will always live within me. I now look forward to embarking on a new journey, carrying with me the spirit and lessons of this beautiful game,” he concluded.
