Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla on Friday (June 6) announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket.
The 36-year-old, who represented India in 3 Tests, 25 ODIs and 7 T20Is, confirmed his decision through an Instagram post. He was part of the triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads.
“After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game. 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 wrote.
He played a total of 192 IPL matches across four difference franchises -- Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians, returning with 192 wickets at an economy rate of 7.96, including two four-wicket hauls.
“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,” he added.
Piyush Chawla also acknowledged the contributions of his coaches and family members in his cricketing journey.
“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.”
“To my family, my eternal pillar of strength: your unwavering support has been my foundation through all the highs and lows. A special mention to my late father, whose belief in me lit the path I walked. Without him, this journey would never have been possible.”
He was also grateful for the support of the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and Gujarat Cricket Association.
“I also thank the BCCI, the UPCA (Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association), and the GCA (Gujarat Cricket Association) for providing me with the platform and opportunities to evolve and express myself as a cricketer.”
“Today is a deeply emotional day for me as l officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket.”
“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.
While Piyush Chawla’s India career was limited to only 35 matches and 43 scalps, he was among the top performers in domestic cricket. He has 446 first-class wickets to his name from 137 matches and 254 dismissals from 164 List A fixtures.
