New Delhi, June 6: Veteran leg-spinner and two-time World Cup winner Piyush Chawla has officially announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. The 36-year-old made the announcement through an emotional post on Instagram, drawing curtains on a career that spanned over two decades.
Chawla, who debuted for India in 2006, was a key part of the national squad that lifted the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011. He represented India in 3 Tests, 25 One-Day Internationals, and 7 T20 Internationals, claiming a total of 43 wickets across formats.
“After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game,” Chawla wrote in his statement. “From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment has been a blessing. These memories will forever remain etched in my heart.”
A stalwart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chawla’s name is synonymous with consistency and impact. Across his IPL career from 2008 to 2024, he represented four franchises — Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. With 192 wickets to his name, Chawla retires as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history.
He also provided crucial lower-order contributions with the bat, most memorably hitting the winning runs for KKR in the 2014 IPL final against Punjab Kings — a moment etched in the league's folklore.
Reflecting on his IPL journey, Chawla expressed deep gratitude:
“The Indian Premier League has been a truly special chapter in my career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it. A heartfelt thank you to the franchises that placed their trust in me — Punjab Kings, KKR, CSK, and MI.”
Chawla also paid tribute to his late father, dedicating his cricketing journey to his unwavering belief and support. “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.”
While Chawla was still active in the IPL with Mumbai Indians in 2023, he had already begun exploring off-field roles, making appearances as a commentator and cricket analyst during the tournament.
“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,” Chawla concluded.
As he transitions into the next phase of his cricketing association, Chawla leaves behind a legacy of grit, skill, and championship pedigree — both for India and in franchise cricket.
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