New Delhi [India], June 6: Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned nearly two decades. The former India and IPL star made the announcement via Instagram, expressing gratitude to fans and supporters.
“Closing this chapter with Gratitude !! Retiring from all formats of the game. Thank you everyone for your support throughout this beautiful journey,” Chawla posted on Friday.
A Promising Start
Chawla made headlines early in his career, representing India U-19 at just 15 and playing for Uttar Pradesh U-22. His breakout season in domestic cricket saw him take 35 wickets and score 224 runs, leading UP to their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
International Career Highlights
- ODI debut: 2007 vs Bangladesh — Took 3 wickets
- Test debut: 2006 vs England
- Part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team (2007)
- Member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad
Chawla played 35 matches for India across formats, picking up 43 wickets at an average of 35.76 and an economy rate of 4.75.
His performances during India’s 2007 tour of Ireland and England stood out, especially his duels with Kevin Pietersen, where his googlies and straighter deliveries proved effective.
Despite early promise, Chawla struggled to cement a permanent spot in India’s Test side, especially after Anil Kumble’s retirement, with Amit Mishra emerging as the preferred choice.
IPL Journey
Piyush Chawla enjoyed a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) career:
- Represented Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians
- Took 192 wickets in 192 IPL matches
- Maintained a bowling average of 26.60 and economy rate under 8
Legacy & Final Words
Chawla’s career is a tale of early promise, major tournament success, and consistent IPL performances. Though he couldn’t secure a long-term place in India’s Test squad, his contributions to Indian cricket—especially in ICC tournaments and the IPL—remain noteworthy.
With his retirement, Indian cricket bids goodbye to one of its most skillful leg-spinners of the modern era.