"Cricket will always live within me" - World Cup-winning Indian spinner announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla, part of India’s title-winning teams in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, June 6.
The 36-year-old made his international debut in a Test match against England in 2006 and went on to play three Tests, claiming seven wickets. In ODIs, Chawla featured in 25 matches, taking 32 wickets at an average of 34.90, with best figures of 4/23. He also represented India in seven T20Is, picking up four wickets.
On Friday, Chawla shared a post on Instagram announcing his retirement, writing:
“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.”
“Today is a deeply emotional day for me as I 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 added.
The veteran spinner also paid tribute to his coaches and family, expressing:
“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.”
Chawla played in 137 first-class matches, claiming 446 wickets at an average of 32.82, including 23 five-wicket hauls. Additionally, the leg-spinner featured in 164 List A games, where he took 254 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.
“I have cherished every moment playing in it” - Piyush Chawla pays tribute to his IPL franchise
In the same Instagram post announcing his retirement, Piyush Chawla also expressed gratitude to the IPL franchises he represented during his career—Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians—as well as to the BCCI, UPCA, and GCA. He wrote:
“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 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,” he added.
The 36-year-old retires as the fourth highest wicket-taker in IPL history, having claimed 192 scalps in as many matches.