Piyush Chawla Announces Retirement from Professional Cricket

Piyush Chawla, the renowned leg-spinner and two-time World Cup champion, has announced his retirement from professional cricket after an illustrious career spanning over 20 years. Known for his pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, Chawla made his Test debut at a young age and has left an indelible mark on the sport. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude to his mentors and reflected on the cherished moments of his cricketing journey. As he steps away from the game, Chawla looks forward to a new chapter while carrying the spirit of cricket with him.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2025, 15:35 IST

Piyush Chawla Bids Farewell to Cricket

Piyush Chawla, the seasoned leg-spinner and two-time World Cup winner, has officially declared his retirement from all formats of professional cricket. The 36-year-old shared this heartfelt announcement through an emotional post on Instagram, marking the conclusion of a remarkable cricketing journey that spanned over 20 years.

In his post, Chawla expressed, "After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid farewell to this beautiful game."

A Journey Filled with Achievements

Chawla etched his name in Indian cricket history as part of the victorious teams in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Known for his clever leg-spin and ability to take crucial wickets, he represented India in 3 Test matches, 25 ODIs, and 7 T20Is, accumulating a total of 43 international wickets.

One of his remarkable achievements includes making his Test debut at just 17 years and 75 days against England in March 2006, making him the second youngest Test debutant for India, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Reflecting on his international career, he stated, "From leading India at the highest level to being part of the winning teams in the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cups, every moment of this incredible journey has been a blessing."

A Veteran of the IPL

In addition to his international career, Chawla was a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over a span of 14 years, he participated in 192 matches, taking exactly 192 wickets while playing for franchises like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians.

Chawla expressed his gratitude towards the IPL, saying, "The IPL has been a very special part of my career, and I have cherished every moment spent playing in it." His final appearance in the league was with the Mumbai Indians, where he played from 2022 to 2024.

Gratitude and New Beginnings

In his farewell message, Chawla extended heartfelt thanks to his early mentors, stating, "I am grateful to my coaches – Shri K.K. Gautam and the late Shri Pankaj Saraswat – for shaping me into the cricketer I have become."

He concluded by emphasizing that while his professional playing days have ended, his bond with cricket will endure. "Even as I step away from the crease, cricket will always remain within me. I look forward to starting a new chapter, carrying the spirit and lessons of this wonderful game with me."