Two-time World Cup winner Piyush Chawla announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Piyush Chawla made his international cricket debut in 2006.

Veteran Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The leg-spinner made the decision public through an Instagram post on Friday (6th June), thanking everyone who supported him throughout his journey. 

Piyush Chawla ended his career as one of the finest players who represented the Indian Cricket Team in all three formats. The leg-spinner was part of the team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and then also featured in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, where he played three games, helping India win the tournament. 

Piyush Chawla made his international debut in 2006 during the test series against England. After that, he got the ODI cap in 2007 in a game against Bangladesh. He had to wait for his T20I debut, which came in 2010 against South Africa. 

Piyush Chawla, who last featured for India in 2012, continued grinding hard in the domestic circuit and also made a massive impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The leg-spinner represented Punjab Kings (previously Kings XI Punjab), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI), winning the title with KKR in 2014, where he hit the winning runs. 

After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game – Piyush Chawla

Sharing an emotional post on his Instagram account, Piyush Chawla said: 

“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. 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: 

“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 | 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.” 

“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.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Piyush Chawla (@piyushchawla_official_)

Piyush Chawla represented the Indian Cricket Team in three tests, picking seven wickets. In the 25 ODIs, the leg-spinner bagged 35 scalps and also has four wickets to his name in the T20Is. 

In the IPL, Chawla is the third-highest wicket-taker. He ends his career with 192 wickets at an average of 26.6 and an economy of 7.96 with a best of 4/17 in the 192 games. 

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