Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla retires from all forms of cricket

Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a key member of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 36-year-old shared the news on Instagram, marking the end of a distinguished two-decade-long journey in domestic and international cricket.

Chawla made his debut for India in 2006 and went on to represent the national team in 3 Tests, 25 One-Day Internationals, and 7 T20 Internationals, picking up a total of 43 international wickets. Known for his deceptive googlies and sharp leg-breaks, he played a vital supporting role during some of Indian cricket’s most iconic moments.

“After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game,” Chawla wrote in his post. “From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 and 2011 World Cup squads, every moment in this incredible journey has been nothing short of a blessing.”

Chawla also enjoyed a highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) career, taking 192 wickets in 192 matches. He turned out for several franchises, including Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. His most memorable IPL moment came in 2014, when he helped KKR clinch their second title. His final IPL appearance came with Mumbai Indians during the 2024 season.

He expressed gratitude to all the IPL franchises, calling the league “a truly special chapter” of his career.

Chawla credited his growth to early mentors Shri K.K. Gautam and the late Shri Pankaj Saraswat. He also paid tribute to his late father, acknowledging his belief as the foundation of his success.

His last competitive outing came in November 2024, representing Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked up a match-winning 4-12 against Himachal Pradesh at the Wankhede Stadium. He had also played domestic cricket for Gujarat in various seasons.

“I now look forward to embarking on a new journey, carrying with me the spirit and lessons of this beautiful game,” he concluded.

Chawla leaves behind a legacy of consistency, resilience, and quiet effectiveness — qualities that defined his career and endeared him to fans and teammates alike.