A two-time World Cup winner, Chawla retires from all formats of the game at 35

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a key member of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 35-year-old made the announcement on Friday through a heartfelt post on Instagram, bringing to a close a distinguished career that spanned nearly two decades.

"Cricket Has Given Me Everything": Chawla Reflects on His Journey

In his emotional farewell note, Chawla expressed deep gratitude for the sport that shaped his life. “It’s time to bid adieu to the beautiful game,” he wrote, adding that the memories of representing India on the global stage particularly during the World Cup triumphs would always remain close to his heart. Though he steps away from the pitch, Chawla emphasized that cricket will forever remain a part of him, describing his professional journey as nothing short of a blessing.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE: A DEFINING CHAPTER

Chawla reserved special praise for the Indian Premier League (IPL), calling it one of the most cherished phases of his career. Throughout his IPL tenure, he played for franchises like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. Acknowledging the impact of the tournament on his growth, both professionally and personally, he thanked the franchises for their unwavering belief in his abilities. With 179 wickets in 181 matches, Chawla retires as one of the top wicket-takers in IPL history.

TRIBUTES TO MENTORS, FAMILY, AND CRICKETING INSTITUTIONS

Paying homage to those who shaped his cricketing journey, Chawla expressed heartfelt thanks to his childhood coaches, particularly Shri K.K. Gautam and the late Shri Pankaj Saraswat, for nurturing his talent in the early years. He credited his family especially his late father for being his constant source of strength and inspiration. Chawla also acknowledged the role of the BCCI, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) in providing him the opportunities and platforms to grow as a cricketer.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND LEGACY

Piyush Chawla's cricketing legacy is marked by notable performances at both domestic and international levels. In the international arena, he represented India in:

3 Test matches, taking 7 wickets

25 ODIs, collecting 32 wickets, with best figures of 4/23

7 T20Is, in which he picked up 4 wickets

However, it was in the IPL where Chawla truly cemented his reputation as a dependable and crafty spinner. His 179 wickets across 181 matches place him among the elite bowlers in the league’s history. Known for his control, variations, and calm demeanor under pressure, Chawla was a valuable asset to every team he represented.

With his retirement, Indian cricket bids farewell to yet another member of its golden generation one that brought home some of the nation’s most treasured cricketing memories. Piyush Chawla leaves the game not just with impressive statistics, but with the respect and admiration of fans, teammates, and the cricketing fraternity alike.