Piyush Chawla, a two-time World Cup winner and a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, June 6. The 36-year-old leg-spinner released an emotional statement on social media, officially ending his professional career of more than two decades.
Chawla played only a few Tests, 25 ODIs, and seven T20Is for India, taking seven, 32, and four wickets, respectively. The most notable aspect of his career was being a member of the squads that won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007 and the ICC ODI World Cup at home in 2011. In 2012, he played his last international game against England in Mumbai. In an official statement, he expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates, cricket boards, and, most importantly, his family.
“After over two decades on the pitch, it’s time to say goodbye to the great game. From representing India at the highest level to being a member of the winning 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment of this wonderful journey has been nothing short of a gift. These memories will always be ingrained in my heart. A heartfelt thank you to the IPL teams that have put their trust in me: Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians,” Chawla posted on his official Instagram account.
“Playing in the Indian Premier League has been a genuinely memorable chapter in my career, and I love every moment of it. A special thanks goes to my late father, whose faith in me illuminated the route I followed. Without him, this voyage would not have been possible. “Today is a very emotional day for me as I officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket,” he added.
“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. Closing this chapter with Gratitude !! Retiring from all formats of the game, thank you, everyone, for your support throughout this beautiful journey,” Chawla concluded.
Check out Piyush Chawla’s latest post here:
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Piyush Chawla’s IPL experience
Speaking of the IPL, the leggie has bagged 179 wickets in 181 matches, and is the joint-third in the tournament’s top wicket-takers. Piyush Chawla has represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. Notably, he hit the winning runs in the 2014 IPL final while playing for KKR against his former team, Punjab.
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