The year 2025 has been a year plagued by retirements. The 6th of June marked the departure of another cricketing gem. In another shocking development, Indian wrist-spinner Piyush Chawla has announced his retirement from all formats at the age of 36. His last appearance came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) during UP's clash against Himachal on November 25, 2024. He ended his spell with figures of 4-12. 

Chawla has represented India in seven Tests, 32 ODIs, and four T20Is. Furthermore, he was the part of the Indian squad that won the inagural T20 World Cup edition and the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. Although his association with the national side was short-lived, Chawla went on to make a big name for himself in franchise cricket. 

In his IPL career spanning 16 years long, Chawla claimed 192 wickets representing four franchises mostly notably, PBKS, KKR, CSK, and MI. Besides, he made his international debut against England in a Test series in March 2006 making him the second-youngest male debutant for India after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. 

See also: Rohit Sharma opens up on his father's reaction to his Test retirement

Piyush Chawla announces his retirement on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Piyush Chawla (@piyushchawla_official_)

The Aligarh-born wrist spinner made his retirement public on his Instagram account. He posted a heartfelt message to his avid supporters stating that the time has come for him to step away from the cricketing field after two successful decades of passionate cricket. He further highlighted some of his glorious moments in his cricketing career from the highs of 2007 T20 World Cup to the triumph of the 2011 World Cup win at home that ended the 28-year-long wait for India. 

“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.”

Chawla was a deceptive leg spinner who was not renowned to be a big turner of the ball. But he had variations up his sleeve to outfox the batters. After playing a majority of his cricket in the shortest format, Chawla developed a wide range of variations over the years including the googly, flipper and the quicker ball making him a highly reliable asset.