Piyush Chawla, India`s two-time World Cup-winner, hangs his boots

India`s two-time World Cup-winner, Piyush Chawla, announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The 36-year-old was a part of India`s T20 and ODI World Cup squads in 2007 and 2011, respectively.

“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,” he shared on his official social media handle.

“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 mu career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it,” the post further added. The spinner also thanked his coaches, teams and IPL franchises for shaping his career.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Piyush Chawla (@piyushchawla_official_)

Having debuted for India in 2006, Chawla has featured in 35 international matches. In three Test matches, he has claimed seven wickets with the best bowling figures of four wickets for 69 runs. In 25 ODIs, he registered 32 scalps, followed by four wickets in seven T20I matches.

Being a stalwart of domestic cricket, the Uttar Pradesh-born has 446 wickets in 137 first-class matches. He also scored 5,486 runs in first-class games, including six centuries and 36 half-centuries. Featuring in 192 IPL matches, Chawla finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in league`s history. He played for four franchises and has bagged 192 wickets with his best bowling figures of four wickets for 17 runs.

The left-handed batsman also scored the winning runs in Kolkata Knight Riders` IPL triumph in 2014 against Punjab Kings. He made his competitive cricket debut at the age of 15 years and also played for India Under-19 and the Uttar Pradesh Under-22 team.

Chawla gained the limelight when he dismissed Sachin Tendulkar with his `googly` delivery in the Challenger Series 2005-06. Later, the veteran made his first-class debut at the age of 17 years. He was also part of India`s Asia Cup squad in 2008, in which they ended as runners-up.

This article first appeared on Mid Day