Indian spinner Piyush Chawla has retired from all cricket formats. The 36-year-old bowler wrote in an Instagram post on Friday: “After being on the field for more than two decades, it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful game.”
Piyush Chawla has been part of the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the Indian team to win the ODI World Cup in 2011. He has also won 2 IPL titles for Kolkata Knight Riders. Chawla has played 3 Tests, 25 ODI and 7 T20 international matches for India. He has taken a total of 43 wickets.
Piyush Chawla wrote-
From representing India to the top level to being part of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, every moment in this wonderful journey has not been less than a blessing. These memories will always be in my heart.
He wrote.
I sincerely thank the IPL franchisees – Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. IPL has been a special chapter of my career and I enjoy every moment of playing.
Written for a father – without them this journey would not have been possible Piyush thanked his coach, family and father in his post and wrote: 'I am very grateful to my coach (KK Gautam and Heavenly Pankaj Saraswat) who developed me as a cricketer. My family has been my strength and pillar on this trip. During all the ups and downs, the family's unwavering support has been my foundation. I want to specify my heavenly father. He had a strong faith in me and he paved the way for me. Without them this trip would never be possible. '
Piyush Chawla with Rahul Dravid after taking the first wicket in his first Test in 2006.
He wrote- 'Today is a very emotional day for me, because I officially announce retirement from all formats of international and domestic cricket. Even if I go away from the crease, cricket will always be alive in me. Now I am eager to start a new journey with the spirit and lesson of this beautiful game with me. '
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).