Piyush Chawla: Prodigy's Long Road to Retirement

Piyush Chawla's cricket career, beginning with a sensational dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar at 17, has concluded with his retirement at 36. This journey, marked by early promise, saw him become a key figure in India's 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, despite limited international appearances. His consistent performance in domestic cricket, amassing over 440 first-class wickets, provided a solid foundation for his celebrated IPL career.

While his international cap remained a distant memory after 2012, Chawla carved out a significant niche in the Indian Premier League. He stands as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, showcasing his enduring skill and impact across multiple franchises. A defining moment was his crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' 2014 IPL triumph, where he hit the winning runs in the final.

Chawla's retirement marks the end of a twenty-year career that spanned from junior prodigy to a veteran of domestic and franchise cricket. His final tournament was the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2024-25 season, concluding after an unsuccessful bid for an IPL 2025 contract. His story is one of enduring dedication and a unique path through cricket's highest echelons.