New Delhi – Veteran Indian leg‑spinner Yuzvendra Chahal announced on Friday that he is officially retiring from first‑class cricket, concluding a nine‑year journey with the red ball while keeping his ambition to don the national colours in ODIs and T20Is very much alive.
A Red‑Ball Chapter Ends
Chahal reflected on a path that began at age ten, when the first ball he ever held was, fittingly, red. He described the longer format as more than a stepping‑stone – it taught him patience, resilience and the mental toughness required to survive long spells on the field.
Although a Test cap never materialised, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the experiences and lessons the format offered, acknowledging how it helped mould the bowler he is today.
148 Wickets Across 49 Matches
The 36‑year‑old bowler wraps up his first‑class record with 148 wickets at an average of 32.27, his best figures a tidy 6 for 25. His most recent assignment was with Northamptonshire in England’s county circuit.
Chahal’s final first‑class outing came at Lord’s against Middlesex, where he claimed two scalps. In the 2026‑27 County Championship he tallied 21 wickets in five games, highlighted by a nine‑wicket haul versus Durham.
Eyes Fixed on Limited‑Overs Comeback
Even as he steps away from the red ball, Chahal made it clear that the door on international cricket remains open. In his farewell note he reiterated his appetite for representing India in the shorter formats and insisted there’s still plenty of cricket left in his veins.
He also thanked the Haryana Cricket Association and key mentors – Ranbir Singh Mahindra and Anirudh Singh Choudhary – for their unwavering belief throughout his career.
With the first‑class chapter closed, Chahal’s full attention now turns to the ODI and T20I arenas, hoping to earn his spot back in the Indian side.
