New Delhi – After nearly ten years of battling with the red ball, India’s veteran leg‑spinner Yuzvendra Chahal announced on Friday that he is hanging up his first‑class boots, while insisting his appetite for representing India in ODIs and T20Is is as strong as ever.
A Red‑Ball Goodbye
In a heartfelt note, Chahal reflected on a journey that began at the age of ten, when the first ball he ever grasped was a crimson one. He described first‑class cricket as more than just another format, crediting it with teaching him patience, resilience and the mental toughness required to survive long spells on the field.
Although a Test cap never materialised, he expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and opportunities the longer game afforded him, acknowledging its pivotal role in moulding the bowler he has become.
148 Wickets in 49 Matches
The 36‑year‑old concludes his first‑class résumé with 148 wickets at an average of 32.27, his best figures a tidy 6 for 25. His most recent chapter unfolded with Northamptonshire in England’s county circuit.
Chahal’s final first‑class outing took place at Lord’s against Middlesex, where he claimed two wickets. In the 2026‑27 County Championship he amassed 21 wickets across five games, highlighted by a nine‑wicket haul versus Durham.
Targeting an ODI/T20I Return
Even as he steps away from the red ball, Chahal made it clear that the door to international cricket remains ajar. In his farewell message he reaffirmed his hunger to don the Indian jersey in limited‑overs formats and asserted that he still has plenty of cricket left in his arsenal.
He also extended gratitude to 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 now closed, Chahal’s focus shifts entirely to the shorter formats, as he eyes a return to the Indian side.
