India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Friday announced his retirement from first-class cricket, bringing an end to his red-ball career after 17 years.
Chahal said his dream of playing Test cricket may not be fulfilled, but he remains determined to continue playing white-ball cricket for India.
The 35-year-old, who has played 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is for India, never got the chance to play a Test match. His last international appearance came in a T20I against the West Indies in August 2023.
148 wickets in first-class cricket
Chahal made his first-class debut for Haryana in 2009. He finished his red-ball career with 148 wickets from 49 matches at an average of 32.27. He played his last first-class match at Lord’s and said the Test cap remained a dream throughout his career.
Announcing his decision on Instagram, Chahal looked back at his journey with the red ball.
“The first cricket ball I ever held was a red ball. I was 10 years old, and I had no idea then how deeply I would fall in love with this game.
“For me, red-ball cricket was never just another format. It was where I learned the meaning of patience, character, resilience and the pure joy of being out there for hours, fighting for every run and every wicket.
“I played my last First-Class match at Lords, saying these words is emotional as a Test cap was always a dream, one that I carried with me for many years. It may not have happened, but I am genuinely content with the journey I have had and incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way in this format.
“The red ball gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my life, and nothing will ever take that away.”
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‘I AM NOT DONE YET’
While Chahal has walked away from first-class cricket, he made it clear that he has no plans to stop playing international cricket.
“But I AM NOT DONE YET. The hunger to play for my country is still very much alive. I believe I have the cricket left in me, and I will give everything I have to earn another opportunity in the One-Day and T20 formats,” he said.
Chahal also thanked the Haryana Cricket Association and its former officials for their support throughout his career.
“A special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association, Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahindra Sir and Mr. Anirudh Singh Chaudhary Sir for their continuous support, trust and belief throughout my journey. From a 10-year-old holding his first red ball to playing his final First-Class game, it has been one hell of a journey,” Chahal said.
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