New Delhi – Veteran Indian leg‑spinner Yuzvendra Chahal confirmed on Friday that he is hanging up his red‑ball shoes, concluding a first‑class journey that stretched almost ten years while emphasizing that his ambition to don the India jersey in ODIs and T20Is is still very much alive.
Closing the Red‑Ball Chapter
Chahal reflected on a path that began when he was just ten, holding a red ball for the first time. He described the longer format as more than a game, crediting it with instilling patience, resilience and the mental toughness required to survive demanding spells.
Although a Test cap remained elusive, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the experiences and opportunities the format afforded, acknowledging its role in molding the bowler he has become.
148 Wickets Across 49 Matches
The 36‑year‑old bows out of first‑class cricket with 148 scalps at an average of 32.27, his best figures a tidy 6/25. His most recent assignment was with Northamptonshire in the English county circuit.
His final first‑class outing unfolded at Lord’s against Middlesex, where he dismissed two batsmen. In the 2026‑27 County Championship he amassed 21 wickets in five matches, highlighted by a nine‑wicket haul versus Durham.
Targeting an ODI/T20I Comeback
Even as he steps away from the red ball, Chahal made it clear he is not shutting the door on international cricket. In his farewell note he reiterated his appetite to represent India in the limited‑overs arena and insisted he still has plenty of cricket left in him.
He also thanked the Haryana Cricket Association and stalwart supporters Ranbir Singh Mahindra and Anirudh Singh Choudhary for their unwavering belief throughout his career.
With the first‑class chapter now closed, Chahal’s full attention turns to the shorter formats, hoping to earn his way back into the Indian side.
