Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla – Indian cricket all-rounder, IPL mainstay and two-time World Cup champion
Piyush Chawla is one of Indian cricket‘s most enduring performers, a leg-spinning all-rounder who combined longevity, consistency, and big-match temperament. Best known for his long and successful Indian Premier League career, Chawla also represented India at the highest level and was part of two World Cup, winning squads. His journey spans youth prodigy status, domestic dominance, IPL glory and a lasting post-retirement presence in global T20 leagues.
Piyush Chawla: Biography and Playing Career
Born on December 24, 1988, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Piyush Chawla grew up in a modest middle-class household. His family soon relocated to Moradabad, a move that proved decisive for his cricketing future. It was there that he began structured training, working closely with coach K. K. Gautam at Sonakpur Stadium, where his natural flair for leg spin was refined through disciplined coaching.
Chawla’s talent surfaced early. By his mid-teens, selectors had already earmarked him as a special prospect, fast-tracking him into the Uttar Pradesh Under-22 side and the India Under-19 team. What followed was a rapid ascent through the ranks.
2004-05: He announced himself on the international youth stage during a series against England Under-19s, claiming 13 wickets in just two Youth Tests at an exceptional average, instantly marking him as a bowler to watch.
2005-06: This season cemented his reputation. Chawla delivered a genuine all-round campaign, scoring useful runs and collecting 35 wickets, while playing a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh’s maiden Ranji Trophy title.
2006: In the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Pakistan, he stood out despite India’s loss, taking four wickets and demonstrating composure under pressure on the biggest youth stage.
These performances opened the door to senior cricket. Rather than detailing every season, Chawla’s career is best understood through its defining milestones and achievements.
Piyush Chawla: Major Achievements and Highlights
World Cup winner (ODI): Part of India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, ending a 28-year wait since 1983.
T20 World Cup champion: Member of the squad that won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, a tournament that reshaped modern cricket.
IPL icon: Finished his IPL career with 192 wickets, placing him among the top four wicket-takers in the history of the league.
Two-time IPL champion: Lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders (2014) and Chennai Super Kings (2021).
Across formats and leagues, Chawla became known for his control, tactical intelligence, and a deceptive googly that troubled even the best batters.
Piyush Chawla: Teams Represented
Throughout his long career, Chawla contributed to a wide range of teams in India and abroad, including:
India, India U19, India A, India B, India Green, India Red, Uttar Pradesh, Central Zone, Gujarat, Air India, Chemplast, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Sussex, Somerset, Dubai Royals.
His adaptability allowed him to remain competitive across different conditions and cricketing cultures.
Piyush Chawla: Later Years and Retirement
In June 2025, Chawla officially retired from professional Indian cricket, closing the chapter on an elite-level career that spanned nearly two decades. However, retirement did not mark the end of his time on the field. As of January 2026, he continues to entertain fans by playing for Dubai Royals in the World Legends Pro T20 League, showcasing his experience and love for the game.
Piyush Chawla: Personal Life and Interesting Facts
Off the field, Chawla has always remained deeply connected to his roots. In Moradabad, he met Anubhuti Chauhan, his neighbor and childhood sweetheart. The couple married on November 29, 2013, and share a strong family life. They welcomed their son, Advik Chawla, on March 25, 2017.
His family played a vital role throughout his career, with Anubhuti frequently seen supporting him during IPL matches, particularly during his stint with the Mumbai Indians.
Piyush Chawla: Quick Facts
- Earned the nickname “Giant Killer” after dismissing Sachin Tendulkar with a googly at just 16 years old.
- Follows a veg0etarian lifestyle.
- Practices Hinduism and belongs to the Rajput community.
- Enjoys traveling during his downtime.
Chawla maintains an active presence on social media, especially Instagram, where he shares insights into his cricketing life and family moments, while other platforms are used for updates and fan engagement.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Top Score | Balls bowled | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowl |
| Test | 3 | 6 | 2.00 | 4 | 492 | 7 | 38.57 | 4/69 |
| ODI | 25 | 38 | 5.42 | 13 | 1 312 | 32 | 34.90 | 4/23 |
| T20I | 7 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 138 | 4 | 37.75 | 2/13 |
| T20s | 300 | 1 565 | 14.76 | 45 | 6 258 | 322 | 24.47 | 4/12 |
| List A | 164 | 1 950 | 20.74 | 93 | 8 328 | 254 | 26.94 | 6/46 |
| FC | 137 | 5 486 | 30.99 | 156 | 26 686 | 446 | 32.82 | 6/46 |
