Yuzvendra Chahal Announces Retirement From First-Class Cricket, To Continue In ODIs And T20s

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has announced his retirement from first-class cricket with immediate effect, bringing his red-ball career to an end at the age of 36. Chahal, however, has made it clear that he will continue playing white-ball cricket and remains focused on earning another opportunity with India in the ODI and T20 formats.

Chahal announced the decision on social media on October 2. His final first-class appearance came for Northamptonshire against Middlesex at Lord’s during the 2026 County Championship season.

Chahal To Continue White-Ball Cricket

Chahal said his journey in red-ball cricket had come to an end but stressed that he was not retiring from ODI and T20 cricket.

He said his desire to represent India remained strong and that he would continue working towards another opportunity in both white-ball formats.

Chahal has not played for India since 2023 but was part of the squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Chahal’s First-Class Record

Chahal finishes his first-class career with 148 wickets from 49 matches, according to the figures provided in his career record.

He recorded six five-wicket hauls and eight four-wicket hauls during his red-ball career. His best innings figures were 6/44, while his best match figures were 9/99.

Final First-Class Match Came At Lord’s

Chahal’s final red-ball match came during Northamptonshire’s County Championship campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s.

He had been part of Northamptonshire for three consecutive seasons and ended his 2026 County Championship campaign with 21 wickets in five matches, including a nine-wicket haul against Durham.

The leg-spinner had also produced a strong spell against Worcestershire earlier in September, taking five wickets in the match as Northamptonshire secured a six-wicket victory.

Chahal will now focus entirely on white-ball cricket as he continues to pursue a return to the Indian team in ODIs and T20Is.