Early Life and International Debut
Piyush Chawla, the former Indian spinner, celebrates his 36th birthday today, December 24. Making his mark at a young age, Chawla debuted for the Indian Test team in 2006 against England at just 17 years old. He followed this up with an ODI debut during India’s Bangladesh tour in 2007. His cricketing journey began to take shape after representing India in the 2006 U-19 World Cup.
A Two-Time World Cup Winner
Chawla’s international career highlights include being part of two World Cup-winning squads. He was an integral member of MS Dhoni’s team during the inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007. Additionally, Chawla played a key role in India’s historic triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup, where the team defeated Sri Lanka in the final. Despite these remarkable achievements, Chawla struggled to establish himself as a regular in the Indian cricket team. Across formats, he secured 43 wickets in 25 ODIs, seven T20Is, and three Test matches.
IPL Stardom and Records
While Chawla’s international career had its limitations, his success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains unparalleled. Chawla debuted in the IPL’s inaugural season with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and later represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. In IPL 2023, Chawla showcased his evergreen form, taking 22 wickets in 16 matches for Mumbai Indians.
Despite his stellar performances, Chawla went unsold in the 2025 IPL auction after registering with a base price of Rs 50 lakh. Nevertheless, his legacy as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with 192 wickets in 192 matches, remains intact. Remarkably, Chawla bowled 386 overs in IPL without a single no-ball, a streak that lasted until 2016.
Top 5 Bowling Spells of Piyush Chawla
1. 4/17 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2011)
Chawla delivered his career-best IPL figures in 2011 while playing for Punjab, taking four wickets and conceding just 17 runs. RCB collapsed for 121 runs, chasing a mammoth target of 233.
2. 4/23 vs Hong Kong (Asia Cup 2008)
In a dominant Asia Cup performance, Chawla picked up four wickets for just 23 runs. His brilliant spell helped India bowl out Hong Kong for 118 while defending a total of 375 runs.
3. 4/69 vs England (Test, 2012)
Chawla’s Test highlight came in 2012 against England in Nagpur, where he secured 4/69 in the first innings. Despite his efforts, the match ended in a draw.
4. 4/32 vs Delhi Capitals (IPL 2015)
Representing KKR, Chawla dismantled Delhi’s middle order with a four-wicket haul, securing a 13-run victory for his team.
5. 3/18 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2012)
In a low-scoring thriller, Chawla’s spell of 3/18 for Punjab helped his team defend a modest total of 134 runs, narrowly beating KKR by two runs.
Challenges in the Later Years
While Chawla’s IPL journey has been glittered with milestones, the later years saw him facing tough competition. In the 2024 IPL season, he managed to claim 13 wickets in 11 matches, but his form dipped slightly, contributing to his unsold status in the subsequent auction.
A Lasting Legacy in Indian Cricket
Piyush Chawla’s contributions to cricket transcend statistics. His presence in two World Cup-winning squads and consistent IPL performances have cemented his legacy as one of the most reliable spinners in Indian cricket history. On his 36th birthday, the cricketing fraternity celebrates the achievements of this iconic bowler who gave fans countless memorable moments on the field.(online casino)