On Friday, October 2, the veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal bid adieu to his first-class career, announcing his retirement from the red-ball format. However, Chahal has kept his dream of making a return to India’s white-ball teams.
Notably, Chahal took to his social media platforms to announce his decision to stay away from the red-ball format. He went on to write that first-class cricket has helped him to learn patience, character, and resilience.
“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,” Chahal wrote.
However, Chahal clarified that he will continue to be a part of the white-ball setup in domestic cricket and hopes to return to the Indian setup. Further, he credited the Haryana Cricket Association for its continuous support, trust and belief.
“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 added.
“I played my last First-Class match at Lord’s. 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,” he noted.
Chahal last played ODIs for India in January 2023 against New Zealand, while his last T20I came against the West Indies in August 2023.
