An experienced leg-spinner of Indian cricket Yuzvendra Chahal has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. He posted an emotional message about announcing to officially end his red-ball cricket journey on October 2, 2026.

However, the most important thing for fans is that he is not completely retired from cricket. He has only announced to leave first-class which means red-ball cricket format.  Now Chahal is only focused on his white-ball cricket and hoping to return in ODI and T20I cricket. In his message he also cleared that his hunger for cricket is not done yet. He said in his statement “I am not done yet.”

Who is Yuzvendra Chahal?

Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the most popular leg-spinners of Indian cricket. He is from Haryana and has made a different identity in limited-overs cricket with his bowling skills. Chahal’s specialty is his leg spins and variations. He is known for dismissing important batters in the middle overs. His googly is also an important weapon of their bowling arsenal. In the early phase of cricket Chahal played chess too and he is also a National-level chess player.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s First-Class Career

Chahal’s first-class career began in 2009 in Haryana. His career in red-ball cricket was quite long although he did not get enough opportunity in India’s Test squad. Chahal played 49 matches in first-class cricket and took 148 wickets. His best bowling figures in this format were 6/25. Chahal acknowledged in his retirement statement that red-ball cricket gave him important lessons like patience and resilience.

Final First-Class Match

The final first-class appearance of Chahal was on Lord’s Cricket Ground during the match between Northamptonshire and Middlesex. Chahal was playing for Northamptonshire in the 2026 County Championship Season and used his red-ball bowling experience. In this Championship campaign he claimed twenty-one wickets in five matches. The match played at Lord’s became the final chapter of his first-class career after which he announced his retirement.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s India Career

Yuzvendra Chahal made his identity for India in primarily white-ball cricket. He has played 72 Odis and 80 T20Is for India. His biggest strength in limited-overs cricket is his wicket taking in the middle overs. With his leg-spin he got major breakthroughs in some of the important matches and established a name for himself in the Indian team’s spin options.

What’s Next for Yuzvendra Chahal?

After his retirement from first-class cricket now his career will be around white-ball cricket. After his retirement the most noticeable message of Chahal was – “I am not done yet.”

His experience in T20 cricket is especially valuable and he can maintain his form through domestic and franchise cricket. The doors for his comeback in international cricket will depend on future selections and performances.