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Piyush Chawla set to join Gujarat for upcoming Ranji Trophy season

He has taken 386 First-Class wickets from 117 matches.

© IANS (File Photo)
© IANS (File Photo)

After playing most of his cricket for Uttar Pradesh, Piyush Chawla is all set to join Gujarat for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Starting his First-Class career way back in 2005, Chawla has been monumental in UP’s success. He has taken 386 First-Class wickets from 117 matches. Chawla followed former UP colleague Rudra Pratap Singh, who too had switched states in 2015. Chawla has represented India in 3 Tests between 2006 and 2012. Gujarat are defending Ranji Trophy Champions led by Parthiv Patel.

Speaking to IndianExpress, Chawla said, “I had a word with Parthiv (Gujarat captain) and expressed my intention to play for Gujarat. There is no specific reason of me leaving UP. I have explained my point of view to the UPCA and they got my point.” Chawla played only two games for UP in the last Ranji Trophy season, merely taking as many wickets. Much like RP Singh, Chawla will be expected to be the star for Gujarat given his credentials. Chawla was a part of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders who had won in in 2012 and 2014. Chawla spoke about this shift. “As a player it’s quite exciting to join a team which has won 3 trophies in the last 3 years. It’s not that I was not happy in UP but something was missing. I want to add value to the team. When you go as a professional you have that added responsibility on your shoulders. The pressure is different, which often enhances your performance,” he concluded.

Also with the emergence of Kuldeep Yadav, Chawla was no longer UP’s primary spinner.

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