Yuzvendra Chahal dates back to India, cuts his county stay with Northampothire

India legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal has pulled out of the remainder of the County Championship season with Northamptonshire. The 35-year-old, who was on a multi-format contract, will return home, citing personal reasons, bringing an end to what has been a mixed campaign in England this season.

Chahal’s run in England

Chahal, in his second successive year with Northants, played three Division Two Championship matches in 2025, picking up 12 wickets at an average of 46.00. His highlight came against Derbyshire in late July, where he claimed 6 for 118 – his career-best figures in the competition – finishing the match with eight wickets. In the One-Day Cup, however, his returns tapered off. After taking six wickets in his first three matches, he went wicketless in the next three, ending with an average of 50.50 and an economy rate of 5.41.

Northamptonshire confirmed his absence via social media, thanking him for his contributions. “Yuzi Chahal won’t be involved in our remaining three County Championship games after returning home due to personal reasons,” the club stated.

This was Chahal’s second consecutive stint with Northamptonshire after his successful debut last year, when he took 21 wickets at an impressive average of 21.10, including two five-wicket hauls. The current season, however, did not unfold with the same consistency.

Northants themselves endured a difficult summer, finishing bottom of their One-Day Cup group and languishing second-last in Division Two with only two wins from 11 games. They will now play their last three fixtures against Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Leicestershire without Chahal’s services.