Veteran Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made a significant lifestyle change ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, announcing his decision to abstain from alcohol. The Punjab Kings' marquee spinner revealed his commitment to sobriety, a move he believes will enhance his fitness and performance, while also offering a candid reflection on the team's agonising six-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final. Chahal's revelations, made during a recent interaction with former South African cricketer AB de Villiers, underscore a renewed focus on his physical and mental well-being as he aims to inspire his teammates and secure his maiden IPL title.Ā From Shane Warne To Rajat Patidar: Check List of IPL Winning Captains

Yuzvendra Chahal Speaks To AB de Villiers

A New Chapter: Prioritising Fitness

Chahal, now 35, stated that he has not consumed alcohol for over six months, a decision driven by a desire to be more active and give 150Ā percent for his team. "As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me," Chahal told de Villiers, highlighting his aspiration to set an example within the squad.

This lifestyle overhaul comes after a demanding previous season and a challenging period off the field, including a high-profile divorce in 2025 and health setbacks such as dengue and chikungunya. Despite these personal hurdles, Chahal remained a pivotal figure for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, picking up 16 wickets in 14 matches and becoming the league's all-time leading wicket-taker.

Unpacking the IPL 2025 Final Loss

The leg-spinner delved into the specifics of Punjab Kings' narrow defeat in the IPL 2025 final against RCB, a match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025. Chahal pointed to two critical factors that he believes cost his team the championship: the absence of South African all-rounder Marco Jansen and his own struggles with injuries.

Jansen, a key player throughout the tournament, had to depart early to join South Africa's preparations for the World Test Championship final, leaving a significant void in Punjab's bowling unit during the summit clash. "In the final, we missed Jansen as he was not there. If he were there, we would have definitely won the championship," Chahal asserted.Ā Ravindra Jadeja Returns To Sawai Mansingh Stadium As RR Player After 18 Long Years Ahead of IPL 2026 (Watch Video).

Personal Struggles and Their Impact

Beyond Jansen's absence, Chahal openly admitted that he was not at full fitness during the crucial knockout stages of IPL 2025. He revealed sustaining a rib fracture after a game against Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by a knuckle fracture.

These injuries severely hampered his ability to bowl his "proper leg-spin" in both the semi-final and the final. "I was a bit disappointed with myself," Chahal confessed, emphasising his determination to prioritise his physical well-being in the upcoming season.

With Punjab Kings set to commence their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31 against the Gujarat Titans, Chahal's renewed discipline and focus are anticipated to be crucial in their pursuit of a maiden IPL title.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2026 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).