Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up on Post-Divorce Alcohol Addiction, Says 'Crossed All Limits'
Indian cricket star Yuzvendra Chahal has courageously revealed his battle with severe alcohol addiction and debilitating anxiety attacks. Following his March 2025 divorce from Dhanashree Verma, Chahal disclosed his drinking spiralled out of control.
Mumbai: In a startling revelation that has sent ripples across the cricketing world, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about his harrowing battle with alcohol addiction and debilitating anxiety attacks in the wake of his divorce from Dhanashree Verma in March 2025. The candid confession came during a recent podcast with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, where Chahal detailed how his drinking spiralled out of control, prompting him to check into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days to reclaim his life and career. Yuzvendra Chahal Balcony Incident: 'Drunk Player' Unnamed for 2013 Ordeal, Not Andrew Symonds or James Franklin.
"It crossed all limits," the 36-year-old Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner stated, reflecting on a period where his mental state was severely impacted. Chahal, who is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with an impressive 233 scalps in 188 matches, admitted that the excessive drinking, particularly after his divorce, threatened to ruin the sport he loves most.
The Downward Spiral Post-Divorce
Chahal and choreographer Dhanashree Verma officially parted ways in March 2025, having married in December 2020 and living separately since June 2022. The emotional turmoil and public scrutiny surrounding his personal life took a significant toll on Chahal. 'When things got excessive after my divorce, and my mental state was not that great, I realised that if I continued down that path, I would ruin the very thing I love most - cricket,' Chahal shared in interview with Aakash Chopra on YouTube. He faced extreme stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, which even led to a temporary break from cricket matches, playing only two white-ball games in the 2024-25 domestic season as his mindset wasn't at 100%.
The Road to Rehabilitation
The turning point arrived when Chahal made the critical decision to seek professional help. He voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days, a move he credits with bringing about a massive transformation in his personal life. "Now, I know how to handle it. That decision made a massive difference to my personal life. My maturity increased. My emotions are balanced now," he explained.
Chahal also acknowledged the invaluable advice from former South African legend AB de Villiers, who emphasized the importance of balance in life. "AB de Villiers once told me, 'Balance is key in life.' It sounds easy, but it is not," Chahal recounted, highlighting how this wisdom resonated deeply during his recovery. Bengaluru Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs West Indies 5th T20I 2026.
A Renewed Focus on Cricket
The positive impact of his rehabilitation is evident in his renewed approach to the game. Chahal noted a significant improvement in his physical fitness and mental clarity. "Last IPL [2026], my body felt like I was 30 years old again - doing gym work, fielding drills and training properly," he enthused, indicating a fresh lease of life on the field. His commitment to self-improvement allowed him to return to peak form, ensuring his personal struggles would no longer hinder his contributions to his team, the Punjab Kings.
Yuzvendra Chahal's courageous admission sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by public figures, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and the profound impact of seeking help when personal challenges become overwhelming. His journey underscores a powerful message of resilience and the unwavering dedication required to overcome adversity and return stronger.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 04:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).