Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his life, revealing how alcohol addiction, anxiety, panic attacks and his divorce from Dhanashree Verma affected his mental and emotional well-being. The leg-spinner, who recently retired from first-class cricket, shared his personal struggles during a podcast conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra.
- Yuzvendra Chahal reveals he checked into rehab for alcohol addiction
- How Chahal’s alcohol problem began
- Anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts
- Yuzvendra Chahal breaks his silence on divorce from Dhanashree Verma
- Chahal recalls seeing Virat Kohli cry after India’s 2019 World Cup defeat
- Yuzvendra Chahal says he is in a happier place now
Known for his achievements in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chahal has enjoyed a successful cricketing career. However, behind his performances on the field, the cricketer was dealing with personal challenges that he said became increasingly difficult to manage. He revealed that his alcohol consumption eventually reached a point where he decided to check into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days.
Yuzvendra Chahal reveals he checked into rehab for alcohol addiction
Chahal explained that his alcohol problem gradually became more serious, particularly during a difficult period in his personal life. He eventually realised that continuing down the same path could affect the things he loved most, especially cricket.
Speaking to Aakash Chopra, Chahal revealed that he spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre to address his addiction. He said the decision made a significant difference to his life and helped him become more emotionally balanced and mature.
The cricketer also shared that he now understands how to manage his struggles better. Reflecting on his recent IPL season, he said he felt physically stronger and more energetic, adding that he had returned to regular gym sessions, fielding drills and proper training.
Chahal said his family and close friends played an important role in helping him through the difficult period. Their support helped him work towards a healthier lifestyle and regain control of his personal life.
How Chahal’s alcohol problem began
Chahal recalled that his relationship with alcohol began changing around 2011, when he entered the IPL and started experiencing the party culture associated with professional cricket.
During that period, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers reportedly told him that balance was the key to life. Chahal said the advice sounded simple, but following it was not always easy.
He explained that his drinking became more problematic as he went through personal difficulties, including his divorce. He also admitted that his mental state was not good during that time.
Eventually, Chahal recognised that his addiction could put his cricket career and the things he valued most at risk. He decided to take action, and he now describes himself as being in a much happier and healthier place.
Anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts
Chahal also spoke about the emotional pressure he experienced while dealing with personal problems in the public eye. As a well-known cricketer, he found that people often felt entitled to comment on his private life, even when they did not know the full story.
He recalled approaching former BCCI treasurer Anurag Thakur for a break, saying that he needed some time to deal with what he was going through. Chahal also described experiencing anxiety and panic attacks that affected his ability to speak normally.
He explained that during a panic attack, his heartbeat would increase, his lips would tighten and pull to one side, and people around him could tell that something was wrong.
The cricketer also revealed that he had experienced suicidal thoughts during this difficult period. His account highlighted how deeply his personal struggles affected him, despite the success and public recognition he had achieved through cricket.
Chahal said there was a time when he wanted to take a break from the game because he could not concentrate properly. He recalled crying for hours and sleeping for only around two hours a night. He said this phase continued for a prolonged period and left him emotionally exhausted.
Yuzvendra Chahal breaks his silence on divorce from Dhanashree Verma
Chahal also addressed his separation from Dhanashree Verma, whom he married in 2020. Although the couple shared moments from their relationship on social media, he said their personal issues had been developing for some time.
He explained that he did not want to publicly discuss every detail of the relationship or reveal what had happened between them. According to Chahal, differences can develop between couples, and sometimes a relationship reaches a point where moving forward together becomes difficult.
The cricketer also strongly denied allegations of infidelity, saying that he had never cheated in his life. He described himself as someone who values loyalty and gives his relationships his full commitment.
Chahal said that when people do not know the complete story but continue to blame someone, it can become emotionally difficult for the person involved. He suggested that being judged publicly added another layer of pressure to an already painful period in his life.
His comments offered a glimpse into the challenges he faced while trying to manage his separation away from the public spotlight.
Chahal recalls seeing Virat Kohli cry after India’s 2019 World Cup defeat
During the podcast, Chahal also recalled an emotional moment from India’s 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign.
India lost to New Zealand in the semi-final by 18 runs. Batting first, New Zealand scored 239 runs, setting India a target of 240. India’s top order struggled, with KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli each scoring just one run.
MS Dhoni scored 50, while Ravindra Jadeja made 77, but India ultimately failed to complete the chase.
Chahal recalled seeing Virat Kohli crying in the bathroom after the defeat. He said the moment stayed with him because it showed how deeply the loss had affected the players, who had worked hard throughout the tournament.
The memory also reflected the emotional demands of professional cricket, where athletes face immense pressure to perform while dealing with disappointment and public expectations.
Yuzvendra Chahal says he is in a happier place now
Looking back on his struggles, Chahal said that he has made significant changes in his life. With support from his family and friends, he has worked towards overcoming his alcohol addiction and improving his emotional well-being.
His decision to seek rehabilitation marked an important step in that process. He also appears more focused on maintaining his fitness, training consistently and finding a healthier balance between his professional and personal life.
Chahal’s revelations show that even successful athletes can face serious personal difficulties away from the field. His experience also highlights the importance of seeking help when addiction, anxiety or emotional distress becomes difficult to manage alone.
While his cricketing achievements have made him a familiar name among fans, Chahal’s latest comments have revealed a more personal side of his journey—one marked by difficult decisions, emotional struggles and an effort to rebuild his life.
