Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on divorce, reveals anxiety attacks and 26 days in rehab

Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on divorce, reveals anxiety attacks and 26 days in rehab

Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Anxiety, Panic Attacks and His Return to Cricket

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical strain he experienced after his marriage to Dhanashree Verma ended. In a conversation with former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra, Chahal described how public scrutiny, anxiety and panic attacks began affecting his wellbeing and his ability to play cricket.

The Punjab Kings bowler said the period became difficult enough that he chose to step away from the game rather than take the field when he did not feel mentally prepared. His account offers a rare glimpse into the personal pressures professional athletes can face, particularly when private struggles become subjects of constant public discussion.

How Personal Struggles Affected Chahal’s Cricket

Chahal and Verma parted ways in March 2025, after reportedly living separately for around 18 months. As news and speculation about his personal life circulated, the cricketer found it increasingly difficult to separate public attention from his work on the field.

Speaking on Chopra’s YouTube channel, Chahal said that being a public figure meant people felt entitled to comment on events in his private life. The attention, he explained, added to an already challenging period and affected his focus and confidence as a player.

He played only two white-ball matches for Haryana during the 2024–25 domestic season and did not feature in T20 cricket. Chahal said he did not believe he was in the right mindset to perform at his full capacity, and did not want his condition to have a negative effect on the team.

After discussing the situation with Anirudh Singh, he requested time away from cricket and said he received support. The decision was not simply about taking a break from competition; it was an effort to acknowledge that he needed time to address what he was experiencing.

Chahal Describes the Physical Effects of Panic Attacks

One of the most striking parts of Chahal’s account was his description of how anxiety affected his body. He said that during severe episodes, his lips would tighten and pull to one side, and he sometimes struggled to speak. The visible symptoms made him realise how intense his anxiety had become.

His experience highlights that mental distress can present itself physically as well as emotionally. For athletes, whose careers depend on concentration, routine and performance under pressure, such symptoms can make training and competition especially demanding. Chahal’s decision to pause rather than pretend everything was fine also underlines the importance of recognising when professional support or time away may be needed.

Why Punjab Kings’ ₹18 Crore Investment Became a Turning Point

A significant boost arrived at the 2025 IPL mega auction, when Punjab Kings signed Chahal for ₹18 crore. The substantial bid reflected the franchise’s confidence in his experience and ability as a leading leg-spinner—and gave him a renewed sense of responsibility.

Chahal said the trust shown by Punjab Kings motivated him to work towards a comeback. He did not want the franchise to regret its investment, and the opportunity encouraged him to focus again on cricket. The signing became a practical turning point: a reminder that teams still valued his skills and that his career could move forward despite the difficulties he had faced.

For Punjab Kings, Chahal brings years of experience in the IPL and a proven ability to take wickets in the middle overs. For the bowler himself, the new chapter offered a reason to rebuild his rhythm and confidence. Any prediction about his future impact should still account for the demands of elite cricket, but the franchise’s backing gave his return a clear platform.

Quitting Alcohol and Finding Balance

Chahal also spoke about changing his habits after his personal life became increasingly difficult. Following his most recent county cricket season, he felt that his situation had gone too far and checked himself into a rehabilitation centre, where he stayed for 26 days. He said he later decided to quit alcohol, recognising that continuing along the same path could damage both his wellbeing and his cricket career.

He credited former South African captain AB de Villiers with sharing advice that stayed with him: “Balance is key in life.” Chahal said the message helped him reflect on the choices he was making and the risk of allowing personal struggles to undermine the sport he loves.

His comments do not suggest that recovery happens overnight. Rather, they describe a series of decisions: acknowledging that something was wrong, seeking help, stepping back from cricket and making changes to his lifestyle. Chahal said he is now in a happier and better place, although maintaining that progress will remain important as he returns to the pressures of professional sport.

A Wider Conversation About Mental Health in Sport

Chahal’s story adds to a growing conversation about mental health in professional cricket. Players are often judged by statistics, selection decisions and match results, while the pressures behind those performances may remain invisible. Social media can intensify that burden by turning personal events into ongoing public debate.

His experience also shows why a break from competition should not automatically be viewed as a lack of commitment. Chahal said he stepped away because he did not feel capable of giving his team his best. For an athlete, recognising that limit can be a responsible choice—one that protects both personal health and the team’s interests.

With Punjab Kings’ support and renewed focus, Chahal now has an opportunity to rebuild his cricketing form. His account is not only a story about an IPL comeback; it is also a reminder that seeking help, setting boundaries and finding balance can be essential parts of an athlete’s long-term career.

Latest News