Alcohol addiction after divorce, 26 days in rehab: Chahal opens up about his mental struggle on podcast

Personal turmoil, criticism on social media, and mental pressure — India's leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal went through a difficult phase of life. After his divorce from choreographer Dhanashree Verma, he has now publicly spoken about his anxiety, panic attacks, and a temporary break from cricket. He even spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre to cope with the situation.

Chahal opened up about his difficult time on 'Beith and Ball', the podcast of former India opener Aakash Chopra. He said that public discussion of his personal life and comments on social media deeply affected his mental state. The pressure eventually began to affect his on-field performance as well. The 36-year-old said that being a familiar face made the situation even more complicated.

To explain the intensity of his anxiety, Chahal also described his physical condition during panic attacks. In his words, 'During a panic attack, my face would twist up. I couldn't even speak.' His heartbeat would race and his facial muscles would stiffen. Sometimes his lips would curl to one side, making it difficult even to talk. The spinner said he had never experienced anything like this before in his life.

Chahal said there was constant discussion on social media about his personal life, and these comments hurt him. As mental pressure grew, it became difficult to maintain a normal life and stay focused on cricket. At one point he realized that he could not control what people said about him on social media. So he decided to move forward with his life instead of dwelling on others' comments.

This difficult phase of personal life also temporarily took Chahal away from cricket. He said that before taking the break, he had played only two matches in white-ball cricket at that stage. He decided to step aside because he was not mentally ready to compete. He felt he was not at his best, and he was also worried that his problems might affect the team.

In this regard he contacted Aniruddha Chowdhury, former treasurer of the BCCI. Aniruddha supported Chahal's decision. According to the player, informing the team openly about his condition and stepping aside temporarily was the right decision. It at least removed any uncertainty about his mental state from the team.

In the podcast, Chahal also opened up about another difficult aspect of his life. He admitted that during the divorce, his alcohol consumption increased amid personal crisis. In the early days of playing in the IPL, he used to drink socially with friends. But over time, the habit went out of control.

At one point he realized that if this continued, he could lose cricket — the most beloved thing in his life. He then decided to seek professional help. The spinner spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre. According to him, that experience helped him regain control over his life and emotions.

Chahal said his family and closest friends stood by him during the difficult time. Their support played an important role in his comeback. The closeness of family and the encouragement of friends helped him emerge from the mental darkness. He also expressed this gratitude in the podcast.

The story of Chahal and Dhanashree was once a favourite of fans. Chahal married Dhanashree, a choreographer and well-known face on social media, in December 2020. Their divorce was finalized in March 2025. The divorce generated massive discussion on social media, which Chahal said was not easy for him to handle.

The Indian cricketer has now said he is mentally much better. He is also focusing on his fitness and personal well-being. For Chahal, making a comeback means not just taking wickets again, but bringing his life back on the right track. His candid confession in the podcast has received a huge response from fans.

According to sports psychologists, it is an important example for a star cricketer like Chahal to speak openly about mental health. Many players go through personal crises but hesitate to admit it because of professional pressure. Chahal's interview may encourage many players to come forward about their own problems.

Chahal's fans now have only one expectation — that this mentally fit spinner will return to the field and baffle batsmen with his familiar turn. Indian cricket lovers are now watching when this cricketer, working on his fitness after rehabilitation, will return in the national jersey. But Chahal himself says that keeping his life on track is now his main goal, more than making a comeback.