Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Alcohol Addiction and Divorce

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about some of the most difficult periods of his personal life, revealing how excessive alcohol consumption, anxiety attacks and the emotional impact of his divorce affected his well-being and cricket career. In a candid conversation with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra on the Baith and Bol podcast, Chahal explained how he recognised the problem, sought help and gradually worked towards a healthier lifestyle.

The leg-spinner revealed that he spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre after realising that his drinking had crossed a limit. He also described experiencing panic attacks that affected his ability to speak and caused visible changes in his facial expressions. According to Chahal, the pressure surrounding his personal life and the discussions about his divorce on social media contributed to a difficult period in which he struggled to maintain his usual mental strength.

Chahal also discussed a crucial moment during the Indian Premier League (IPL), when he felt responsible for repaying the faith Punjab Kings had shown in him by signing him for ₹18 crore. A match against Kolkata Knight Riders, in which he took four wickets while defending a target of 112, helped him regain perspective and confidence.

Yuzvendra Chahal Reveals Why He Decided to Give Up Alcohol

During the podcast, Chopra asked Chahal why he had decided to step away from alcohol. The cricketer responded candidly, explaining that his drinking had become excessive and that he eventually realised he needed to make a change.

“Jyaada ho gaya tha. Limit cross kardi thi (It got a bit too much. The limit was crossed).”

Chahal disclosed that he stayed at a rehabilitation centre for 26 days. He said the experience helped him understand his relationship with alcohol and learn how to manage his behaviour more responsibly.

According to the spinner, the changes extended beyond his drinking habits. He began to understand his emotions more maturely and became better at managing his reactions instead of allowing feelings to overwhelm him during everyday situations.

Chahal explained that he no longer felt the need to depend on alcohol to communicate with others or function comfortably in social situations. When Chopra asked whether he preferred this version of himself, the cricketer emphasised how much he had matured.

“I am much more mature. Now I don’t need that substance just to talk or function.”

Chahal also noticed improvements in his physical condition and training routine. Reflecting on the previous IPL season, he said his body felt as though he were 30 years old again. He was able to focus more effectively on gym sessions, fielding practice and cricket training.

For him, leaving the habit behind helped several aspects of his life fall into place. He suggested that his physical preparation and personal well-being could have been better if he had addressed the issue earlier.

How Chahal’s Drinking Habits Began During His Early Cricket Years

Chahal explained that his relationship with alcohol began when he was younger. He recalled that partying became common during the early years of the IPL, particularly when the tournament began in 2011.

He said the first three years involved considerable partying, describing it as a phase when he and others were young and did not fully understand the consequences of excessive drinking.

Over time, however, Chahal realised that activities that initially seemed harmless could become damaging when taken to extremes. He said learning more about the importance of moderation helped him recognise the need for balance in his life.

The cricketer also recalled advice from former South African batter AB de Villiers, who had stressed that maintaining balance was essential in every aspect of life.

Chahal explained that the principle sounded simple but was difficult to practise consistently. He said even achieving a small degree of balance could make a meaningful difference.

For Chahal, the need to regain control became particularly important after his divorce, when he was already struggling emotionally. He acknowledged that his mental state was not good during that period and that his drinking eventually crossed a line.

He ultimately recognised that continuing down the same path could threaten the thing he valued most: cricket.

Chahal Feared His Alcohol Use Could Affect His Cricket Career

One of Chahal’s biggest concerns was that his drinking habits could undermine the career he had worked hard to build. Although he said his bowling had not been affected dramatically, he believed his physical conditioning and overall preparation could have been much better.

He explained that being mentally strong had helped him continue performing on the field, but that did not mean his lifestyle was without consequences. In his view, he could have improved his fitness, worked more effectively in the gym and managed other areas of his life better.

Chahal also distinguished between his performances on the field and the effect alcohol had on his personal life. He said his cricket had not suffered as much as it might have, but his personal life had been affected considerably.

That realisation became a turning point. He decided that he needed to leave the habit behind rather than risk further damage to his well-being and career.

Chahal said he is now happier and enjoys activities outside cricket, including go-karting and golf. He described himself as being in a much better place, with a more balanced approach to life and his professional responsibilities.

Divorce and Social Media Attention Took an Emotional Toll

During the conversation with Chopra, Chahal also addressed the attention surrounding his divorce and the way his personal life became a subject of public discussion.

The leg-spinner acknowledged that being a public figure means people often feel entitled to comment on private matters. While he understood that social media discussions were difficult to control, he admitted that the attention affected him emotionally.

“When you are a public figure you basically give everyone an invitation to comment on your personal life.”

Chahal said the comments about his personal life had an impact on his cricket as well. He revealed that he had to take a break during that period, playing only two white-ball games that year before not featuring in T20 cricket because his mindset was not right.

He explained that the situation contributed to anxiety and made it difficult to approach the game with his usual confidence. Although he had previously considered himself mentally strong enough to deal with outside distractions, he found this particular experience much harder to manage.

The public discussion surrounding his divorce became an additional source of pressure at a time when he was already dealing with personal difficulties. Chahal eventually realised that he could not stop people from talking about his life and needed to focus instead on his own recovery.

Yuzvendra Chahal Describes His Anxiety and Panic Attacks

One of the most revealing parts of Chahal’s conversation involved his description of the anxiety attacks he experienced. He explained that the episodes could produce an extremely rapid heartbeat and visible physical symptoms.

Chahal said his face sometimes appeared to shrink during a panic attack, and he struggled to speak. He also described how his lips could become tight and pull towards one side, making it apparent to other people that something was wrong.

These physical experiences helped him recognise that he was dealing with something that required attention. Rather than continuing to ignore the symptoms, he began taking steps to address the problem.

Chahal said the symptoms gradually faded as he worked through the situation. He also began changing his perspective on the criticism and conversations taking place on social media.

“People on social media will keep on talking, you can’t shut them up. Let’s start fresh.”

His comments reflected a shift in how he approached public scrutiny. Instead of allowing online discussions to dominate his thoughts, he began focusing on what he could control and how he could move forward.

Chahal’s account also highlighted the connection he experienced between his emotional state, personal circumstances and cricket. During a period when his mindset was affected, he found it harder to maintain his normal approach to the game.

₹18-Crore Punjab Kings Contract Became a Source of Motivation

Chahal also opened up about the pressure he felt after joining Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore. He said the franchise’s investment in him made him feel responsible for delivering strong performances and repaying the trust placed in him.

The leg-spinner recalled that the first four or five matches of the IPL season did not go well for him. He felt confused because he had not previously experienced that kind of difficulty and could not immediately understand what was going wrong.

As the poor results continued, Chahal began questioning himself. He felt that he could not allow several disappointing performances to continue when his team had shown so much confidence in him.

He explained that the situation became particularly significant because it was his first season with Punjab Kings. The ₹18-crore price tag added to his sense of responsibility, but it also gave him a reason to reassess his mindset and approach.

Chahal eventually found a turning point during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, when Punjab Kings had to defend a target of 112 runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders Match Helped Chahal Regain His Confidence

Chahal identified the match against Kolkata Knight Riders as a pivotal moment in his IPL campaign. Punjab Kings were tasked with defending 111 runs, and the leg-spinner delivered a crucial performance by taking four wickets while conceding 28 runs in his four overs.

During the game, Chahal said he began reflecting on his recent performances and the trust his team had placed in him. He realised that he needed to take responsibility for his role rather than allow a difficult run of form to continue.

He recalled telling himself that if he had chosen to play, he needed to give his best effort. He also recognised that teams might lose patience after four or five poor matches, making it important to respond positively when given an opportunity.

The turning point came when he felt a strong inner determination to deliver, regardless of the circumstances.

“Today, no matter what happens, I have to deliver.”

That mindset helped Chahal focus on the task in front of him. His four-wicket performance became a defining moment in the season and reinforced the importance of believing in himself while recognising the faith his teammates and franchise had shown in him.

His account also showed how a difficult period away from cricket can influence a player’s confidence and preparation. For Chahal, regaining focus involved addressing his personal struggles as well as reminding himself of his professional responsibilities.

Chahal Says Life Is Better After Making Changes

Looking back on his experiences, Chahal said leaving excessive drinking behind had helped him approach life with greater maturity. He described feeling more emotionally balanced and better able to manage situations that might previously have overwhelmed him.

He also said he now enjoys life through activities outside cricket, including spending time on go-karting and golf. His comments suggested that he has been trying to create a healthier balance between his professional career and personal interests.

Chahal’s reflections were not limited to his physical fitness or cricket performances. He spoke about learning to understand his emotions, recognising harmful habits and accepting that public criticism is not always something he can control.

His experience during the IPL also reinforced the value of trust and accountability. The faith shown by Punjab Kings helped motivate him to confront his difficulties and focus on delivering when the team needed him.

By discussing alcohol, anxiety and the pressure surrounding his divorce, Chahal offered a candid account of a challenging period in his life and the steps he took to move forward.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s Key Revelations: At a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Yuzvendra Chahal reveal about his alcohol addiction?

Chahal said his alcohol consumption had become excessive and that he eventually realised he had crossed a line. He revealed that he spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre and said the experience helped him manage his behaviour and emotions more maturely.

How long did Yuzvendra Chahal stay at a rehabilitation centre?

Chahal said he stayed at a rehabilitation centre for 26 days as he addressed his problems with excessive alcohol consumption.

What did Chahal say about his anxiety attacks?

Chahal described experiencing a rapid heartbeat, difficulty speaking and physical changes in his face and lips during panic attacks. He said he eventually took steps to address the symptoms and that they gradually faded.

Did Chahal say his divorce affected his cricket?

Yes. Chahal said the public discussion surrounding his personal life affected his mindset and cricket. He revealed that he played only two white-ball games during that period before not featuring in T20 cricket because his mental state was not right.

Why did the ₹18-crore Punjab Kings contract matter to Chahal?

Chahal said the contract made him feel responsible for repaying the franchise’s trust. After a difficult start to the IPL season, he reminded himself that the team had shown faith in him and that he needed to deliver when given the opportunity.

Which IPL match did Chahal describe as a turning point?

He identified Punjab Kings’ match against Kolkata Knight Riders, in which the team defended a target of 111 runs. Chahal conceded 28 runs and took four wickets in his four overs, describing the match as a moment when his mindset changed.

What advice did AB de Villiers give Chahal?

Chahal recalled AB de Villiers telling him that balance was crucial in life. He said the advice helped him understand the importance of moderation, although maintaining that balance was harder than it sounded.

How does Chahal describe his life now?

Chahal said he is happier and in a better place. He described feeling more mature, managing his emotions more effectively and enjoying activities such as go-karting and golf.

Conclusion

Yuzvendra Chahal’s conversation with Aakash Chopra on the Baith and Bol podcast offered a candid look at the personal challenges he faced away from cricket. The Indian spinner spoke about excessive alcohol consumption, spending 26 days at a rehabilitation centre, experiencing anxiety attacks and dealing with the emotional impact of his divorce becoming a subject of public discussion.

He explained that recognising the damage caused by his drinking habits became a turning point, particularly when he realised that his physical fitness, personal life and cricket preparation could have been better. His experience with anxiety also taught him to focus on what he could control rather than allowing social media criticism to dominate his thoughts.

The ₹18-crore Punjab Kings contract and his four-wicket performance against Kolkata Knight Riders provided another important lesson about responsibility, trust and self-belief. Chahal said he is now happier, more mature and better able to manage his emotions. His account highlights the personal challenges that can exist behind an athlete’s public career and the importance he places on making healthier choices.