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Yuzvendra Chahal opens up on post-divorce struggles

Yuzvendra Chahal
India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has candidly spoken about the mental health challenges he faced following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma, admitting that he battled suicidal thoughts and was deeply affected by the public scrutiny and false accusations surrounding the separation.

Speaking on the podcast, the 34-year-old cricketer revealed that he was unfairly branded a “cheater” on social media, which compounded his emotional distress.

“After my divorce, I was called a cheater. But I have never cheated in my life. I am extremely loyal – probably more than most. For my loved ones, I always think from the heart,” Chahal said.

Chahal shared that the period after the separation was mentally exhausting. “I had suicidal thoughts. I was tired of life. I would cry for two hours a day and sleep for just two hours. This went on for more than 40 days. I had anxiety attacks and depression. Only those close to me knew what I was going through,” he said, reflecting on the lowest phase of his life.

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The leg-spinner, who has been a mainstay in India’s white-ball squads over the years, admitted that he even contemplated taking a break from cricket because he found it hard to focus under such emotional strain.

Chahal clarified that the divorce was not a hasty decision but the culmination of issues that had been simmering for some time, with both partners occupied with their respective careers.
“It was going on for a while. We decided not to go public until we were sure. On social media, we looked like a normal couple, but problems had already started building up. A relationship requires compromise – if both people are always busy, distance is bound to grow,” he explained.

Addressing the rumours that circulated during that period, Chahal said the false narratives and link-up speculations affected him deeply.
“Just because you are seen with someone, people start linking you up. I have two sisters, and I know how to respect women,” he asserted.

The cricketer also spoke about the viral moment when he was photographed wearing a T-shirt reading “Be your own sugar daddy” during a court appearance, which sparked online discussions. Chahal clarified that it was his way of sending a subtle message.
“I didn’t want any drama, but something happened from the other side. So, I conveyed my message through that T-shirt. I didn’t abuse anyone,” he said.

Despite the personal turmoil, Chahal maintained that the separation was handled with maturity.

“If things happen between two people, they can still be handled peacefully,” he said, emphasising that both parties agreed to part ways amicably.

Currently, Chahal is playing county cricket for Northamptonshire, where he recently claimed an impressive six-wicket haul (6/118 in 33.2 overs) against Derbyshire in the ongoing County Championship Division Two, marking a strong return to form.

Before entering into the world of cricket, Chahal, born on 23 July 1990 in Jind, Haryana, represented India in chess at the youth level. He even had an official FIDE rating, showcasing his analytical mind and tactical thinking skills that later translated seamlessly into his bowling strategies.

From chessboards to cricket pitches, Yuzvendra Chahal’s journey has been both unorthodox and inspiring. He remains an influential figure in modern cricket, particularly in the T20 format, where his tactical brilliance and calm under pressure make him a match-winner.

Yuzvendra Chahal has earned a reputation as one of the most successful Indian spinners in the T20 era. His ability to outthink batters, coupled with his consistency in the IPL and for India, places him among the finest wrist spinners of his generation. His story is also a testament to resilience navigating career changes, overcoming setbacks, and continuing to deliver at the highest level.

Chahal made his domestic debut for Haryana in 2009. As a leg-spinner with subtle flight and variation, he quickly became a key figure in the state’s bowling lineup. His performances in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy helped him build a reputation as a promising spinner in India’s domestic circuit. Chahal was first picked by Mumbai Indians in 2011 but remained mostly on the bench. His standout moment came in the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 Final, where he bowled a tight spell to help Mumbai win the title.

In 2014, Chahal joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he truly flourished.

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