Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has openly discussed his past struggle with alcohol, revealing that he sought professional help after personal circumstances led his consumption to reach excessive levels. In a candid conversation on a podcast hosted by former cricketer Aakash Chopra, Chahal shared that the period following his divorce was particularly challenging, impacting both his mental health and his approach to life.
Recognizing that his habits were potentially jeopardizing his professional career, Chahal made the difficult decision to check into a rehabilitation centre. He spent 26 days at the facility, a period he credits with helping him reset his priorities and regain control over his lifestyle. According to the veteran bowler, the intervention provided him with the necessary tools to navigate his emotions and restore his focus on the sport he loves.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of that decision, Chahal noted that he is currently in a much more balanced and stable state. He explained that the period of rehabilitation allowed his emotional maturity to grow, which in turn had a direct positive effect on his professional discipline. During the most recent Indian Premier League season, the spinner reported that his physical condition felt revitalized, enabling him to commit fully to his gym sessions, fielding drills, and rigorous training schedules.
Chahal’s journey with cricket began in his youth, and he recalls being exposed to the party culture associated with the sport during his early years in the IPL, dating back to his debut in 2011. He recounted advice shared with him by legendary South African batter AB de Villiers, who had once emphasized that maintaining a balance in life was essential. Chahal acknowledged that while the advice sounded straightforward, implementing it in reality proved to be a complex challenge during his personal turmoil.
Despite these significant personal hurdles, Chahal has remained a formidable presence in the cricket world. He continues to hold the title of the all-time leading wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, having amassed 233 wickets across 188 matches. His domestic performance remains consistent, with the bowler recording 16 wickets in the 2025 season and 12 wickets during the 2026 campaign.
Beyond his success in the IPL, Chahal has been a consistent figure in international cricket, having represented India in 72 One Day Internationals, where he claimed 121 wickets, and 80 T20 Internationals, where he secured 96 wickets. While he has not yet made his debut in Test cricket, his statistics underscore his status as a prolific wicket-taker in the limited-overs formats.
By speaking publicly about his experience, Chahal aims to highlight the importance of recognizing when one’s personal life begins to affect their career and the benefits of seeking professional intervention. He emphasized that he chose to take action to ensure that he did not ruin the thing he values most—his career in professional cricket. Today, he feels he is in a significantly happier and more stable environment, both personally and professionally.
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