Yuzvendra Chahal reveals 26-day rehab stay for alcohol addiction

Yuzvendra Chahal checked into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days after his drinking crossed limits following his divorce. The 36-year-old spinner disclosed the stay in a podcast interview with Aakash Chopra, saying the decision improved his maturity and balanced his emotions.

Chahal said parties during his early IPL years escalated after the divorce and his mental state declined. He realised the path would damage his cricket career and chose to stop. He added that last season his body felt like it was 30 again after resuming proper gym work and training.

Chahal also described panic attacks that affected his face and speech, prompting him to request a break from the team. He said social media comments compounded the pressure and that he played only two white-ball matches that year because his mindset was not right. Chahal leads the IPL's all-time wicket-takers with 233 scalps in 188 matches.