Yuzvendra Chahal reveals alcohol addiction battle after divorce

Yuzvendra Chahal has disclosed that he checked himself into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days after his alcohol addiction worsened following his divorce. Speaking to Aakash Chopra on a podcast, the 36-year-old leg-spinner said the problem escalated after county cricket last year and affected his mental state to the point of anxiety and panic attacks.

Chahal said his family and friends supported him through the period, and the decision to seek treatment improved his maturity and emotional balance. He added that he returned to training with renewed energy, feeling physically younger during the last IPL season.

The spinner, who retired from first-class cricket this year, said he now manages the issue and remains focused on cricket. He last played for India in a T20I against the West Indies in August 2023.