Chahal reveals 26-day rehab stint after divorce

Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about a tough stretch after his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. The leg-spinner told Aakash Chopra on his podcast that he had reached a point where his drinking went too far. He then checked into a rehabilitation centre and stayed there for 26 days. During that stay he learnt how to handle himself more calmly and to keep better control over his routine.

Chahal added that the time also pushed him to manage his feelings and to pay closer attention to fitness. He said the pattern had begun in 2011, when he and other young players often went out after matches. At first he did not notice how much the habit had grown. He recalled advice from AB de Villiers that balance matters, and he realised that without it his career could suffer. Although his bowling stayed steady, he admitted he could have worked harder on his body and that the strain showed more in his personal life.

After making the changes he feels lighter, plays golf and enjoys go-karting.