Yuzvendra Chahal reveals he checked into rehab after alcohol addiction crossed limits
Chahal said he spent 26 days in rehab after alcohol problems worsened following his divorce and defended his Rs 18 crore IPL salary.
Yuzvendra Chahal said he checked into a rehabilitation centre for 26 days after alcohol addiction worsened following his divorce. The 36-year-old leg-spinner, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 233 scalps, said the decision helped balance his emotions and improve his physical condition during last season's IPL.
Chahal told Aakash Chopra on a podcast that problems began around 2011 when he entered the IPL and intensified after his divorce. He said family and friends supported him through the period and that anxiety and panic attacks had started affecting his daily life before he sought help.
Chahal also defended his Rs 18 crore IPL salary from Punjab Kings, saying Indian players face criticism for large contracts while overseas players do not. He has not played for India since August 2023.
CricHubb Take
Chahal's Rs 18 crore deal at 36 shows that IPL franchises still value proven IPL wicket-taking ability over age when the bowler remains effective in the powerplay and death phases.