Mumbai: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has spoken about his struggles with alcohol addiction and panic attacks following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, Chahal shared these personal experiences during a podcast hosted by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra.
Chahal reportedly revealed that his alcohol consumption increased after the divorce and that he spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre. He also described experiencing severe panic attacks that affected his physical appearance and made speaking difficult.
The cricketer’s account offers a glimpse into the personal challenges he faced during a difficult period of his life. Panic attacks can involve intense fear and physical symptoms, although individual experiences vary. Chahal’s comments have drawn attention to the importance of mental well-being and support during periods of emotional distress.
Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s divorce was granted by a family court on March 20, 2025, according to the report. The separation had attracted considerable public attention because of their profiles in cricket and entertainment.
The report also noted that Chahal had been out of the India national team for around three years and last played a T20 International in August 2023. It further stated that he had retired from first-class cricket approximately 15 days before the report.
Chahal’s remarks have renewed discussion about the pressures professional athletes can experience away from the field. His account also highlights how personal difficulties can affect an individual’s well-being beyond their professional career.
The details above are based on the reported podcast discussion. Chahal’s experiences should be understood in the context of his own account rather than generalised to all people facing divorce or mental-health challenges.
