Yuzvendra Chahal Embraces Sobriety for IPL 2026 Fitness Goals

Yuzvendra Chahal, the Indian leg-spinner, has committed to sobriety and enhanced fitness as he prepares for the IPL 2026 season. In a recent interview, he discussed the injuries he faced last season and his determination to perform at his best for Punjab Kings. Chahal praised the leadership of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer at Delhi Capitals, highlighting their approachability and the positive team environment. As the Punjab Kings gear up for their season opener against Gujarat Titans on March 31, Chahal aims to set an example for his teammates and contribute significantly to the team's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 15:26 IST

Chahal's Commitment to Fitness

Yuzvendra Chahal, the Indian leg-spinner, has announced his decision to stop consuming alcohol as part of his renewed commitment to fitness and performance ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). In a conversation with AB de Villiers on the YouTube channel AB de Villiers 360, Chahal discussed the injuries he faced during the previous IPL season. He stated, "After the match against KKR, I suffered a hip fracture, and later in the tournament, I fractured my knuckle. Consequently, I couldn't bowl my usual leg-spin during the semi-final and final matches. This year, my priority is to take care of my body, and I have some exciting news: I have been alcohol-free for over six months," as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Aiming for Excellence with Punjab Kings

The 35-year-old spinner expressed his desire to stay active and contribute significantly to his team, Punjab Kings (PBKS), in the upcoming IPL season. He remarked, "I want to be more engaged and give my all for my team. As a senior bowler, I hope to set an example for others to learn from me."

Appreciation for Delhi Capitals Leadership

Chahal also commended the leadership styles of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer at Delhi Capitals (DC), emphasizing the strong team spirit and clear role definitions within the squad. He noted, "Ricky and Shreyas have a great rapport from their time together at DC, and I played alongside Ponting during my stint with the Mumbai Indians. When I met him, he was very clear about the players' roles, which is crucial for any player."

Friendly Environment in the Squad

The experienced leg-spinner highlighted the approachability of both Shreyas and Ponting, creating a friendly atmosphere. He added, "Ricky is very easy to reach out to; you can message him anytime, and he is always available. The same goes for Shreyas; he feels more like a friend than a captain."

Punjab Kings' Upcoming Season

Punjab Kings, who were the runners-up in 2025, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings Squad for IPL 2026

The squad for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 includes: Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Cooper Connolly, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad, and Ben Dwarshuis.