Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Divorce and Mental Health Struggles

In a revealing interview, Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal discusses the challenges leading to his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. He candidly addresses the emotional toll of public scrutiny and the impact on his mental health, sharing his experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts. Chahal emphasizes the importance of mutual support in relationships and firmly denies allegations of infidelity. This interview sheds light on the pressures faced by professional athletes and the personal struggles they endure behind the scenes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 09:41 IST

Chahal Discusses His Divorce from Dhanashree Verma

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has addressed the rumors surrounding his divorce from Dhanashree Verma in a recent interview with Raj Shamani on YouTube. The 35-year-old spinner shared insights into the challenges that led to the end of their five-year marriage and how it impacted his mental well-being.

Living a Facade on Social Media

Chahal revealed that the couple had been facing issues for quite some time but chose to maintain a facade on social media. "We decided not to reveal our struggles to the public. We wanted to appear like a normal couple until we reached a breaking point," he explained.

Career Pressures and Emotional Distance

The cricketer noted that both he and Dhanashree were deeply focused on their careers, which created emotional gaps between them. He stated, "A relationship requires compromise. If one partner is upset, the other must listen. Our ambitions led to a disconnect over time. I was so engrossed in my cricket career that I neglected our relationship. It’s tough for two ambitious individuals to stay together without mutual support."

Response to Cheating Allegations

Chahal faced public backlash during the divorce, with accusations of infidelity weighing heavily on him. He firmly denied these claims, stating, "I have never cheated in my life. I pride myself on being loyal. It’s disheartening when people make baseless accusations without knowing the truth." He emphasized his respect for women, influenced by his upbringing with two sisters.

Struggles with Mental Health

The emotional toll of the divorce led Chahal to experience severe mental health challenges. He candidly shared, "I had thoughts of self-harm and felt overwhelmed. For weeks, I could only manage two hours of sleep each night. I contemplated stepping away from cricket due to the stress."

Maintaining Dignity Amidst Drama

Chahal also mentioned that he and Dhanashree had mutually agreed to keep their separation private until it was finalized, aiming to avoid unnecessary drama and maintain their dignity.