Indian Cricketer Opens Up About 26-Day Rehabilitation Stay: ‘I Had Crossed the Limit’

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has spoken about a challenging period in his personal life, revealing that he spent 26 days at a rehabilitation centre after recognising that his alcohol consumption had become excessive. The cricketer said the experience helped him reassess his habits, improve his emotional balance and pay greater attention to his overall well-being.

Speaking during a conversation with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, Chahal reflected on the circumstances that led him to seek professional support. He acknowledged that his drinking had gone beyond what he considered manageable, prompting him to take a step back and address the situation.

Yuzvendra Chahal Reflects on His Decision to Seek Help

Chahal explained that he recognised the need for change after a difficult phase in his personal life. His 26-day stay at a rehabilitation facility gave him an opportunity to reconsider his relationship with alcohol and understand how his choices were affecting him.

The leg-spinner indicated that the experience had made a meaningful difference. Rather than viewing the decision solely as a change in drinking habits, he described it as part of a broader effort to approach life with greater maturity and self-awareness.

He also acknowledged that, although his cricket performances had not suffered to the same extent, his personal life had been affected. Looking back, Chahal felt he could have handled certain situations better and taken greater care of himself during that period.

A Fresh Approach to Fitness and Emotional Well-Being

Chahal also discussed changes in his daily routine and physical preparation. He spoke about going to the gym, practising his fielding and maintaining his training, highlighting the importance he now places on fitness.

The spinner suggested that he had become better at managing his emotions. While difficult feelings remain a part of life, he said he no longer responds to every situation in the same way as before. This change, he indicated, has helped him develop a more measured outlook.

He also reflected on how his understanding of social interactions had evolved. He has come to recognise that conversations and social connections do not need to depend on alcohol, an important shift in his approach to everyday life.

Personal Challenges and Lessons From the Experience

Chahal's reflections come after a demanding period that included the end of his marriage to choreographer Dhanashree Verma. The couple's divorce was finalised in March 2025, following months of public attention surrounding their relationship.

Discussing the period in retrospect, Chahal acknowledged that his personal circumstances could have been handled more effectively. He distinguished between the impact on his cricket and the difficulties he experienced away from the field, noting that his personal life had been affected more substantially.

His comments offer a glimpse into the pressures athletes can experience beyond competition. Professional commitments, public scrutiny and personal difficulties can overlap, making it important to recognise when existing habits are becoming difficult to manage.

Seeking appropriate support can be an important step when someone is struggling to regain control of their well-being. Chahal's account highlights how acknowledging a problem and making deliberate changes can help a person reassess their priorities.

The cricketer now describes himself as happier and more comfortable with his current lifestyle. His experience reflects a period of personal reassessment, with a renewed focus on fitness, emotional maturity and maintaining a healthier balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life.