Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced during his divorce from choreographer and influencer Dhanashree Verma, revealing that he battled depression, anxiety attacks, and even suicidal thoughts.
Speaking candidly on the Raj Shamani Podcast, Chahal addressed the public scrutiny, false accusations, and the mental health crisis that followed the breakdown of his marriage.
“I Was Called a Cheater, But I’ve Never Cheated”
Chahal was deeply hurt by the rumors that labeled him a “cheater” after the separation.
“I’ve never cheated in my life. I’m extremely loyal—probably more than most. For my loved ones, I’ve always thought from the heart,” he said.
He emphasized that the decision to part ways was mutual and had been under consideration for a long time.
“We looked like a normal couple on social media, but the issues had started to build up,” he added.
Mental Health Struggles: “I Had Suicidal Thoughts”
Chahal revealed that the emotional distress pushed him to the brink:
- He cried for hours daily and slept only two hours a night for over 40 days
- Experienced anxiety attacks, depression, and shivering despite air conditioning
- Took a break from cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy to focus on his mental health
“I was tired of my life. I had suicidal thoughts. Only those close to me knew what I was going through,” he said.
Relationship Breakdown: Time, Ambition, and Incompatibility
Chahal explained that both he and Dhanashree were deeply committed to their careers, which led to growing distance:
- “Two ambitious people can’t stay together if they don’t make time for each other,” he said
- He admitted to not expressing emotions well, which added to the strain
The “Sugar Daddy” T-Shirt: A Symbolic Message
During his court appearance, Chahal wore a T-shirt that read “Be your own sugar daddy”, which sparked speculation.
“I didn’t want drama, but something happened from the other side. So I gave my message through the T-shirt,” he clarified.
Support System: Friends and Family
Chahal credited his close friends, including RJ Mahvash, for helping him through the darkest phase of his life:
“I didn’t want to burden my family, so my close friends were with me,” he said.
Back to Cricket
Despite the emotional upheaval, Chahal is now back on the field, playing county cricket for Northamptonshire, where he recently took a six-wicket haul against Derbyshire.
