Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has finally spoken out about his divorce from choreographer Dhanashree Verma, opening up in a remarkably candid chat with podcaster Raj Shamani. Breaking away from the usual hush-hush celebrity breakups, Chahal didn’t hold back—he laid it all out, admitting the emotional toll this chapter took on him. He revealed that the split pushed him into one of the darkest places he’s ever been, battling severe depression, crippling anxiety attacks, and even wrestling with thoughts of suicide. It’s honestly eye-opening to hear someone so often in the public eye get brutally honest about mental health, especially in a culture where it’s still a taboo topic for many. Chahal’s confession sheds light on the kind of struggles that can be completely invisible behind social media highlights and cricketing fame, reminding fans that everyone—even sports stars—can face demons of their own.
The Hidden Truth Behind a Perfect Marriage
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal recently opened up about his marriage to Dhanashree Verma, revealing that despite their seemingly flawless social media presence, things were far from perfect behind the scenes. The couple, who got married in 2020, had been facing ongoing issues for quite some time before officially ending their marriage in March 2025.
Speaking candidly on a podcast, Chahal admitted, “It was going on for a long while. We decided we do not want to show the people. We were like a normal couple on social media. Yes, I was faking it.” He went on to explain that both he and Dhanashree were heavily invested in their respective careers, which ended up putting a strain on their relationship.
Their split didn’t happen overnight; it was a slow burn, as both struggled to juggle their professional commitments with their personal life. With Chahal constantly traveling with the Indian cricket team and Dhanashree building her own career as a dancer and choreographer, the distance between them just kept growing, eventually leading to the end of their marriage.
Battling False Accusations and Mental Breakdown
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal found himself at the center of a social media storm after news of his divorce broke. Accusations flew, but the harshest blow came when he was labeled a “cheater”—a claim he strongly denies. Chahal, who’s always considered himself loyal to a fault, said, “After my divorce, people called me a cheater. I’ve never cheated—ever. Loyalty’s my thing. My heart’s always with my people.” The wave of online criticism, mixed with the emotional toll of the divorce, sent him spiraling into one of the darkest periods of his life. He struggled with deep depression and relentless anxiety attacks for nearly five months, revealing just how heavy the fallout truly was.
The Darkest Phase: Suicidal Thoughts and Sleepless Nights
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about the intense mental health struggles he faced during a particularly dark period in his life. For over forty days, Chahal found himself trapped in a relentless cycle—crying for hours every day and barely managing two hours of sleep each night. He admitted to battling suicidal thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, and depression, confiding that only those closest to him were aware of the true extent of his suffering. The anxiety attacks took a severe toll on him physically as well, causing symptoms like uncontrollable shivering, excessive sweating despite air conditioning, facial muscle spasms, and icy hands. Chahal emphasized that his mental state—which he often relied upon as his biggest strength on the cricket field—completely broke down during this time.
Taking a Break from Cricket
Chahal’s mental health struggles reached a point where he needed to step away from cricket—the sport that’s always been his happy place. He approached the Haryana cricket authorities and asked for a break from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, saying, “Cricket gives me happiness and it always does. I said if I can’t do that thing properly, then there is something wrong. So I took a break of one and a half months.” For someone whose life has revolved around the game, taking such a step was huge. The fact that he couldn’t focus on cricket, even for a while, speaks volumes about just how much his personal crisis had shaken him.
The Viral “Sugar Daddy” T-Shirt Message
In a moment that quickly grabbed headlines, Chahal showed up in court wearing a black t-shirt that read “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy,” sparking a frenzy across social media. The photo blew up online, with people tossing around their own theories and interpretations. Addressing all the buzz, Chahal explained that his shirt was just a low-key way to get a message across without stirring up unnecessary drama. “I didn’t want drama, but something was sparked from the other side. So, I let my t-shirt speak for me. Didn’t insult anyone,” he clarified. The shirt seemed to be his subtle response to whatever was happening amid the divorce proceedings, highlighting his preference to handle things quietly instead of fueling public drama.
Support System That Saved His Life
In the toughest period of his life, Chahal openly credits his close friends—Pratik Pawar, Priyank Talaan, and Mahvash—along with his family, for literally pulling him back from the edge. He shared that his friends didn’t think twice about dropping everything to be by his side, even hopping on flights at a moment’s notice just to make sure he wasn’t alone. “My close friends helped me a lot. They left everything and stayed with me. If I called, they would catch a flight and be with me 24 hours. It was very tough for me,” Chahal said. Their constant presence and unwavering support became his anchor, playing a huge role in helping him get through that dark time.
Addressing Dating Rumors with RJ Mahvash
After his divorce, Chahal found himself at the center of online speculation after being seen with influencer RJ Mahvash. Social media users quickly jumped to conclusions, with rumors and trolling spiraling out of control. Chahal has been quick to set the record straight, firmly denying any romantic involvement and accusing media outlets of twisting situations to fit a dramatic narrative.
He pointed out a specific instance where a group Christmas dinner photo was cropped, making it appear as though he and Mahvash were dining alone. Another time, Mahvash simply gave him a ride to the airport, and while he was adjusting his hair, someone snapped a video—fueling even more baseless assumptions.
The false rumors have taken a toll, particularly because Mahvash faced unfair backlash and was labeled a “homewrecker” by some online commenters. Chahal expressed his frustration, emphasizing his genuine respect for women, something he credits to being raised with two sisters who instilled strong values in him.
The Recovery Process and Current State
Yuzvendra Chahal’s recovery wasn’t some overnight miracle—it happened in stages, with professional help and his closest friends sticking by him the whole way. He’s talked about learning some tough—but crucial—lessons about mental health, especially when it comes to recognizing that reaching out for support is actually a strength, not a weakness.
These days, Chahal’s suiting up for Northamptonshire in county cricket and just pulled off a standout six-wicket haul (6/118) against Derbyshire. That kind of performance? It’s a clear sign he’s getting back to his best, managing to keep his personal battles from messing with his game.
In other cricket news, Raj Shamani and Chahal have both weighed in with their own takes on Virat Kohli’s most emotional on-field moments, which, let’s be real, are never short of drama.
Lessons About Love and Relationships
Chahal’s outlook on future relationships is a mix of optimism and caution. He openly admits he isn’t afraid to fall in love again, but the real worry for him is losing someone once he’s formed a deep connection. “I will fall in love again. But I’m scared of losing the person. I get attached to the core,” he revealed. This candid confession highlights how his divorce has given him a sharper awareness of his own emotional habits, though he remains open to new possibilities. For Chahal, the challenge doesn’t lie in love itself, but in the fear of loss and the loneliness that often follows the end of a relationship. This fear is rooted in his tendency to become deeply attached to those he cares about.
Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal’s decision to openly discuss his struggles with mental health marks a significant step forward, especially in a society where men are still pressured to bottle up their emotions. By sharing his experiences with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and moments of breaking down, Chahal helps push much-needed conversations about men’s mental health into the spotlight.
His story is a reminder that no amount of fame, financial security, or career success can shield someone from mental health challenges. Even with a decorated career and a public image of happiness, Chahal faced his lowest points—proving that these issues don’t discriminate.
What stands out is his willingness to seek support and lean on friends during dark times, setting an example for others. Chahal’s honesty doesn’t just break down stigma; it encourages anyone struggling to reach out instead of suffering in silence.
Moving Forward with Wisdom
Chahal’s in a much better headspace these days, honestly. He’s stopped sweating over things way outside his control—whether it’s team selection or whatever else life throws at him. Now, he’s just focusing on what he can actually do, which is his own performance. “My job is to perform, which is in my hands. I can do that thing. I don’t have that feeling that it’s not happening. Now even if I never play for India again, I feel that I will play from within. I have that talent,” he shared confidently. This shift—from trying to manage everything to just zoning in on his own game—has really helped his mental well-being. It’s a pretty big turnaround, and you can see it paying off both on and off the pitch.
My take on this podcast
Yuzvendra Chahal’s brave decision to share his mental health journey publicly serves as an important reminder that anyone can face psychological challenges, regardless of their success or social status. His story of surviving suicidal thoughts, overcoming depression, and rebuilding his life shows the power of seeking help and relying on a strong support system.
The interview also highlights the dangers of social media speculation and false rumors, which can push vulnerable individuals to their breaking point. Chahal’s experience demonstrates the importance of treating public figures with empathy and understanding that everyone is fighting battles that may not be visible to the outside world.
His recovery and return to form in cricket prove that with proper support, professional help, and time, it is possible to overcome even the darkest periods of life. Chahal’s story will likely inspire many others who are silently struggling with similar issues to seek help and know that recovery is possible.