Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has recently opened up about the emotional distress and mental health struggles he faced during and after his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. In a candid interview on Raj Shamani's podcast, Chahal revealed the immense pressure and hurtful rumors that led him to experience suicidal thoughts.
Chahal and Dhanashree, who tied the knot in December 2020, officially ended their marriage on February 20, 2025. However, the separation was a prolonged process, with the couple consciously keeping their struggles private until they reached a final decision. Chahal admitted that they maintained a façade of normalcy on social media, pretending everything was fine. "It was going on for a long while," Chahal said. "We decided we do not want to show the people... We were like, until we reach the point of the end, we are not going to say anything. We will be like a normal couple on social media". He confessed, "Yes, I was faking it".
The cricketer revealed that the divorce took a significant toll on his mental health. He struggled with sleepless nights, anxiety, and overwhelming thoughts. "For one month, I used to sleep for only two hours," he shared. "I had suicidal thoughts, I shared them with my friends". Chahal also admitted that he "needed a break from cricket" because he "was not able to concentrate". "Even on the field, these things were on my mind. Divorce and 100 other things came to my mind," he added. He described a harrowing period of 40-45 days where he was "tired of my life," grappling with constant anxiety and crying.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the separation, according to Chahal, was the vicious rumors and allegations that surfaced. He vehemently denied accusations of infidelity, emphasizing his loyalty and respect for women. "When I was going through the divorce thing, people labeled me as a cheater," he said. "I have never cheated. You won't get a more loyal person than me". He further added, "Just because you're seen with someone, people link you up and write for views. I have two sisters, I know how to respect women". Chahal also highlighted the difficulty of balancing personal life with professional ambitions. He explained that differences in their natures and the demands of their respective careers contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. "A relationship is like a compromise. If one gets angry, the other has to listen," he said. "Sometimes the nature of two people does not match... This was going on for 1-2 years".
Chahal's revelation sheds light on the intense personal challenges that individuals can face during divorce, especially when in the public eye. His decision to speak openly about his mental health struggles is a significant step towards destigmatizing such issues and encouraging others to seek help when needed.
Prior to their divorce, there were speculations regarding their relationship. In 2023, Dhanashree dropped "Chahal" from her Instagram handle, which sparked similar rumors, but Chahal had dismissed them at the time. In January 2025, both unfollowed each other on Instagram, further fueling the speculation.
