Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about his divorce from Dhanashree Verma
He revealed the emotional struggles he faced during their separation
He said their busy career was the reason of split
Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has broken his silence on his divorce from YouTuber and actor Dhanashree Verma, speaking publicly for the first time about the personal challenges he faced during their separation and the toll it took on his mental health. The couple, who tied the knot in 2020, officially divorced in February 2025 after living separately for over 18 months.
Reports indicated that Dhanashree received ₹4.75 crore as alimony as part of the settlement.
Speaking on Raj Shamani's YouTube podcast, Chahal explained that he and Dhanashree had been experiencing issues for a couple of years but decided to keep their relationship problems private until a final decision on their marriage was reached. He admitted that towards the end of their relationship, they continued to present themselves as a couple on social media despite growing apart due to their busy professional commitments.
The bowler revealed that the emotional strain of his personal life led him to take a month-long break from cricket, opting out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as he struggled to focus on the sport he loved. “I asked for a break from Vijay Hazare Trophy because I was not able to use my mind. Cricket gave me happiness, and continues to make me happy and if I am not able to do that, then something is wrong so I took a month long break,” he said.
During this period, rumours of infidelity began circulating, which Chahal completely denied. “And I have never cheated in my life. I am not that person. You will never find anyone as loyal as me,” he said, firmly dismissing the allegations.
The public scrutiny surrounding his divorce, coupled with personal struggles, took a severe toll on Chahal’s mental well-being. He opened up about experiencing depression, anxiety attacks, sleepless nights, and even suicidal thoughts during the difficult period. According to him, his family and close friends, including RJ Mahvash, played a crucial role in helping him cope and recover.
Chahal also addressed the viral moment when he appeared in court wearing a T-shirt reading "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy", saying it was his way of sending a message after certain events from the other side prompted him to stop holding back. Social media users linked the T-shirt to the hefty alimony payment he made during the divorce proceedings.
The cricketer explained that despite their efforts to make the marriage work, their ambitious careers and inability to spend time together eventually caused an emotional disconnect. He emphasized that relationships require compromises, but sometimes personal goals and personalities simply do not align.
Chahal’s candid revelations highlight the mental health challenges faced by public figures navigating personal turmoil under constant scrutiny, particularly in the high-pressure environment of professional sports. [Rh/Eth/VP]