Yuzvendra Chahal Breaks Silence on Divorce, Mental Health Struggles: ‘I Had Suicidal Thoughts’

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up for the first time about his divorce from Dhanashree Verma, addressing the emotional toll it took on him and the mental health struggles he faced, including battling depression and suicidal thoughts.

Speaking on entrepreneur Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, the 35-year-old leg-spinner reflected on the breakdown of his five-year relationship, revealing that he and Dhanashree had mutually decided to keep the separation private until it was final.

“It was going on for a long while. We decided not to show people. Who knows, it might not have happened. We told ourselves that unless we reach a point of no return, we won’t say anything. We’ll behave like a normal couple on social media,” Chahal said.

When asked if that meant they were faking it on social media during that time, Chahal nodded, indicating that they were.

‘We Grew Apart’

Chahal admitted that the growing distance in their relationship stemmed largely from their demanding careers. While he was focused on cricket, Dhanashree was immersed in her work as a choreographer and digital creator.

“A relationship is a compromise. If one gets angry, the other has to listen. Sometimes, personalities don’t match. I was playing for India; she was busy with her career. Over time, we emotionally drifted apart. When you’re giving your all to your profession for 18-20 years, it’s not easy to just let go of it for a relationship,” he explained.

On Cheating Allegations

Chahal also addressed the cheating allegations that surfaced during the divorce proceedings earlier this year. Firmly denying them, he said the accusations hurt deeply.

“People called me a cheater. I’ve never cheated in my life. I’m extremely loyal. I think from my heart for the people I care about. It broke me when people judged me without knowing the truth,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of respecting women, sharing how his upbringing shaped his values.

“I have two sisters. I’ve grown up respecting women. Just because my name is linked with someone doesn’t give people the right to write anything for views,” he added.

Mental Health Crisis: ‘I Was Tired of Life’

In one of the most emotional parts of the conversation, Chahal revealed how the public scrutiny and personal heartbreak pushed him into depression.

“I had suicidal thoughts. I was tired of life. I used to cry for two hours every day. I couldn’t sleep—just two hours a night. This went on for 40-45 days. I couldn’t focus on cricket. I wanted a break. I was scared. I even shared these thoughts with a friend,” he said.

Chahal’s candid account has sparked conversation around the mental health challenges faced by athletes, especially in the face of public criticism and personal upheaval. His openness is being seen as a courageous step toward breaking the stigma around mental health in sports.