New Delhi: Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has announced a significant lifestyle change ahead of the IPL 2026 season, revealing that he has completely given up alcohol. Speaking on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, the Punjab Kings star said he has been sober for over six months as part of a broader mission to reclaim his peak fitness and help his team secure their first-ever IPL title.
The Fitness Mission
“I am 35 now. I want to be more active and give 150% for my team,” Yuzvendra Chahal explained. The cricketer emphasized his desire to serve as a role model for younger players, saying he wants them to observe his discipline and think, “We have to learn something from him.”
Chahal’s commitment to fitness comes after a challenging 2025 season, where Punjab Kings narrowly lost in the IPL final.
Overcoming a “Heartbreaking” 2025 Final
Reflecting on the previous IPL season, Yuzvendra Chahal revealed the physical and emotional struggles he endured. Playing through the knockout stages with multiple injuries, including a fractured rib and broken knuckle, he admitted that these setbacks prevented him from bowling his trademark leg-spin effectively.
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Chahal also pointed to the absence of pace spearhead Marco Jansen in the final, citing that Jansen’s presence could have been decisive in securing Punjab Kings’ maiden IPL title.
A Fresh Start Off the Field
The upcoming IPL 2026 season marks a turning point in Chahal’s personal life as well. Reports indicate that Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma have finalized their divorce, with the Bombay High Court fast-tracking the process to allow him to focus fully on cricket.
Already the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 221 wickets, Chahal now eyes the 250-wicket milestone while targeting the Purple Cap, which he last won in 2022. With renewed fitness, a disciplined lifestyle, and a focus on leadership, Yuzvendra Chahal aims to make the 2026 season a career-defining campaign.