'I’ve stopped drinking': Star India player's honest admission before IPL 2026
Yuzvendra Chahal is embracing a fresh start with Punjab Kings for IPL 2026, prioritizing fitness after a challenging period. The veteran leg-spinner has quit alcohol, aiming to deliver his best. Despite past personal and professional hurdles, including injuries, Chahal remains IPL's leading wicket-taker and is determined to lead Punjab to their maiden title.
Yuzvendra Chahal is heading into IPL 2026 with a renewed mindset and a strong focus on fitness, hoping to turn a difficult phase in his career into a fresh start with Punjab Kings. The 35-year-old leg-spinner, who has not featured for India since 2023, revealed a major personal change that he believes will help him extend his career and perform at a higher level. Speaking to AB de Villiers on his YouTube show, Chahal shared that he has completely given up alcohol.
“This year, my mind has said that I will take care of my body first. And I have some good news for you: I stopped drinking alcohol. “It’s been more than six months.
I am 35 now. I want to be more active, and I want to give 150 per cent for my team. As a senior bowler, if I go to the IPL, I want people to see me and think ‘we have to learn something from him’,” said Chahal.
129671677 The decision comes after a challenging couple of years, both professionally and personally. Once on the verge of becoming India’s first bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets, Chahal remains stuck on 96, with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya having since crossed the milestone. Off the field too, Chahal endured a tough period, including a high-profile divorce from Dhanashree Verma last year after months of public attention.