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In a series of recent, high-profile interviews including a candid sit-down with Mashable India’s ‘The Bombay Journey’, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has finally bared his soul regarding the most tumultuous years of his life. After the finalization of his divorce from Dhanashree Verma in March 2025, Chahal found himself at the centre of a relentless media storm and endless social media speculation. Moving away from the ‘indirect digs’ and cryptic posts of the past, the 35-year-old cricketer has chosen to address his mental health struggles, dating rumors, and his journey toward healing with refreshing honesty. These revelations mark a significant shift for the athlete, who is now focused on finding peace and reclaiming his professional form on the global stage.
Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on the RJ Mahvash dating buzz
The most persistent rumour following Chahal’s separation was his alleged romantic involvement with RJ Mahvash, fueled by frequent public appearances and viral videos of the two together at cricket stadiums and dinner outings. Chahal addressed these claims with calm confidence, clarifying that Mahvash is a close friend and that their casual interactions were widely misinterpreted by the public.
He expressed disappointment over the ‘cheap things’ said about Mahvash online and emphasized that he is currently not looking for a relationship. He even shared a lighthearted anecdote about briefly trying the celebrity dating app, Raya, only to delete it shortly after as he didn’t “get the concept” of digital dating. For Chahal, his focus remains on self-growth rather than finding a new partner.
“Yaar, dost waghaire ghumte hai toh problem nahi hai na ki video aa jata hai (It’s not a problem as videos of friends roaming around surface on the internet). No relationship. Happy single. When friends hang out, a video comes out. She’s a friend, there’s no relationship. I’ve seen it all on Instagram. People can think whatever they want to think. I didn’t really get the concept of dating apps, so I deactivated it.” Chahal said.
Suicidal thoughts and severe panic attacks after divorce with Dhanashree Verma
In perhaps his most vulnerable admission, Chahal revealed that the period surrounding his divorce was a dark chapter marked by severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. He described the physical manifestations of his distress, shaking hands, facial numbness, and even losing consciousness, which significantly impacted his professional life and led him to skip several major cricket tournaments.
Chahal credited his mentor, Aniruddh Singh, and consistent therapy sessions for helping him navigate this ‘tough phase.’ By opening up about his suicidal thoughts and the 40 days of intense emotional pain where he slept only two hours a night, Chahal has aimed to shed light on the human side of professional athletes who often suffer in silence under the glare of public scrutiny.
“My mind wasn’t in the right place when I was going through my divorce. I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. My hands would shiver, my face would shrink and go numb. Sometimes things went so badly that I would lose consciousness. I had suicidal thoughts. I was tired of my life. I would cry for two hours a day. Therapy helped a lot and I am now completely fit and fine. I used to share everything with my mentor, Aniruddh sir. He helped me a lot to get out of that phase.” the Indian cricketer added.
Also READ: ‘The 50’ Reality show with ex-wife? Yuzvendra Chahal finally addresses Dhanashree Verma rumours
Final closure on the Dhanashree chapter
Regarding his high-profile marriage to Dhanashree Verma, which ended officially in March 2025, Chahal was firm in stating that the chapter is now entirely closed. He addressed the controversies that dogged their separation, including the viral ‘sugar daddy’ T-shirt he wore to court, explaining it as a silent message to those labeling the situation unfairly rather than an act of malice.
Chahal expressed a mature perspective on the split, wishing his ex-wife well while emphasizing that he felt an immediate sense of emotional closure as soon as the legal formalities were completed. He also spoke about his newfound indifference to social media trolling, stating that having seen the worst of online abuse, he no longer allows the opinions of strangers to dictate his happiness or mental peace.
“That was a chapter of my life that is now over. I have moved on from that. I don’t want to get stuck in that place by talking about it. My life is going on, and her life is going on. May she be happy in her life, we are happy in our lives. It was done and dusted right after stepping out of the court. I’ve seen everything in my life, from trolling, abuses, to insults against mothers and sisters, all on social media. So I’ve moved on from that. It doesn’t affect me that much. People will abuse me and leave, no problem.” Chahal concluded.
Also READ: From Yuzvendra Chahal to Smriti Mandhana: Cricketers who announced divorce or breakup in 2025
