India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about his struggles with mental health issues following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma, revealing that he was wrongly labelled as a “cheater” and battled suicidal thoughts through the tumultuous interval.
Speaking on the Raj Shamani Podcast, Chahal addressed the general public scrutiny surrounding his private life and emphasised that the choice to separate was not sudden however had been into account for a while.
“After my divorce, I was called a cheater. But I have never cheated in my life. I’m extremely loyal — probably more than most. For my loved ones, I’ve always thought from the heart,” he mentioned.
The 34-year-old cricketer mentioned he was emotionally distressed following the separation.
“I had suicidal thoughts. I was tired of my life. I would cry for two hours a day, sleep just two hours. This went on for over 40 days. I had anxiety attacks, depression. Only those close to me knew what I was going through,” Chahal mentioned.
Chahal additionally shared that he thought-about taking a break from cricket, as he discovered it tough to focus amid the mental pressure.
Reflecting on his marriage, Chahal mentioned the rising skilled commitments on each side performed a job within the eventual separation.
“It was going on for a while. We decided we wouldn’t go public until we were sure. On social media, we looked like a normal couple, but the issues had started to build up. A relationship requires compromise — if both people are always busy, there’s bound to be distance,” he added.
Chahal denied rumours that emerged throughout that interval and mentioned the negativity affected him deeply.
“Just because you are seen with someone, people link you up. I have two sisters. I know how to respect women,” he mentioned.
The leg-spinner additionally addressed the viral second when he wore a T-shirt that learn “Be your own sugar daddy” throughout a courtroom look, suggesting it was a symbolic response to occasions on the opposite aspect.
“I didn’t want drama, but something happened from the other side. So, I gave my message through the T-shirt. I didn’t abuse anyone,” he clarified.
Despite the challenges, Chahal mentioned the separation was dealt with maturely and mutually.
“If things happen between two people, they can still happen peacefully,” he mentioned.
Chahal is presently enjoying county cricket for Northamptonshire. He has taken a six-wicket haul (6/118 in 33.2 overs) within the first innings in opposition to Derbyshire within the ongoing County Championship Division Two.
