Yuzvendra Chahal, the well-known Indian cricketer, has finally spoken candidly about his divorce from Dhanashree Verma, shedding light on the emotional toll it took on him. In a recent podcast episode with Raj Shamani, Chahal opened up about the deep anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts he faced in the months leading up to his separation from Verma. The couple, married for nearly five years, were officially granted a divorce by the Bombay High Court in March 2025.

Struggles with Anxiety and Depression

Chahal’s transparency about his mental health struggles has provided fans with an insight into the challenges he faced during his personal turmoil. Reflecting on that time, he revealed that his anxiety attacks were so severe that he had to ask for a break from his cricket commitments during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (December-January 2024-25). "I got anxiety attacks, I was in depression. I had suicidal thoughts," Chahal shared. The cricketer recounted feeling overwhelmed by the emotional strain, where even everyday activities like sweating despite the AC being on became unbearable.

Chahal went on to explain how the relentless pressure from both his personal life and professional commitments contributed to his mental health issues. He recalled how he started feeling disconnected from his work and relationship, ultimately leading to the breakdown of his marriage. "A relationship is like a compromise. If one gets angry, the other has to listen," Chahal reflected. He acknowledged that his inability to balance work and personal life, due to his cricket commitments, played a role in the unraveling of his relationship.

Chahal further opened up about his own faults during the relationship, admitting that he struggled with communication and expressing his feelings. "I do not speak a lot, I do not express myself a lot," he confessed. However, he clarified that he was working on improving this aspect of his personality. He emphasized that his inability to express his emotions adequately might have caused misunderstandings in his marriage. Chahal also expressed that he was never physically abusive, always speaking respectfully, but acknowledged his rare bursts of anger were a challenge.

As rumors and social media speculation about his divorce and alleged infidelity circulated, Chahal defended himself against the accusations. Dhanashree Verma had released a music video shortly after their divorce, hinting at infidelity and domestic violence. These allegations triggered a wave of criticism against Chahal, with many questioning his character. In response, Chahal strongly denied the claims, stating, "I have never cheated in my life. I am not that kind of person. You won't find anyone more loyal than me."

Despite the intense emotional strain and the negative rumors surrounding his divorce, Chahal revealed that he felt a sense of relief and happiness after the separation. "When I got divorced, I was happy. I think some people must have been jealous about it. I had seen the worst phase 3-4 months leading up to that, and my friends helped me through it," he explained. Chahal noted that the toughest period of his life had passed, and he was now in a much better emotional space.

Chahal’s revelations have resonated with many, as he shared a personal journey of overcoming pain and moving forward. His open discussion about mental health, relationship struggles, and personal growth underscores the importance of self-awareness and emotional resilience. As he continues to recover from the personal challenges, Chahal’s story serves as an inspiration for those dealing with their own emotional battles. While Chahal chose not to delve into specifics regarding his relationship with Dhanashree Verma, his podcast conversation provides a glimpse into his evolving understanding of love, personal development, and how he plans to approach relationships in the future.