Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Depression and Suicidal Thoughts Amid Divorce

Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles and Divorce from Dhanashree Verma

India’s star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up for the first time about his painful separation from Dhanashree Verma, shedding light on the emotional turmoil he faced during the final months of their marriage. The couple, who were married for nearly five years, were officially granted a divorce by the Bombay High Court on March 20, 2025.

Speaking on the Raj Shamani Podcast, Chahal revealed that he experienced severe mental health challenges during this period, including depression and suicidal thoughts.

“I got anxiety attacks, I was in depression. I had suicidal thoughts. I saw so many things about myself on social media. I wanted a break from cricket. I would start shivering due to anxiety, sweating even with the AC on,” Chahal shared.

He said the emotional weight became so overwhelming that he requested a break from domestic cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (December 2024 – January 2025) to focus on his mental well-being.

“We Grew Apart”: Chahal on the Divorce
Chahal said the couple eventually realized they were not compatible. Both were pursuing ambitious careers and struggling to find time for each other. The lack of connection began to take a toll on their relationship.

“A relationship is about compromise. Sometimes personalities just don’t match. I was busy with India duties, she was building her own career. We barely met. Over 1–2 years, that distance kept growing,” he explained.

He emphasized that both partners had different expectations from the relationship, and his inability to prioritize the marriage during peak cricketing commitments contributed to the eventual breakdown.

“When you’re working on something for 18–20 years, you can’t just leave it all for a relationship. Both people need to support each other’s goals,” he added.

Owning Up to His Mistakes
Chahal also reflected on his own shortcomings in the relationship. He admitted that his inability to express emotions and communicate openly created distance between him and his partner.

“My red flag was not expressing myself. I never showed my sadness or happiness clearly. I used to think that if I’m hurting, the other person should understand it without me saying anything. I’m working on that now,” he said.

While he described himself as calm and non-aggressive, he acknowledged that his silence sometimes became a barrier.

On Social Media Scrutiny and Public Perception
Chahal also addressed the online backlash he faced after the divorce was finalized. Some users criticized him for appearing cheerful and even accused him of taking indirect jabs at his ex-wife through his clothing and demeanor.

“When the divorce happened, I was relieved. I had already gone through the worst phase. My friends were the reason I came out of it. People were jealous or didn’t understand that being happy after such a low point is okay,” Chahal said.

After the divorce, Dhanashree Verma released a music video exploring themes of infidelity and domestic violence. Although the video didn’t name anyone, a section of social media began speculating and accusing Chahal of wrongdoing.

Chahal dismissed the allegations and firmly stated that he had always been loyal and respectful in the relationship.

“People said I cheated, but I never did. I’m not that kind of person. I’m loyal to the core. I think with my heart when it comes to people close to me. I never demanded anything—I always gave. It’s hard when people blame you without knowing the full story,” he said.