Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about how his life changed after he quit alcohol, describing the decision as “the best” he has made. In a candid conversation with Harleen Deol on the Kandid with Kings podcast—an episode released on the Punjab Kings YouTube channel—Chahal also spoke about earlier battles with depression, the mental load he used to carry, and a few lighter cricket moments along the way.
From alcohol to clarity: Chahal’s candid turning point
The discussion began with Deol asking, “You quit drinking, hai na?” Chahal responded that stepping away from alcohol was the best choice of his life, explaining that once he removed it from his routine, everything felt different.
He said that after the change, he found himself spending more time with family and friends. Chahal added that he could now understand what was going on around him more clearly—who truly stood by him and who did not—whereas earlier he used to overthink such things.
Chahal also shared how he chose to redirect his energy, stating that he now focuses on himself more deliberately. He revealed that he plays golf and does go-karting, framing these activities as part of the “new” rhythm in his personal life.
Dealing with limits and mental health
Chahal further explained that his decision came after realising what he was “missing” and recognising that alcohol was not good for him. He described reaching a point where he had gone beyond his limits, and said that at that stage he was dealing with depression and that his mental health was not in a good place.
According to Chahal, the choice to stop was not forced from outside—it was something he decided for himself once he understood the effect alcohol was having on his wellbeing.
County cricket break and a grateful comeback mindset
The spinner also looked back at a period when he was in the UK for county cricket. Chahal said that during that time, he decided he needed to go back and “fix things,” and he noted that more than six months have passed since then. He described feeling “very happy and grateful,” connecting the change in his mindset to the clarity he now feels in his day-to-day life.
IPL impact and career numbers
Chahal, who is currently playing for Punjab Kings, has taken 10 wickets in 13 matches so far. The franchise acquired him for a reported ₹18 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Before his current stint, the leg-spinner has also turned out for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians.
- IPL overall: 187 matches
- Total IPL wickets: 231
- Notable feat: one five-wicket haul
