Days after Yuzvendra Chahal faced backlash over allegations that he was smoking and even tossing a cigarette on the road, the Punjab Kings leg-spinner has found himself at the centre of yet another controversy. The veteran, currently turning out for PBKS in IPL 2026, has been making a solid impact on the field as well, collecting three wickets across four matches so far. But off the pitch, fresh claims have reignited public attention on his personal life.
Quick facts
- Yuzvendra Chahal is with Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
- On-field form: three wickets in four matches so far.
- New claim: actress and model Taniya Chatterjee says Chahal messaged her on Instagram.
- Instagram allegation: she claims he replied to one of her stories with “Aap cute ho”.
- Earlier this week: a separate viral clip showed a person resembling Chahal allegedly smoking while driving and throwing the cigarette on the road.
- Personal timeline: Chahal divorced choreographer Dhanashree Verma in 2025.
- After that, reports linked him with RJ Mahvash, though they later unfollowed each other on Instagram.
- IPL 2025 note: Punjab Kings finished runners-up after losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Quote: Chahal said he has stopped drinking alcohol, wants to be more active, and aims to give “150%” for his team.
In a video that has circulated widely online, Taniya Chatterjee—known for bold roles in OTT titles such as Gandii Baat and Titliyaan—is shown speaking to paparazzi while displaying her Instagram inbox. She claims that Chahal reached out to her through personal messages and responded to one of her stories with the line, “Aap cute ho” (meaning “You are cute”).
While the claims have triggered intense discussion across social media, there has been no independent confirmation of the message’s authenticity. Still, the development has added to the chatter around Chahal’s private life, an area that has repeatedly drawn headlines over recent years.
New viral clip adds to the noise
Adding another layer to the controversy, an earlier video also made the rounds this week. In that clip, an individual said to resemble Chahal was allegedly seen smoking while driving, with the footage suggesting the person took a puff and then casually threw the cigarette onto the road. Fans reacted sharply to the behaviour, linking it to the criticism that had followed the earlier allegations.
Chahal’s public image has been under a microscope since his personal life also became the subject of attention. In 2025, he separated from his wife, choreographer Dhanashree Verma, with the divorce later reported. Following the split, rumours began to connect him with RJ Mahvash, after the two were seen together on multiple occasions.
However, the speculation intensified and then shifted after both Chahal and Mahvash reportedly unfollowed each other on Instagram a few months later. That change in their social media activity further fuelled online debate about the status of their relationship.
Focus on cricket: PBKS in 2025 and 2026
Despite the off-field headlines, Chahal’s cricketing journey remains prominent. In IPL 2025, he had a strong run as Punjab Kings ended up as runners-up, finishing behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru after losing the final.
Speaking about his mindset going forward, Chahal stressed that his ambition is not only to win the title, but also to begin the season with renewed confidence and improved physical readiness. He also positioned himself as a senior presence within the squad, suggesting he wants to set an example for younger players in the league.
During a podcast interaction with AB de Villiers, Chahal said: “I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, and it’s been more than six months. I am now 35, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me.”
