In a series of recent high-profile interviews with Mashable India’s ‘The Bombay Journey’, the Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal She finally bares her soul about the most tumultuous years of her life. After finalizing their divorce from Dhanashree Verma In March 2025, Chahal found himself at the center of a constant media storm and endless social media speculations. Moving away from the ‘indirect digs’ and esoteric posts of the past, the 35-year-old cricketer has opted to address his mental health struggles, dating rumors and his journey towards treatment with refreshing honesty. These revelations mark a significant change for the athlete, who is now focused on finding peace and regaining his professional form on the global stage.
Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on RJ Mahvash’s dating discussion
The most persistent rumor after Chahal’s separation was her alleged romantic association with RJ MahwashThis was fueled by the duo’s frequent public appearances at cricket stadiums and dinner outings and viral videos. Chahal addressed these claims with calm confidence, and clarified that Mahwash is a close friend and their casual conversation was widely misunderstood by the public.
He expressed his disappointment at the ‘mean things’ said about Mahwash online and stressed that he is not currently looking for a relationship. He even shared a light-hearted anecdote about briefly trying out the celebrity dating app, Raya, but deleting it shortly after because he “didn’t get the concept” of digital dating. For Chahal, his focus remains on self-development rather than finding a new partner.
“Yaar, it’s okay when friends hang out, because there are videos of friends hanging out on the internet. No relationship. Happy single. When friends hang out, a video comes up. He’s a friend, there’s no relationship. I’ve seen it all on Instagram. People can think whatever they want. I don’t really get the concept of dating apps, so I disabled it.” Chahal said.
Suicidal thoughts and severe panic attacks after divorce from Dhanashree Verma
In perhaps his most vulnerable confession, Chahal revealed that the period surrounding his divorce was a dark chapter filled with serious mental health challenges Anxiety, panic attacks and depression. He described the physical manifestations of his discomfort, including hand tremors, facial numbness and even loss of consciousness, which significantly impacted his professional life and caused him to miss several major cricket tournaments.
Chahal credited his mentor Anirudh Singh and constant therapy sessions for helping him overcome this ‘tough phase’. By opening up about his suicidal thoughts and 40 days of intense emotional suffering where he slept only two hours a night, Chahal aims to shed light on the human side of professional athletes, who often suffer silently under the glare of public scrutiny.
“When I was going through my divorce, my mind was not in the right place. I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. My hands would tremble, my face would scrunch up and go numb. Sometimes things would get so bad that I would lose consciousness. I would have suicidal thoughts. I was tired of my life. I would cry for two hours a day. Therapy helped a lot and now I am completely fit and fine. I am my guru. Used to share everything with Anirudh sir. He helped me a lot to get out of it. The Indian cricketer added.
Also read: ‘The 50’ reality show with ex-wife? Yuzvendra Chahal finally addresses Dhanashree Verma rumors
Final closing on Dhanashree chapter
About your high-profile wedding Dhanashree VermaWhich officially ended in March 2025, Chahal was firm in saying that the chapter is now completely closed. She addressed the controversies that led to their separation, including the viral ‘Sugar Daddy’ T-shirt she wore in court, explaining it as a silent message to those mislabeling the situation rather than a malicious act.
Chahal expressed a mature view on the separation, wishing his ex-wife well but emphasizing that he felt an emotional detachment once the legal formalities were completed. He also talked about his new indifference towards social media trolling, stating that after witnessing the worst of online abuse, he no longer allows the opinions of strangers to determine his happiness or mental peace.
“That was a chapter of my life which is now over. I have moved on from that. I don’t want to get stuck at that place by talking about it. My life is going on, and her life is going on. She should be happy in her life, we should be happy in our lives. It was done and dusted as soon as I came out of the court. I have seen everything in my life from social media trolling, abuses to insulting mothers and sisters. So I have moved on from it.” It doesn’t affect me that much. People will abuse me and go away, no problem.” Chahal concluded.
Also read: From Yuzvendra Chahal to Smriti Mandhana: Cricketers who announced divorce or breakup in 2025