Yuzvendra Chahal had suicidal thoughts post-divorce, says "RJ Mahvash helped me through it"

India cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has publicly addressed his divorce from Dhanashree Verma, revealing personal and emotional struggles in a recent podcast conversation. The couple, who married in December 2020, officially ended their five-year marriage in May 2024 after filing for divorce in February.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Raj Shamani, Chahal said that problems in the relationship had been ongoing for nearly two years. “It was going on for a long while. We decided we do not want to show the people,” he said. He confirmed that they maintained a normal appearance on social media until the legal separation was complete and nodded when asked if they were faking it.

Chahal explained that their demanding careers left little time for the relationship. “I was playing for India, she was also doing her. This was going on for 1-2 years,” he said. “A relationship is like a compromise. Sometimes the nature of two people does not match.” He said both were focused on individual goals, which created emotional distance.

He also addressed cheating rumours that circulated during the divorce. “I think when my divorce happened, people alleged me of being a cheater. I have never cheated in my life. You won't find anyone more loyal than me,” he said. Emphasising his respect for women, Chahal said, “Because I have two sisters and have grown up with them since childhood, I know how to respect women.”

Chahal spoke in detail about the mental toll the divorce took on him. “I had suicidal thoughts, I was tired of my life, I used to cry for 2 hours. I used to sleep just for 2 hours. It went for 40-45 days.” He revealed that he took a break from cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy to focus on his mental health. He credited his family and close friend RJ Mahvash for helping him through the phase.