Breaking Silence on Personal StrugglesIndian cricket team’s renowned spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, has finally opened up about the challenges he faced following his recent divorce. After being married to choreographer Dhanshree Verma for approximately five years, the couple officially parted ways on March 20 this year.
Addressing Mental Health IssuesIn a candid discussion during a podcast, Chahal revealed the mental health issues he encountered during the latter months of his marriage. He admitted to experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. “I was having anxiety attacks; I felt like I was losing my grip on reality,” he stated, adding that the pressure of social media exacerbated his condition.
Coping with Divorce TensionsChahal shared that despite having an air conditioner running in his room, he would break into sweats and tremble due to the anxiety and stress he was under. He had to request a break from his state cricket team during the Vijay Hazare Trophy to focus on his mental well-being.
The Root Cause of SeparationHe explained that the primary reason for their separation stemmed from differences in their personalities and life priorities. “Marriage is about compromise, but when two individuals have contrasting natures, things don’t work out,” he noted, emphasizing that over time, their busy schedules made it difficult to allocate quality time to each other.
Privacy During SeparationChahal also discussed how he and Dhanshree chose to keep their separation private until the procedure was finalized. “It had been ongoing for a while, and we decided not to disclose anything until there was no turning back,” he said, admitting that they portrayed a united front on social media despite their personal struggles.
Confronting Public CriticismAfter the divorce, Chahal faced harsh criticism on social media, especially when he wore a shirt with a specific message during a court appearance, which some interpreted as a jab at his ex-wife. He clarified, “When the divorce happened, I felt relieved because I was coming out of a terrible time.”
