Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on divorce with Dhanashree Verma

Dubai: Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about the much-speculated end of his marriage to choreographer Dhanashree Verma, revealing that their decision to separate was a long time in the making. Speaking on a podcast with Raj Shamani, the leg-spinner said that both he and Dhanashree had been battling personal differences for nearly two years, but chose to keep their issues private until the divorce was finalised earlier this year.

Chahal, 35, shared that the couple continued to present a united front on social media while privately navigating the breakdown of their relationship. “It had been going on for a while, but we didn’t want to show the world what was happening,” he said, admitting that part of him hoped things would eventually work out.

‘Faking it’ for hope

When asked whether he was trying to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage in the hope of reconciliation, Chahal acknowledged that he was. He added that both he and Dhanashree were overwhelmed by professional commitments, which left them with little time for each other — a gap that only widened with time.

Describing marriage as “a compromise,” the cricketer explained how mismatched personalities and the inability to spend quality time together gradually created emotional distance. “There was chaos every day. At some point, you’re mentally exhausted, and you let go,” he said.

On rumours and mental health toll

Chahal also addressed the hurtful speculation and online trolling that followed the divorce, including being labelled a “cheater.” Denying those allegations, he said, “I have never cheated in my life. You’ll never find anyone as loyal as me.” He added that he felt no need to defend himself publicly, as his close circle already knew the truth.

The leg-spinner revealed he went through a period of intense emotional struggle post-divorce. “For a few months, I was depressed. I got anxiety attacks. I even had suicidal thoughts because my mind had stopped working,” he admitted, crediting his family and radio host RJ Mahvash for helping him through the darkest moments. “Mahvash helped me a lot during that phase,” he added.

Chahal said he requested a break from domestic cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prioritise his mental well-being. “Cricket gives me happiness. If I can’t focus on that, something is definitely wrong,” he explained.

A fresh chapter?

The conversation around RJ Mahvash didn’t end with her role in helping Chahal cope. Speculation about a possible romantic relationship between the two intensified after Mahvash organised a surprise flash mob for Chahal’s 35th birthday in London — an event that went viral on social media. “This is my first birthday surprise in three decades,” Chahal posted, calling the moment “crazy” and “overwhelming.”

The pair were later spotted strolling through the streets of London, and Chahal appeared to confirm the relationship with a cheeky remark on a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show. When asked by comedian Kiku Sharda about “the girl everyone’s talking about,” Chahal replied with a grin: “India jaan chuka hai, chaar mahine pehle (India knows about it four months before).”

The couple, Chahal and Dhanashree, had reportedly filed for mutual separation in early 2024 and were granted divorce by the Bombay High Court in March 2025, ahead of the IPL season. Media reports suggested that Dhanashree received ₹4.75 crore in alimony as part of the settlement.