Indian leg-spinner
Recognising that his lifestyle choices were beginning to jeopardise his professional career and personal well-being, Chahal made the decision to check into a rehabilitation facility for 26 days. Reflecting on the experience during a podcast with former India opener Aakash Chopra, the bowler noted that the intervention proved to be a turning point in his life, allowing him to achieve greater emotional balance and physical fitness.
Prioritising cricket and personal health
Chahal explained that his journey with alcohol began during his younger years while navigating the social environment of professional cricket. He recalled receiving advice from former South African teammate AB de Villiers, who had previously emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in life. However, Chahal admitted that following his divorce, his mental state deteriorated, leading to excessive consumption that he struggled to manage on his own.
The decision to seek help was driven by a desire to protect his passion for the sport. Chahal noted that since completing his time in rehabilitation, he has felt a significant improvement in his physical condition. He highlighted that during the most recent IPL season, his body felt rejuvenated, allowing him to engage more effectively in gym sessions, fielding drills, and rigorous training routines.
A distinguished career on the field
Despite the personal challenges he faced, Chahal has maintained a high level of performance on the cricket pitch. He currently stands as the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, having claimed 233 wickets across 188 matches. His recent contributions include taking 16 wickets during the 2025 IPL season and a further 12 wickets in 2026.
Beyond his domestic success, Chahal has been a consistent presence for the Indian national team. His international career includes 72 One Day International appearances, where he has secured 121 wickets, and 80 T20 International matches, yielding 96 wickets. While he remains a prominent figure in limited-overs cricket, he has yet to make his debut in the Test format. Chahal expressed that he is now in a much happier and more stable space, having successfully navigated a difficult chapter in his life.
