Stopped drinking alcohol: Chahal admits big change in lifestyle ahead of IPL 2026

Yuzi Chahal (File Pic)

Speaking to former IPL teammate AB de Villiers on his YouTube podcast, Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal made a huge revelation. Chahal stated that he had given up drinking, citing his age and his dedication to playing for the Punjab Kings as the main reasons.

Yuzvendra Chahal has changed his lifestyle and chosen to give up alcohol in an effort to improve his confidence and level of fitness going into the next IPL 2026 season. His decision to quit alcohol also stemmed from the fact that he wants to be a role model for the younger players.

"I've stopped drinking alcohol, and it's been more than six months. I am now 35, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me," Chahal said.

Chahal said that he was dissatisfied with his performance in the 2025 IPL season because of rib and knuckle injuries. The spinner stated that he wanted to prioritise his health and make sure he was performing at his best in the forthcoming season.

"I was a bit disappointed with myself. After the KKR game, I had a rib fracture, and later, my knuckle got fractured. So in the semifinal and final, I wasn't able to bowl my proper leg-spin. This year, I want to take care of my body first," said Chahal.

Chahal believes PBKS would have won the final with Marco Jensen in the team

Chahal also discussed his feelings on Punjab Kings' (PBKS) six-run defeat in the previous season's final against RCB. He pointed out that one of the potential causes of the defeat was the absence of bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen.

Despite taking 16 wickets in 14 games, Jansen's national obligations prevented him from participating in the playoffs. Jansen was obliged to leave the camp and travel to South Africa in order to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final due to a minor schedule change brought on by cross-border conflict and the IPL moving into June.