Yuzvendra Chahal has made a candid revelation about the emotional challenges he faced during his divorce, opening up about anxiety, panic attacks and the impact of social media criticism on his professional career. The Indian leg-spinner admitted that the difficult period affected his mindset and forced him to take a break from cricket.
In a conversation about his personal struggles, Chahal explained how being a public figure made it difficult to deal with events in his private life. With his personal circumstances becoming a subject of widespread discussion online, the cricketer found himself dealing with constant comments and opinions from social media users.
Chahal acknowledged that the experience was emotionally draining and had a noticeable impact on his cricket. He revealed that his mindset was not right during that phase, prompting him to step away from the game and focus on himself.
Yuzvendra Chahal opens up about panic attacks
One of the most striking aspects of Chahal’s revelation was his description of experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. The leg-spinner said it was the first time he had understood what anxiety felt like, describing a racing heartbeat and physical changes that sometimes left him struggling to speak.
He recalled moments when the tension became so intense that even speaking normally was difficult. The experience helped him recognise the seriousness of what he was going through.
Chahal’s account highlights how personal challenges can affect professional athletes, even when they are expected to remain focused on performance and competition. The pressure becomes particularly difficult when private matters are discussed publicly and repeatedly across social media platforms.
Chahal’s message on social media trolling
The cricketer also reflected on the reality of online criticism, explaining that people would continue talking regardless of the circumstances. He gradually realised that trying to control every public opinion was impossible.
His comments underline the importance of mental health in professional sport, where athletes often face immense expectations both on and off the field.
By sharing his experience, Chahal has offered fans a more personal perspective on the challenges behind his public image. His honest account serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, including elite athletes, and that taking time to recover can be an important step towards regaining confidence and balance.