TOP STORIES

"I stopped drinking alcohol": Yuzvendra Chahal makes a big revelation ahead of IPL 2026

Thursday, 19-Mar-2026, 04:36 AM
News

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made a big change ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026, revealing that he has stopped consuming alcohol to improve his fitness and performance. Chahal, who will represent Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, shared insights into his personal life during a candid podcast conversation with South African legend AB de Villiers. 

Speaking openly, the veteran spinner said that maintaining peak physical condition has become a top priority at this stage of his career. The leg-spinner’s revelation comes on the back of a solid campaign in the 2025 Indian Premier League, where Punjab Kings enjoyed one of their most successful runs in recent years. Chahal played a crucial role throughout the tournament, delivering key performances that helped the team reach the final.

"I stopped drinking alcohol. It’s been more than six months. I am 35 now. I want to be more active, and I want to give 150 per cent for my team. As a senior bowler, if I go to the IPL, I want people to see me and think ‘we have to learn something from him’,” Chahal told De Villiers on the latter's YouTube show.

Punjab Kings' campaign in 2025 ended in heartbreak as they narrowly lost the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by just six runs. Reflecting on the loss, Chahal felt that Marco Jansen's availability would have helped them make it all the way. 

“In the final, we missed Jansen as he was not there. If he were there, we would have definitely won the championship," Chahal said.

“The way he bowled throughout the tournament was brilliant, and batting too, he was capable of hitting two to three sixes in the end. We are even more confident now because of the way he is bowling. It's not going to be easy for the opposition openers," he added.


Tags

More News

News

"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi": Sachin Tendulkar hails the young talent

1 hr ago

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been hailed by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, describing the Rajasthan Royals star as a "truly special" talent and expressing his desire to see the youngster represent India in Test cricket in the future. However, Tendulkar also emphasised the importance of allowing the teenager to develop naturally rather tha...


News

RCB seek consecutive IPL trophies as GT hunt historic glory

2 hrs ago

The culmination of the action-packed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 comes tonight as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the title clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a fruitful campaign, and now they are only one victory away from creating history. After winning the...


News

"We're focused on giving our best": RCB captain Rajat Patidar ahead of IPL final against GT

5 hrs ago

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to defend their crown in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Rajat Patidar is approaching the occasion with great calmness. There is always a spotlight on the captain, but Patidar has chosen to focus on the journey rather than the pressure that comes with it. 

"I've never thought about what ...


News

GT and RCB gear up for blockbuster IPL final in Ahmedabad

19 hrs ago

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns with Gujarat Titans in a mouthwatering showdown in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the face-off between contrasting styles and philosophies, with both teams looking to stamp their authority. 

Royal Challengers Be...


News

"The feeling is definitely good": Shubman Gill after GT advance to IPL 2026 final

21 hrs ago

Playing a captain's knock, Shubman Gill unleashed a masterclass, shining when Gujarat Titans needed him the most, slamming a breathtaking innings of 104 runs to guide GT to a thumping seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026 on Friday and securing a place in the final. Chasing a target of 215, Gill gave Gujarat Titans a solid st...