In a bid to enter the upcoming IPL 2026 season with better confidence and fitness levels, Yuzvendra Chahal has made a personal lifestyle change and decided to quit consuming alcohol. Chahal, who will be part of the Punjab Kings squad for the new season, revealed about his personal life during a podcast with AB de Villiers. Chahal enjoyed a decent outing during his first season with PBKS in 2025, after having a lacklustre start.
The leg-spinner picked up 16 wickets in 14 matches as PBKS went to the final, where they were beaten by RCB. Chahal told De Villiers that he is aiming to break the IPL title jinx with Punjab and is eager to perform well during the tournament. The spinner also said that the decision to quit alcohol stemmed from the fact that he wanted to be a role model for the young players in the squad.
“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,” said Chahal.
WHAT MADE CHAHAL FOCUS MORE ON HEALTH?
Chahal revealed that he was disappointed with himself during IPL 2025 as he was unable to perform well due to rib and knuckle injuries. The spinner said that in the upcoming season, he wanted to keep his body first and ensure that he is playing at the peak of his powers.
“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 will also be hoping to use IPL 2026 as a way to get back into the Indian team contention. Chahal last played an international game for India in 2023 and has since be left on the sidelines.
