Yuzvendra Chahal is entering the 19th edition of the IPL with more than just a new strategy; he’s entering with a new lifestyle. The 35-year-old leg-spinning legend, who remains the most successful bowler in the tournament’s history, recently sat down with former teammate AB de Villiers to reveal a transformative personal shift.
After a year marked by professional near-misses and personal upheaval, including a high-profile divorce and a grueling battle with injury, Chahal has committed to a "fitness-first" mentality, headlined by his decision to completely give up alcohol.
Despite being the IPL's all-time leading wicket-taker with 221 scalps, Chahal has been out of the Indian national setup since 2023. As he prepares for the Punjab Kings opener against Gujarat Titans on March 31, the veteran is focused on his legacy as a senior leader.
This year my mind has said that I will take care of my body first. And I have one good news for you: I stopped alcohol. It’s been more than six months. I am 35 now... As a senior bowler, I want people to see me and think ‘we have to learn something from him
Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings came agonizingly close to their maiden title in 2025, falling to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by just six runs in the final. Chahal identified the absence of South African strike pacer Marco Jansen, who was on international duty for the World Test Championship, as the tipping point.
However, Chahal also revealed a startling personal struggle from that campaign. He played the semifinal and final while nursing rib and knuckle fractures, injuries sustained during the latter half of the tournament.
Jansen factor: Chahal believes Jansen’s dual threat with the ball and late-order hitting would have bridged the 6-run deficit.
Physical toll: The fractures prevented Chahal from bowling his "proper leg-spin" during the most critical games of the season.
Health setback: Following the IPL, Chahal’s fitness was further tested by a combined bout of dengue and chikungunya in late 2025.
While Chahal dominates the IPL record books, he remains stranded on 96 T20I wickets for India. In his absence, teammates Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya have all surged past the 100-wicket mark. For Chahal, IPL 2026 isn't just about a trophy; it's a final audition to prove he can still compete with the younger generation.
Captaincy: Chahal continues under the "inspired leadership" of Shreyas Iyer at PBKS.
Chasing the ring: Chahal has played in three IPL finals (2016, 2022, 2025) with three different teams, losing all three.
Opener: PBKS begins their campaign on March 31 at Mullanpur against Gujarat Titans.
Discipline: Chahal has been sober for over six months, citing a desire to extend his career at the highest level.
