Cricketer Opens Up on Depression and Suicidal Thoughts Following Divorce
Denies Affair Rumors, Shares Insights Into Legal Settlement and Recovery
Mumbai, August 1, 2025 – Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced following his high-profile divorce from choreographer Dhanashree Verma. The leg-spinner disclosed that he battled five months of severe depression, during which he struggled with suicidal thoughts, all while maintaining a composed image in public.
False Accusations Deepened Mental Trauma: Yuzvendra Chahal
Speaking on a podcast, Chahal shared that he was unfairly branded a “cheater” on social media after news of the separation surfaced. He clarified that the allegations were baseless, but the online trolling significantly worsened his mental health.
“I was faking happiness, but inside I was broken. I even thought about ending my life,” Chahal said, emphasizing how public perception added to his struggles.
Friendship With RJ Mahvash Misconstrued
Responding to speculation about his connection with RJ Mahvash, Chahal strongly refuted claims of any romantic relationship. He described her as a supportive friend who stood by him during his lowest phase.
“It hurts when people call her a ‘homewrecker.’ She has been nothing but a friend who helped me survive those dark months,” he explained.
Divorce Timeline and Settlement
Chahal and Dhanashree, married in December 2020, reportedly started living apart around mid-2022. After nearly 2.5 years apart, the couple filed for divorce in February 2025, which was finalized on March 20, 2025.
The Bombay High Court waived the mandatory cooling-off period due to prolonged separation and Chahal’s IPL commitments.
As part of the mutual settlement, Chahal agreed to pay ₹4.75 crore in alimony, with nearly half the amount already disbursed during proceedings.
Dhanashree Verma Perspective: Focus on Growth
In recent interviews, Dhanashree Verma described the divorce as a turning point that taught her resilience and self-care. She stated that online negativity “never really bothered” her and that she remains focused on personal growth and professional achievements.
Chahal expressed gratitude to his close friends and well-wishers who helped him navigate depression. The cricketer now plans to take a brief mental health break before returning to the sport with renewed focus.
This revelation sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by public figures, emphasizing the need for compassion and responsible discourse in the digital era.
