Sport · India Bureau
IPL's Leading Wicket-Taker Chahal Reveals Battle With Addiction, Mental Health
Yuzvendra Chahal, India's prolific leg-spinner and the Indian Premier League's highest wicket-taker, has opened up about his struggle with alcohol addiction and panic attacks that led to a 26-day rehabilitation stay.
LSN India ·
The cricketer, who has claimed 233 wickets across 188 IPL matches—a record that places him ahead of pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine—disclosed details of his personal health crisis in a candid revelation about the darker side of professional sports.
Chahal's disclosure highlights the mounting mental health challenges faced by elite athletes in the high-pressure world of franchise cricket. The candid admission from one of India's most successful bowlers underscores how even accomplished sportsmen navigate significant personal struggles away from the public eye.
The 26-day rehabilitation programme represents a significant intervention in Chahal's life, reflecting his commitment to addressing the underlying issues that contributed to his addiction and anxiety disorder. His willingness to discuss such personal matters publicly may help destigmatise mental health and addiction issues within the sporting fraternity.
Chahal's career achievements remain substantial despite these challenges. His position as the IPL's leading wicket-taker demonstrates his sustained excellence in T20 cricket, a testament to his skill and determination as a leg-spinner in one of the world's most competitive leagues.