Yuzvendra Chahal quits alcohol before IPL 2026, eyes on winning PBKS title
To enter the upcoming IPL 2026 season with better confidence and fitness levels, Yuzvendra Chahal has made personal lifestyle changes and has decided to quit alcohol consumption. Chahal, who will be a part of the Punjab Kings team for the new season, opened up about his personal life during a podcast with AB de Villiers. Chahal, after a poor start, enjoyed good performances during his first season with PBKS in 2025.
The leg spinner took 16 wickets in 14 matches and PBKS reached the final, where they were defeated by RCB. Chahal told de Villiers that his aim is to snatch the IPL title with Punjab and he is looking forward to performing well during the tournament. The spinner also said that the decision to give up alcohol was taken due to the fact that he wanted to be a role model for the young players in the team.
Chahal said, “It has been more than six months since I stopped drinking. I am 35 now, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior player, I want people to learn something from me in the IPL.”
What made Chahal focus more on health?
Chahal revealed that he was disappointed with himself during IPL 2025 as he was not able to perform well due to rib and knuckle injuries. The spinner said that in the upcoming season, he wants to put 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 fractured my rib and later fractured my knuckle. So in the semi-finals and the final, I was not able to bowl my proper leg-spin. This year, I want to take care of my body first,” Chahal said.
Chahal will also be hoping to use IPL 2026 to get back into the race for the Indian team. Chahal last played an international match for India in 2023 and has been out of the team since then.
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