In a candid revelation that has despatched waves via the cricketing neighborhood, India’s champion leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up a few important life-style change forward of the IPL 2026 season. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) star, who stays the main wicket-taker within the historical past of the Indian Premier League, confessed that he has fully given up alcohol in a bid to increase his profession and information his franchise to their elusive maiden title.
Yuzvendra Chahal shares large replace earlier than IPL 2026
Talking on the YouTube present of South African legend and former teammate AB de Villiers, Chahal shared the motivations behind this drastic shift. “I’ve stopped ingesting alcohol, and it’s been greater than six months now,” Chahal acknowledged.
At 35, the wily spinner is conscious about the bodily calls for of recent T20 cricket. “I wish to be extra energetic and provides my 150% for my staff. As a senior participant, I would like individuals within the IPL to study one thing from me,” he added.
The transfer comes after a bittersweet IPL 2025 marketing campaign. Whereas Punjab Kings broke their long-standing playoff jinx to achieve the ultimate underneath the management of Shreyas Iyer, they suffered a heart-wrenching 6-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) within the summit conflict. Chahal, regardless of ending the season with 16 wickets, was stricken by accidents through the enterprise finish of the match.
Reflecting on the loss, Chahal revealed he was taking part in via the ache of a rib fracture sustained after a sport towards KKR, adopted by a knuckle fracture. “Within the semifinal and closing, I wasn’t in a position to bowl my correct leg-spin. This yr, I wish to maintain my physique first,” he famous.
Past private health, Chahal pinpointed the absence of South African all-rounder Marco Jansen within the closing because the tipping level. Jansen needed to depart early for nationwide duties, leaving a void within the PBKS decrease order and tempo assault.
“If he [Jansen] have been there, we might have undoubtedly gained the championship,” Chahal conluded, highlighting Jansen’s potential to strike early with the ball and supply late-order cameos.
Additionally READ: ‘Sarpanch Sahab’ Shreyas Iyer headlines Punjab Kings’ jersey launch for IPL 2026
Yuzi Chahal: Costliest spinner within the historical past of IPL
Chahal’s dedication to health is not only about private delight; it’s about justifying the immense religion and capital invested in him. Through the IPL 2025 mega public sale, Punjab Kings scripted historical past by securing Chahal’s companies for a staggering ₹18 crore. This made him the most costly spinner within the historical past of the IPL, doubling the earlier document held by Rashid Khan.
By coming into IPL 2026 in peak bodily situation, Chahal goals to repay the record-breaking bid. With over 221 IPL wickets to his identify, he stays the gold commonplace for wrist-spin within the league. As PBKS prepares for the upcoming season, a sober and stronger. Chahal could possibly be the ultimate piece of the puzzle for a staff that got here inside one hit of glory final yr.
Additionally READ: Sanjay Bangar names his taking part in XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026
