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India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made explosive revelations about his mental health issues following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. Chahal revealed that he was wrongly labelled as a "cheater", which made him think about suicide during the turbulent period.
Speaking on a Podcast, Chahal opened up about the scrutiny surrounding his personal life and revealed that the decision to end the marriage was not sudden, but had been under discussion for some time.
"After my divorce, I was called a cheater. But I have never cheated in my life. I'm extremely loyal - probably more than most. For my loved ones, I've always thought from the heart," he said.
The 34-year-old spinner said that he was emotionally distraught following the separation.
"I had suicidal thoughts. I was tired of my life. I would cry for two hours a day, sleep just two hours. This went on for over 40 days. I had anxiety attacks, depression. Only those close to me knew what I was going through," Chahal said.
Chahal also considered taking a break from cricket as the mental strain made it difficult to focus on cricket.
The Haryana cricketer also opened up on the reason behind the separation and revealed that the growing professional commitments on both sides played a role in the eventual separation.
"It was going on for a while. We decided we wouldn't go public until we were sure. On social media, we looked like a normal couple, but the issues had started to build up. A relationship requires compromise - if both people are always busy, there's bound to be distance," he added.
Chahal also rubbished rumours circulated on social media during that period and said the negativity affected his mental health.
"Just because you are seen with someone, people link you up. I have two sisters. I know how to respect women," he said.
Despite the widespread attention and challenges, Chahal said the whole issue was handled maturely and mutually by both parties.
"If things happen between two people, they can still happen peacefully," he said.
Chahal is currently representing Northamptonshire in County cricket. He has bagged a six-wicket haul in the first innings against Derbyshire in the ongoing Division Two fixture.
