Yuzvendra Chahal may no longer be a guaranteed starter in India’s international playing XI, but the seasoned leg-spinner continues to remain in the spotlight for reasons that go far beyond his on-field performances. In the age of social media, where every public appearance is dissected and amplified, Chahal often finds himself trending — sometimes for his bowling exploits in the Indian Premier League, and at other times for speculation surrounding his personal life.
Over the years, the Haryana-born cricketer has built an impressive career, emerging as one of India’s most reliable white-ball spinners and a leading wicket-taker in IPL history. However, Chahal believes that modern-day fame comes with an unavoidable downside. Increased visibility also means reduced privacy, and even ordinary moments away from the game can quickly become headline material.
Speaking on India Today’s Salaam Cricket, Yuzvendra Chahal admitted that he has gradually learned to accept public attention as part of being a professional athlete.
“I don’t mind it a little bit as long as it’s about me, in a good, positive way, or even in a fun way,” Yuzvendra Chahal said. “That’s part of the profession. You’re in the public eye, and people will talk.” However, the leg-spinner made it clear that there is a line that should not be crossed, especially when other people are dragged into unnecessary speculation. “When you start associating someone else’s name with it, that’s when it becomes wrong,” he said. “They don’t know anything about it, and suddenly they’re being discussed for no reason.”
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Chahal also highlighted how easily harmless social interactions are misinterpreted, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation where players’ personal lives are constantly under the microscope.
“It’s not necessary that if a boy and a girl are going out, they’re boyfriend and girlfriend or that something is going on,” he explained. “Sometimes you’re just meeting friends.” Recalling a recent visit to Mumbai, Yuzvendra Chahal shared how a simple dinner outing quickly turned into online chatter. “I don’t even know who invited me or how it became such a big deal,” he said. “I just went out for dinner. That’s it.”
While Chahal insists he has developed a thick skin over the years, he acknowledged that rumours and online gossip affect his family far more than they affect him.
Yuzvendra chahal opens up on trolling & personal attacks#YuzvendraChahal #trolls #virals #shorts #ytshort #trending pic.twitter.com/m16pZscMOP
— Sports Today (@SportsTodayofc) February 5, 2026
“I can adjust. I don’t care,” he said. “But my sisters are also there with me. My parents are also there. They read these things.” For the experienced spinner, this is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable. Family members, unlike professional athletes, do not choose a public life, yet they often bear the emotional burden of false narratives circulating online. “How many things will you silence?” Yuzvendra Chahal asked. “If I start speaking against everyone, I can do that. But how many people will you stop?”
Rather than responding to every rumour, Yuzvendra Chahal has chosen to ignore the noise and focus on his game and personal peace.
“Whoever wants to print it, let them print it,” he said. “I’m getting free publicity. I’m in the news for free. Let it be.” Beyond personal rumours, Chahal also addressed the toxic nature of fan culture on social media, where supporting one player often involves pulling another down. “The problem in India is that to support your own player, people say more about the other player,” he noted. “Why compare? First support your own team.”
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He further reminded fans that representing India at any level is a massive achievement.
“This is the Indian team, not a state team,” Chahal said. “Even playing one match for India deserves respect. Just reaching that level is a struggle in itself.” Yuzvendra Chahal also pointed to the ease of anonymity on social platforms as a key reason behind the rise of online abuse. “It’s very easy on social media,” he said. “I can create a fake account and write ten things about you. I can keep writing. How many people will you go and answer?”
Despite the noise surrounding him, Chahal remains grounded about his identity beyond cricket.
“I know what kind of person I am,” he said. “My family knows. My friends know. That’s enough for me.” In a time when cricketers are judged as much for their off-field presence as their on-field output, Chahal’s perspective offers a grounded reminder that fame should not come at the cost of empathy, and that athletes, like anyone else, deserve basic respect and personal space.
