India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made a significant lifestyle change ahead of IPL 2026, revealing that he has completely stopped consuming alcohol to improve his fitness and performance. As he gears up to represent Punjab Kings, the experienced spinner is focused on entering the season in peak physical condition and with renewed confidence.
Chahal, who will turn 35 this year, spoke candidly about his decision during a conversation with AB de Villiers. “I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, and it’s been more than six months. I am now 35, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team,” he said, underlining his commitment to extending his career at the highest level.
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He also emphasised his role as a senior figure in the squad. “As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me,” Yuzvendra Chahal added, highlighting his intent to lead by example both on and off the field.
Punjab Kings head into IPL 2026 after a strong 2025 campaign, where they finished as runners-up, narrowly losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reflecting on that heartbreak, Chahal pointed to a key absence in the summit clash.
🚨 Yuzvendra Chahal has stopped consuming alcohol🍾:
This year my mind has said that I will take care of my body first. And I have one good news for you, I stopped alcohol. It’s been more than six months. I am 35 now. I want to be more active and I want to give 150 percent for… pic.twitter.com/J3sNpqhte3
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 18, 2026
“In the final, we missed (Marco) Jansen as he was not there. If he were there, we would have definitely won the championship,” he said, stressing the impact of the South African all-rounder.
He further praised Jansen’s contributions throughout the season. “The way he bowled throughout the tournament was brilliant, and batting too, he was capable of hitting two to three sixes in the end,” Chahal noted, expressing confidence in the team’s bowling unit heading into the new season.
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On a personal note, Chahal admitted that injuries hampered his performance during crucial matches. “I was a bit disappointed with myself… I had a rib fracture, and later, my knuckle got fractured,” he revealed, explaining why he couldn’t deliver at his best in the playoffs. Looking ahead, Chahal’s priority is clear. “This year, I want to take care of my body first,” he concluded, signalling a determined comeback for IPL 2026.
