Chahal quits alcohol, prioritises fitness ahead of IPL 2026

Yuzvendra Chahal has prioritised his fitness ahead of IPL 2026 after suffering multiple injuries during the previous season. Chahal, 35, also said that he has quit alcohol in his bid to give “150% for his team”, Punjab Kings.

“After the KKR [Kolkata Knight Riders] game, my hip got fractured and later in the tournament my knuckle got fractured,” Chahal told AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel AB de Villiers 360.

“So in the semi-final [Qualifiers] and final, I was not able to bowl my proper leg-spin and all. But this year I [wanted] to take care of my body first and I have one good news for you, I stopped alcohol. It’s been more than six months.

“Now, I’m 35, I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior bowler and senior player, people will see me [and think] ‘this guy, we have to learn something from him.'”

Due to those injuries, Chahal played only 14 of PBKS’ 17 games last season and wasn’t at his best during the knockouts. Chahal is now looking forward to reuniting with coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, who last year led PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years.

“Ricky and Shreyas worked together during the IPL at DC [Delhi Capitals],” Chahal said.

“So they have that bonding and I played with him [Ponting] when I was in Mumbai Indians. But when I met him, he was very clear about the players and the roles. That’s the best thing you want as a player. He is very easy to communicate [with] – you can go there, anytime you can message Ricky he was always available. Same with Shreyas. You don’t feel like he’s your captain- he’s your friend only.”

PBKS will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on March 31. (ESPNcricinfo)