IPL 2026: ‘I’ve stopped drinking alcohol’ - Yuzvendra Chahal focuses on fitness ahead of marquee event

Published - 19 Mar 2026, 09:35 IST | Updated - 19 Mar 2026, 09:40 IST

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has revealed that he has stopped consuming alcohol as he prepares for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The leg-spinner also opened up about his personal life ahead of representing Punjab Kings (PBKS), who had a decent outing last season, finishing as runners-up.

Chahal stated that he is eager not only to win the title but also to enter the season with greater confidence and improved fitness levels. In IPL 2025, he picked up 16 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.87 and an economy rate of 9.55, including two four-wicket hauls.

“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. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me," Chahal said to AB de Villiers on YouTube.

De Villiers' take Kohli's dominating presence within RCB

PBKS fell short in the summit clash, suffering a six-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Chahal was left extremely disappointed and pointed out that the absence of Marco Jansen from the playing XI was a major reason behind their failure.

“In the final, we missed (Marco) Jansen as he was not there. If he were there, we would have definitely won the championship. The way he bowled throughout the tournament was brilliant, and batting too, he was capable of hitting two to three sixes in the end. We are even more confident now because of the way he is bowling. It's not going to be easy for the opposition openers," said Chahal.

AB De Villiers believes there's more to RCB than just Kohli

The 35-year-old also admitted that he was disappointed with his own performance, as he was unable to deliver at the highest level, and vowed to return with improved fitness in the upcoming season.

“I was a bit disappointed with myself. After the KKR game, I had a rib fracture, and later, my knuckle got fractured. So in the semifinal and final, I wasn't able to bowl my proper leg-spin. This year, I want to take care of my body first," Chahal concluded.