New Delhi, March 19 Yuzvendra Chahal has given up alcohol in order to become a fitter cricketer, allowing him to give his "100 per cent" for his franchise, Punjab Kings, in the IPL, which begins on March 28.
Punjab Kings finished as runners-up in the previous edition. It was their first final appearance since 2014.
Speaking on South African great AB de Villiers' YouTube channel, Chahal revealed that he has not consumed alcohol for more than six months, in addition to sharing his struggles with injuries last season.
"After the KKR [Kolkata Knight Riders] game, my hip got fractured, and later in the tournament, my knuckle also got fractured. So in the semi-final [Qualifiers] and final, I was unable to bowl my proper legspin," said Chahal.
"But this year, I wanted to take care of my body first, and I have some good news for you: I have stopped drinking alcohol. It has been more than six months.
"Now, at 35, I want to be more active and give my 100 per cent for my team. As a senior bowler and player, people will see me [and think] 'this guy, we can learn something from him.'"
Chahal played 14 out of the team's 17 games last season, ending with 16 wickets at an economy rate of 9.56. Punjab Kings had paid Rs 18 crore for Chahal at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
He last played for India in 2023 and was part of the triumphant squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but did not get to play.
Punjab Kings will open their 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans at home on March 31.