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In a candid revelation that has sent waves through the cricketing community, India\u2019s champion leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal<\/strong><\/a> has opened up about a significant lifestyle change ahead of the IPL 2026 season<\/strong>. The Punjab Kings (PBKS)<\/strong> star, who remains the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, confessed that he has completely given up alcohol in a bid to extend his career and guide his franchise to their elusive maiden title.<\/p>\n Speaking on the YouTube show of South African legend and former teammate AB de Villiers<\/strong>, Chahal shared the motivations behind this drastic shift. \u201cI\u2019ve stopped drinking alcohol, and it\u2019s been more than six months now,<\/em>\u201d Chahal stated.<\/p>\n At 35, the wily spinner is acutely aware of the physical demands of modern T20 cricket. \u201cI 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,<\/em>\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The move comes after a bittersweet IPL 2025 campaign. While Punjab Kings broke their long-standing playoff jinx to reach the final under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer<\/strong>, they suffered a heart-wrenching 6-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)<\/strong><\/a> in the summit clash. Chahal, despite finishing the season with 16 wickets, was plagued by injuries during the business end of the tournament.<\/p>\n Reflecting on the loss, Chahal revealed he was playing through the pain of a rib fracture sustained after a game against KKR, followed by a knuckle fracture. \u201cIn the semifinal and final, I wasn\u2019t able to bowl my proper leg-spin. This year, I want to take care of my body first<\/em>,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n Beyond personal fitness, Chahal pinpointed the absence of South African all-rounder Marco Jansen<\/strong> in the final as the tipping point. Jansen had to depart early for national duties, leaving a void in the PBKS lower order and pace attack.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he [Jansen] were there, we would have definitely won the championship<\/em>,\u201d Chahal conluded, highlighting Jansen\u2019s ability to strike early with the ball and provide late-order cameos.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0\u2018Sarpanch Sahab\u2019 Shreyas Iyer headlines Punjab Kings\u2019 jersey launch for IPL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Chahal\u2019s commitment to fitness is not just about personal pride; it is about justifying the immense faith and capital invested in him. During the IPL 2025 mega auction, Punjab Kings scripted history by securing Chahal\u2019s services for a staggering \u20b918 crore. This made him the most expensive spinner in the history of the IPL, doubling the previous record held by Rashid Khan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n By entering IPL 2026 in peak physical condition, Chahal aims to repay the record-breaking bid. With over 221 IPL wickets to his name, he remains the gold standard for wrist-spin in the league. As PBKS prepares for the upcoming season, a sober and stronger. Chahal could be the final piece of the puzzle for a team that came within one hit of glory last year.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0Sanjay Bangar names his playing XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nYuzvendra Chahal shares big update before IPL 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Yuzi Chahal: Most expensive spinner in the history of IPL<\/strong><\/h2>\n