Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent Indian cricketer, is renowned for his exceptional ODI and T20 performances. His journey from chess prodigy to a national cricket team mainstay is truly inspiring. This blog post delves into his life, career, and personal journey.

Biography/Wiki

Born on July 23, 1990, in Jind, Haryana, India, Yuzvendra Chahal initially pursued chess with passion, even participating in youth championships. However, sponsorship challenges led him to switch to cricket. He began as a medium-fast bowler before transitioning to his now-famous leg-spin style. This unique path makes him the only player to represent India in both chess and cricket, a remarkable feat.

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, K. K. Chahal, is a lawyer, and his mother, Sunita Devi, is a homemaker. He also has two older sisters who are settled in Australia.

Relationships, Wife & Children

Yuzvendra Chahal got engaged to Dhanashree Verma, a popular YouTuber, on August 8, 2020, and they married on December 22, 2020. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in February 2025.

Career

Chahal’s cricketing career began at the domestic level after leaving chess. His first-class debut was in November 2009 against Madhya Pradesh. He’s played for Haryana in Ranji matches since 2009 and entered the IPL in 2013 with Mumbai Indians. His international debut came in June 2016 against Zimbabwe.

Key career highlights include becoming the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a T20 match (against England in February 2017), his debut in the County Championship with Kent in September 2023, achieving 200 IPL wickets in April 2024, and becoming the most expensive spinner ever sold in an IPL auction (Punjab Kings, November 2024).

Affair/Girlfriend

There were rumors linking Yuzvendra Chahal to Indian actress and model Tanishka Kapoor.

Salary/Net Worth

Yuzvendra’s match fees are reportedly Rs. 15 lakh for Test matches, Rs. 6 lakh for ODIs, and Rs. 3 lakh for T20s. His IPL journey saw him sold for Rs. 10 lakh by RCB in 2014 and a staggering Rs. 18 crore in 2025. His net worth in 2025 was estimated to be around Rs. 45 crore.

Interesting Facts

• His nickname, “single haddi” (single bone), reflects his slim physique.
• He participated in the 2003 Chess World Cup in Greece, boasting a career rating of 1946.
• He believes chess enhances his patience, temperament, and ability to read batsmen.
• Shane Warne is his cricketing idol.
• He played only one match for Mumbai Indians despite being selected for three years.
• He’s close friends with Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc.
• His hobbies include chess, golf, and traveling.

Rumors of his divorce from Dhanashree gained traction in January 2025 following social media activity.

Key Milestones in Yuzvendra Chahal’s Career