New Delhi: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, one of the most successful spin bowlers in Indian cricket, has often remained in the headlines not only for his performances on the field but also for his personal life off it. While Chahal has learned to deal with the constant spotlight and speculation, he has now openly spoken about the emotional burden that rumours and gossip create—especially for his family.
In a candid statement, Chahal revealed that although he has developed a thick skin over time, the same cannot be said for his parents and sisters, who get deeply affected by what is written and shared on social media.
“I Can Adjust, But My Family Reads Everything”
Speaking about the impact of unnecessary rumours, Chahal admitted that he does not feel bad for himself, but he feels helpless when his family gets dragged into such discussions.
“I can adjust, I don’t care. But my sisters and my parents are also with me. They read all these things. How many things will you keep quiet? If I start speaking against everyone, I can do it, but how many people can you stop?” Chahal said.
His words highlighted the reality that public figures may learn to ignore criticism, but their loved ones often suffer silently.
Simple Meeting Turned Into ‘Affair Rumours’
Chahal also expressed surprise at how even a normal outing can be misinterpreted and turned into gossip. Referring to a recent visit to Mumbai, he said he had only gone out for dinner, but the incident was blown out of proportion on social media.
He strongly clarified that it is not necessary that if a man and a woman are seen together, they must be in a relationship.
He added that people can simply be good friends, but social media quickly labels everything as an affair.
Chahal Slams Toxic Fan Culture
Chahal also spoke about the unhealthy behaviour of cricket fans on social media. He said that many fans support their favourite player by unnecessarily abusing other players, creating a toxic environment.
He urged fans to focus on supporting Team India rather than comparing individuals.
“This is the Indian team, not a state team. Even playing one match for India is an honour. Reaching that level is itself a big struggle,” Chahal said.
Fake Accounts and Online Abuse
Talking about the abuse and trolling faced by cricketers, Chahal pointed out that anonymity on social media is a major reason behind the growing negativity. According to him, anyone can create a fake account and write anything about anyone without consequences.
He said it is impossible to respond to everyone, and therefore he has chosen to ignore the noise.
In a humorous tone, he added,
“Let people print whatever they want. At least I’m getting free publicity.”
Moving Forward With Confidence
Despite being away from the Indian team setup and facing constant rumours, Chahal made it clear that he remains mentally strong. He believes that as long as his family and close friends know the truth, outside opinions do not matter.
Chahal’s honest statement serves as a reminder of how athletes fight not just on the field, but also against unnecessary pressure and negativity in modern times.
For Chahal, rumours may not break him—but seeing his family suffer because of them is what truly hurts.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.