Yuzi Chahal tired of endless social media rumours: I know who I really am

Yuzvendra Chahal may no longer be a regular feature in India’s international line-ups, but the leg-spinner continues to find himself at the centre of attention for reasons that extend far beyond cricket. From social media chatter to speculation about his personal life and heated online debates involving Indian cricketers, Chahal remains firmly in the public eye — sometimes for reasons he would rather avoid.

Over the years, the Haryana-born spinner has carved out an impressive career, both for India and in the Indian Premier League, where he has represented multiple franchises and established himself as one of the tournament’s most effective bowlers. Yet, as Chahal points out, visibility in modern sport comes with an unavoidable downside.

Spotlight for the wrong reasons

Chahal says he has learned to live with public attention, even when it borders on intrusive, as long as it stays within reasonable limits.

“I don’t mind it a little bit as long as it’s about me, in a good, positive way, or even in a fun way,” he said on India Today's Salaam Cricket. “That’s part of the profession. You’re in the public eye, and people will talk.”

The issue, he insists, begins when speculation starts dragging others into the narrative without their knowledge or consent.

“When you start associating someone else’s name with it, that’s when it becomes wrong,” Chahal said. “They don’t know anything about it, and suddenly they’re being discussed for no reason.”

Friends mistaken for rumours

Chahal highlighted how easily ordinary social interactions are misread, particularly in a cricket-obsessed country where athletes’ personal lives are constantly under scrutiny.

“It’s not necessary that if a boy and a girl are going out, they’re boyfriend and girlfriend or that something is going on,” he said. “Sometimes you’re just meeting friends.”

He recalled a recent visit to Mumbai — his first in several months — when he decided to step out for dinner instead of eating at his hotel. What he describes as a routine outing quickly snowballed into online speculation.

“I don’t even know who invited me or how it became such a big deal,” he said. “I just went out for dinner. That’s it.”

‘I can adjust, but what about family?’

While Chahal says he has developed thick skin over time, he admits the rumours do have an emotional impact — not on him, but on those closest to him.

“I can adjust. I don’t care,” he said. “But my sisters are also there with me. My parents are also there. They read these things.”

For Chahal, that is where the line should be drawn. Family members, unlike public figures, do not sign up for scrutiny but often end up dealing with the fallout of online gossip.

“How many things will you silence?” he asked. “If I start speaking against everyone, I can do that. But how many people will you stop?”

Rather than confronting every rumour, Chahal has chosen to ignore the noise altogether.

“Whoever wants to print it, let them print it,” he said. “I’m getting free publicity. I’m in the news for free. Let it be.”

Fan wars going too far

Chahal also spoke about the broader culture of social media discourse around Indian cricket, where fan loyalty often turns into hostility towards other players.

“The problem in India is that to support your own player, people say more about the other player,” he said. “Why compare? First support your own team.”

According to Chahal, fans often forget that anyone who represents India — even briefly — has already achieved something extraordinary.

“This is the Indian team, not a state team,” he said. “Even playing one match for India deserves respect. Just reaching that level is a struggle in itself.”

He also pointed to anonymity as a major driver of online abuse.

“It’s very easy on social media,” he said. “I can create a fake account and write ten things about you. I can keep writing. How many people will you go and answer?”

Choosing perspective over noise

Despite stepping away from international cricket, Chahal remains a high-profile figure, shaped as much by his achievements as by the scrutiny that follows him. His approach now is rooted in perspective and self-assurance.

“I know what kind of person I am,” he said. “My family knows. My friends know. That’s enough for me.”

In an age where attention is instant and judgement relentless, Chahal’s words underline a simple message: fame should not come at the cost of empathy, and public figures — like everyone else — deserve basic decency, both on and off the field.