Yuzvendra Chahal reveals emotional dressing room moments after India’s heartbreaking 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand
🏏 Yuzvendra Chahal Opens Up About Virat Kohli’s Tears After 2019 WC Loss
Veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made a heart-wrenching revelation about the Indian team’s emotional state following their 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand. In a candid conversation on the podcast Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, Chahal said he saw Virat Kohli crying in the bathroom, along with other teammates, after the defeat.
“2019 World Cup, I saw him [Virat] crying in the bathroom,” Chahal shared. “I saw everyone crying that day.”
📉 India’s Exit in 2019 World Cup Semi-Final
- Match Summary: India vs New Zealand, Old Trafford
- Result: India lost by 18 runs on the reserve day
- Target: 240
- Outcome: India failed to chase, ending their World Cup campaign
Chahal, who bowled 10 overs for 63 runs and took 1 wicket, admitted that he still regrets his performance.
“It was Mahi bhai’s last match. I could have done better. Maybe bowled tighter, leaked fewer runs. I was in the flow, but if I was calmer, I might’ve done more.”
👑 Chahal Compares Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as Captains
Chahal also offered insight into the distinct captaincy styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma:
- On Rohit: “Rohit bhaiya carries himself calmly. He’s a very good captain.”
- On Virat: “With Virat bhaiya, it’s the same energy every single day. It only goes up.”
💔 Chahal Talks About His Divorce with Dhanashree Verma
In the same podcast episode, Chahal broke silence on his personal life and divorce from actor-choreographer Dhanashree Verma. The couple married in December 2020, separated in June 2022, and were granted divorce in March 2024.
“We weren’t on talking terms for six to seven months before the divorce. We’d only speak for formal matters.”
Chahal added that after the 2024 T20 World Cup, their communication ended entirely.
“We had a lawyer video call, that was the last time I saw her. No messages, no contact since.”
Yuzvendra Chahal’s candid revelations offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll the 2019 World Cup semi-final had on the Indian team, especially Virat Kohli. Beyond the heartbreak on the field, Chahal’s openness about his personal life shows his resilience both as a cricketer and an individual navigating challenges off the pitch. Fans can appreciate the human side of their heroes, reminding us that behind every sporting moment, there are untold stories of struggle, strength, and emotion.
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