Yuzvendra Chahal made an unforgettable statement — not just through his legal proceedings but also with his choice of attire — as he appeared at the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai for the final hearing of his joint divorce plea with choreographer Dhanashree Verma. The seasoned leg-spinner arrived wearing a custom T-shirt boldly emblazoned with the phrase "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy." The message, often associated with financial independence and self-reliance, seemed to serve as a powerful declaration of his mindset, signaling a fresh start and a new chapter in his life after the emotional toll of his public separation.
Chahal and Dhanashree, who had captured the hearts of fans with their vibrant social media presence and seemingly playful chemistry, were granted a divorce on Thursday, March 20. The couple, who married in December 2020, had been living separately since June 2022. The court approved the mutual consent divorce, with Chahal fulfilling his financial obligations by paying alimony totaling ₹4.75 crore. He initially paid ₹2.37 crore, with the remaining balance to be transferred following the official decree, ensuring that the settlement terms were honored.
The divorce proceedings were far from straightforward. Although the pair filed a joint plea for mutual separation on February 5, the family court initially refused to waive the mandatory six-month cooling-off period, citing partial compliance with the financial terms of the agreement. Determined to expedite the process, Chahal and Dhanashree approached the Bombay High Court, arguing that their separation was well-considered and irreparable. The High Court sided with the couple, instructing the family court to fast-track the case, ultimately waiving the cooling-off period and granting the divorce.
Rumors about the pair’s troubled marriage had been swirling since early 2024, fueled by fans noticing that both Chahal and Dhanashree had quietly removed pictures of each other from their social media accounts. This move, coupled with their silence on the matter, only intensified public curiosity. Throughout the speculation, neither Chahal nor Dhanashree spoke directly about their marital troubles. Instead, they posted a series of cryptic, introspective messages, which fans interpreted as subtle hints about their emotional states.
By February, Dhanashree’s family lawyer confirmed to India Today that a joint divorce plea had indeed been filed and acknowledged that the couple had been living apart for quite some time, ending weeks of rumors and speculation.
Adding to the buzz, Chahal was recently spotted alongside popular radio jockey RJ Mahvash while cheering for Team India during the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. The sighting sparked further curiosity about his personal life, with some fans wondering if this marked the start of a new friendship or relationship for the cricketer.
While his personal life has captured headlines, Chahal remains focused on his career. He’s set to rejoin the Punjab Kings training camp ahead of their highly anticipated IPL 2025 opener against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 25. The leg-spinner, known for his clever variations and ability to break crucial partnerships, was picked up by Punjab for a whopping ₹18 crore — a clear sign of the franchise's faith in his match-winning abilities.
Chahal will be joining forces with key players like Shreyas Iyer under the leadership of legendary coach Ricky Ponting. This dynamic combination of seasoned talent and fresh strategies is expected to revitalize Punjab Kings, a team determined to turn their fortunes around after a string of underwhelming seasons. For Chahal, the IPL represents more than just cricket — it’s a chance to reset his career narrative and remind the world why he remains one of India’s most formidable spinners.
As he steps into this new chapter — both personally and professionally — Chahal’s bold "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy" message seems to resonate beyond fashion. It embodies his resolve to stand strong, independent, and unapologetically himself, no matter the challenges life throws his way.
