Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, the experienced leg-spinner set to earn a significant sum with Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, has found himself at the centre of a fresh social media storm.
A video circulating widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) appears to show a man resembling Chahal smoking inside a moving car before flicking the cigarette butt onto the road. The clip has triggered strong criticism online, with many accusing the player of careless littering. NDTV has not been able to independently confirm the authenticity of the footage or establish when and where it was recorded.
As of now, neither Chahal nor his representatives have issued any statement addressing the viral video.
The incident comes shortly after Chahal spoke openly about his improved lifestyle choices. In a recent podcast conversation with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, the 35-year-old revealed he had given up alcohol for more than six months. He explained the decision was part of his preparation to stay fitter and contribute at full capacity for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
“I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, and it’s been more than six months. I am now 35, so I want to be more active and give my 150% for my team. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me,” Chahal had told de Villiers.
Chahal played a key role in Punjab Kings’ campaign last season, helping the Shreyas Iyer-led side reach the IPL 2025 final, where they lost by six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reflecting on the defeat, Chahal expressed disappointment over the absence of all-rounder Marco Jansen in the summit clash.
“In the final, we missed Jansen as he was not there. If he were there, we would have definitely won the championship,” he said during the same podcast.
The spinner highlighted Jansen’s impressive performances throughout the tournament with both bat and ball, noting the team’s renewed confidence heading into the next edition.
While the focus remains on Chahal’s fitness drive and his lucrative opportunities in the cash-rich IPL, the latest video has shifted attention to questions of personal conduct. Social media users have been vocal in their reactions, though the lack of verification leaves room for doubt about the clip’s context.
This development adds an unexpected layer to the build-up for IPL 2026, where Chahal is expected to play a pivotal mentoring and match-winning role for Punjab Kings.