Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has finally addressed swirling rumours linking him to reality TV personality Shefali Bagga, firmly pushing back against unfounded speculation about his personal life. Chahal, who has been out of the national setup for the past three years, remains a regular topic of discussion off the field – particularly following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma in March last year.
Every public appearance involving the cricketer has since been closely scrutinised, often triggering intense debates across social media platforms. Chahal, however, insists that while he understands public curiosity, there must be clear boundaries.
“Being in the public eye comes with the job”: Yuzvendra Chahal
Speaking on India Today Salaam Cricket, Chahal shared his perspective on fame and the constant attention that comes with it. He explained that he does not take offence to public discussion as long as it remains respectful and centred on him.
“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,” Chahal said. “That’s part of the profession. You’re in the public eye, and people will talk.”
The spinner acknowledged that scrutiny is inevitable for public figures, especially in a cricket-obsessed country like India. However, he drew a firm line when speculation starts involving others without any basis.
Addressing the rumours around Shefali Bagga, Chahal expressed concern over how casually someone else’s name can be dragged into online gossip. He stressed that such narratives can unfairly affect individuals who have nothing to do with the speculation.
“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.”
The leg-spinner highlighted how simple social interactions are often misinterpreted, especially when male and female friends are seen together in public. According to him, not every meeting needs to be labelled or sensationalised.
Chahal went on to explain how everyday activities can quickly spiral into rumours, particularly in the age of social media. He noted that the assumption that a man and a woman seen together must be romantically involved is both outdated and unfair.
“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.”
This tendency to jump to conclusions, Chahal believes, reflects a larger issue where personal space of public figures is increasingly shrinking.
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Chahal’s dinner with Shefali Bagga sparks online buzz
Recalling a recent incident, Chahal shared how a routine outing during a trip to Mumbai unexpectedly became fodder for online speculation. Visiting the city for the first time in several months, he decided to step out for dinner with Shefali – an act that soon led to rumours.
“I don’t even know who invited me or how it became such a big deal,” Chahal said. “I just went out for dinner. That’s it.”
Therefore, what surprised him most was how quickly a normal evening turned into widespread chatter, reinforcing his point about how closely his movements are tracked.
While Chahal said he has learned to cope with criticism and gossip, he admitted that the impact on his family is far more difficult to ignore. His parents and sisters, he revealed, often come across such reports, making the situation emotionally taxing.
“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.”
As Chahal continues to navigate life under the spotlight, his message is clear: public interest should never come at the cost of personal dignity or involve people without reason.
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