In an emotionally charged final hearing held on March 20, 2025, Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and model-dancer Dhanashree Verma were officially granted a divorce, marking the end of their tumultuous relationship. The final decree was approved by a family court in Mumbai, bringing to a conclusion months of public scrutiny and legal proceedings surrounding their split.
The couple, who had first become publicly linked in 2020, engaged that same year and tied the knot in a private ceremony in Gurugram in December. However, their relationship began to falter, with reports indicating that they separated in June 2022. On February 5, 2025, Chahal and Dhanashree filed a joint petition seeking a divorce by mutual consent.
On the day of the hearing, Chahal's choice of attire turned him into an instant social media sensation. He appeared at the Bandra family court wearing a striking black t-shirt that read, "Be your own sugar daddy." The provocative message was seen by some as a bold statement reflecting his newfound independence as he walked away from the courtroom. As he exited, the paparazzi clamored for his reaction, but Chahal remained silent, allowing the t-shirt to speak for him. Social media quickly exploded, with various users commenting on his apparel: "He literally wore a t-shirt saying, 'Be your own Sugar Daddy'" and "The word on his T shirt says all," highlighting the combination of humor and bravado Chahal seemed to embody during a significant personal transition.
However, this public and somewhat light-hearted display belied the complexity of their legal negotiations. On March 19, just a day before the divorce was finalized, the Bombay High Court ruled that the couple could expedite the dissolution of their marriage by waiving the mandatory six-month cooling-off period that usually applies under Indian divorce law. Justice Madhav Jamdar instructed the family court to decide on their petition by the following day, emphasizing the need to finalize the proceedings before Chahal's commitment to the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he is set to play for Punjab Kings.
During the ongoing divorce proceedings, it was revealed that Chahal had made alimony payments to Dhanashree, amounting to ₹4.35 crore of the agreed ₹4.75 crore. Notably, the family court had earlier resisted waiving the cooling-off period due to concerns regarding partial compliance with the payment terms, with reports indicating that only ₹2.37 crore had been disbursed at that time. This reflected an ongoing struggle due to public speculations about the financial arrangements following the divorce.
Chahal's advocate, Nitin Gupta, confirmed the court's decision, clarifying, "The court has granted the decree of divorce. The court has accepted the joint petition of both parties. The parties are no longer husband and wife." Chahal and Dhanashree were reportedly living apart for over two and a half years, which helped substantiate their case for mutual consent. Under Hindu law, couples in India are eligible for mutual consent divorce if they have been separated for at least a year.
Despite the personal turmoil, Dhanashree, age 28, maintained her public profile as a celebrated dancer known for her innovative fusion performances incorporating traditional Indian styles with contemporary flair. Following the announcement of their divorce, she faced severe online trolling, particularly regarding the perceived financial gains from the divorce, which some speculated to be as much as ₹60 crore. The emotional toll of public perception weighed heavily during their legal proceedings.
The onset of the IPL 2025 is imminent, with Chahal's team Punjab Kings gearing up for the tournament officially starting on March 22, 2025. His commitment to the league comes at a pivotal moment in his personal life.
As the couple parted ways, they carried with them memories of a relationship that had once brought them joy and public adoration, now complicated by the public's perception and the challenges they faced in their private lives. The image of Chahal in his t-shirt may come to symbolize a fresh start for him, while Dhanashree, equipped with her own talents and independence, looks forward to her own career endeavors post-divorce. The unfolding stories of both individuals may serve as a reminder of the intersection between public life and private hardships, especially in the sphere of celebrity culture.
