Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal’s Cryptic Post on Alimony Fuels Social Media Speculation

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal recently ignited a firestorm of speculation across social media platforms with a cryptic, now-deleted Instagram Story that appeared to be a pointed jab at his ex-wife, popular choreographer and dentist, Dhanashree Verma, following their high-profile divorce.

The post, which quickly went viral before being removed, featured a screenshot of a news headline detailing a recent Delhi High Court verdict. The ruling asserted that “financially independent wives cannot demand alimony from their husbands.” Overlaying this news clipping, Chahal added a provocative caption in Hindi: “Maa Kasam Khao Nahi Paltoge iss Decision Seh,” which translates to, “Swear on your mother you won’t go back on this decision.”

This strongly worded reaction, seemingly in support of the legal precedent regarding financial independence and alimony, was instantly linked by netizens to Chahal’s own recent divorce proceedings.

The Alimony Controversy and Divorce Background

Chahal and Dhanashree Verma, who tied the knot in December 2020, finalized their mutual divorce at the Bombay High Court in March of this year. The separation was marked by intense public scrutiny, which was further amplified by reports—though unconfirmed by either party—suggesting a substantial alimony settlement of approximately Rs 4 to 4.75 crore paid by the cricketer to his ex-wife. Dhanashree, a successful social media influencer and content creator with a professional background as a dentist, is widely regarded as financially independent.

This context is what gave Chahal’s Instagram Story its viral punch. Followers and media analysts interpreted his post as a clear, albeit indirect, challenge or jibe regarding the settlement, suggesting an inherent contradiction between a woman’s financial independence and a large alimony demand. The post immediately sparked a national debate on the fairness and evolution of alimony laws in India, especially in cases where both spouses are highly educated and earning professionals.

Social Media Fallout and Previous Public Statements

The timing of the post comes amid other subtle public exchanges and statements. On the day of their final court hearing, Chahal had already made a symbolic statement by wearing a T-shirt that read, “Be Your Own Sugar Daddy,” a move widely viewed at the time as a statement of independence or irony directed at the situation.

Furthermore, Dhanashree Verma had previously addressed the extensive public speculation about the alimony figure, which some earlier rumours had grossly inflated to over Rs 60 crore. She clarified in a public interview that the separation was mutual and that the discussion surrounding “alimony” was “wrong” and unnecessary, given their amicable parting. Chahal’s own sister, Kenaa Dwivedi, also made headlines recently with a heartfelt Instagram post defending her brother’s character, praising his respect for women and his choice to remain silent even when facing negativity, which was also interpreted as a subtle response to the ongoing public discussion about the divorce.

While Chahal quickly deleted the contentious post, the screenshots and accompanying debate are now firmly entrenched in the social media discourse, underscoring the complexities and public interest surrounding celebrity divorces and the legal principles of financial justice.