‘Jo last time baat hui thi…': Yuzvendra Chahal opens up about going no-contact with ex-wife Dhanashree Verma before filing for divorce; why space can aid healing

Indian Express

8 hours ago

When a relationship ends, the process of emotional separation often extends far beyond the legal paperwork. Many find themselves grappling with lingering emotions, silent wounds, and the practical challenges of cutting ties. Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal recently offered a rare insight into what it looks like to emotionally disengage after divorce.
Speaking to Raj Shamani, he shared that he has not been on talking terms with his ex-wife, Dhanashree Verma, since their separation. 'Jo last time baat hui thi, woh bhi hamari lawyer ke through hui thi, I think September something, kuch hamara tha. Nahi, auction se pehle to ho hi nahi rahi thi. Par jo last time video hua tha, uske baad kabhi baat nahi hui. 6-7 mahine ho gaye honge. Matlab sirf kuch kaam ka tha, to kuch cheez hogi to. Bas uske baad nahi (The last time we spoke, it was also through our lawyer, I think sometime in September, something was going on. No, there was no conversation before the auction at all. But after the last video happened, we haven't spoken since. It must have been 6-7 months. I mean, it was only about some work, so only if there was something specific. But after that, nothing).'
He added that after the World Cup, things ended completely, and there was no personal communication unless necessary. Their approach reflects a firm boundary, a choice not to stay connected simply because of shared history.
Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, 'The decision to go no contact after a breakup or divorce depends on the nature of the relationship and the emotional needs of the individuals involved. For many, taking space is an important step toward healing. It allows time to process emotions, reestablish a sense of self, and create boundaries that might have been blurred during the relationship.'
However, in some cases, limited and respectful communication can be healthy, she adds, especially if both individuals have reached a place of emotional clarity. This approach is more likely to be effective when the breakup is mutual, amicable, and not rooted in unresolved conflict or trauma.
When communication with an ex-partner is unavoidable due to shared responsibilities such as co-parenting, legal agreements, or financial matters, setting clear boundaries is key. 'One helpful approach is to keep conversations focused, brief, and purpose-driven. Communicating through written formats like email or text can help create emotional distance while maintaining clarity and documentation,' notes Parashar.
It is also helpful to decide in advance what topics are appropriate and what topics should be avoided. Staying rooted in the present and addressing only what is necessary can prevent conversations from becoming emotionally charged. If emotions begin to surface, it is entirely okay to pause the interaction and return to it later with a clearer mindset.
For many people, Parashar observes, avoiding communication post-breakup 'can offer the space needed to grieve, reflect, and rebuild.' This pause often creates room for personal growth and emotional clarity. However, if the relationship ended with unresolved emotions or unanswered questions, complete silence may leave some feelings unprocessed.
Closure is not always about having one final conversation. It can also come from introspection, support from trusted friends, therapy, or simply the passage of time. That said, for individuals who feel they need answers to move forward, a respectful and well-timed conversation can sometimes provide relief and perspective.