Yuzvendra Chahal (PTI Photo)
Veteran India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has revisited a frightening episode from the early stages of his IPL career, revealing that an Australian cricketer, other than Andrew Symonds or James Franklin, was responsible for hanging him over a hotel balcony during the 2013 season.Chahal, the IPL’s leading wicket-taker with 233 scalps in 188 matches, began his career with Mumbai Indians in 2013 before going on to enjoy a successful eight-season stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident first came to light in 2022, when Chahal disclosed that an intoxicated cricketer had dangled him upside down from a hotel balcony on the 15th floor. Speculation subsequently linked the episode to former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds.However, speaking on former India opener Aakash Chopra’s podcast, Chahal clarified that neither Symonds nor Franklin was involved. He recalled how the incident unfolded at a party hosted by RCB in Bengaluru, which he attended while representing Mumbai Indians."There was a party in Bengaluru hosted by RCB. I was playing for MI at the time. I also went there and saw a guy who was heavily drunk. He was well-built and very strong.
He was from Australia, but he was neither Symonds nor Franklin, rather some other guy. He called me over and then lifted me into the air. At first, I thought he was joking, but then he hung me over the balcony, and I was just holding on to his neck," said Chahal.The leg-spinner said the situation quickly turned terrifying as the other cricketer continued to laugh while those present in the room watched in shock. He was eventually pulled back to safety after others stepped in."I was terrified. He was heavily drunk, and everyone in the room was stunned. Suddenly, everyone intervened and pulled me back up. That guy was laughing, but for me, it felt like a second birth. I think it was on the 15th or 16th floor of the hotel," he added.
Chahal also acknowledged that his age and lack of experience at the time meant he did not know how to file a formal complaint over the incident. He eventually decided to put the episode behind him and concentrate on his cricket.The 36-year-old has since established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history, but his international career has stalled. His last appearance for India came in a T20I against the West Indies in 2023.Chahal currently plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL. During the 2026 season, he featured in 14 matches and took 12 wickets. Although he has retired from first-class cricket, the leg-spinner continues to harbour hopes of returning to India’s ODI and T20I teams.