Yuzvendra Chahal reveals truth behind 15th-floor hotel balcony incident, says it was not Andrew Symonds or James Franklin

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has revisited one of the most frightening incidents of his cricketing career, revealing fresh details about the night an intoxicated Australian cricketer allegedly hung him over a hotel balcony during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL). Chahal has clarified that the player involved was neither the late Andrew Symonds nor former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin, two names that had frequently surfaced in speculation surrounding the incident.

The shocking episode took place when Chahal was representing Mumbai Indians early in his IPL career. Although the incident happened more than a decade ago, it continues to attract attention because of the serious safety concerns surrounding the alleged act and the uncertainty over the identity of the cricketer involved.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by former India opener Aakash Chopra, Chahal recalled how an ordinary gathering following an event hosted by Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned into a terrifying experience. His account has once again brought the incident into the spotlight, while also putting an end to speculation about two players who had previously been linked to it.

Yuzvendra Chahal recalls terrifying IPL 2013 incident

Chahal explained that he attended a party hosted by RCB in Bengaluru while he was part of the Mumbai Indians squad. During the gathering, he encountered an Australian cricketer who, according to the spinner, was heavily intoxicated and physically strong.

What initially appeared to be harmless behaviour soon became a potentially life-threatening situation.

Recalling the incident, Chahal said the player called him over before lifting him into the air. The young leg-spinner initially believed the cricketer was joking. However, the situation took a frightening turn when the player held him over the balcony of the hotel.

Chahal explained that he was left hanging outside the balcony, desperately holding on to the man’s neck as the people present in the room watched in shock.

The incident reportedly occurred on the 15th or 16th floor of the hotel, leaving Chahal in a highly dangerous position. A moment of carelessness could have resulted in devastating consequences.

According to the spinner, the people in the room eventually intervened and pulled him back to safety. The Australian cricketer, meanwhile, was laughing during the episode, despite the danger Chahal had been exposed to.

The leg-spinner described the experience as something that made him feel as though he had been given a second life.

His recollection offers a disturbing insight into an incident that had previously been discussed largely through rumours and brief accounts. It also highlights the seriousness of the situation, regardless of whether the person involved intended it as a joke.

Not Andrew Symonds or James Franklin, Chahal clarifies

For years, speculation surrounding the identity of the Australian cricketer has accompanied discussions about Chahal’s balcony ordeal.

Andrew Symonds, the former Australia all-rounder who died in a car accident in May 2022, was among the names frequently mentioned in reports and social media discussions. James Franklin, the former New Zealand international who also played for Mumbai Indians, was another player linked to the episode in speculation.

However, Chahal has now made it clear that neither of them was responsible.

During his conversation with Aakash Chopra, the spinner specifically ruled out both players and reiterated that the individual was another Australian cricketer.

His clarification is significant because the repeated circulation of unverified names had allowed speculation to overshadow the details Chahal himself had shared.

Chahal did not publicly identify the player during the conversation. Consequently, the individual’s identity remains unconfirmed, and it would be inappropriate to attach the allegation to another cricketer without reliable confirmation.

The incident should therefore be understood through Chahal’s own account rather than assumptions circulated online.

Chahal admitted he did not know how to complain

Another important aspect of Chahal’s recollection concerns how he responded after the incident.

The spinner acknowledged that he was young at the time and did not know how to file a formal complaint. Rather than pursuing the matter, he chose to move forward and concentrate on his cricket career.

The episode took place during the early stages of his journey in the IPL, when he was still establishing himself as a professional cricketer.

For a young player, confronting a frightening incident involving another professional cricketer could have been difficult, particularly in an environment where team relationships and dressing-room dynamics play an important role.

Chahal’s account also raises broader questions about player safety, professional conduct and the importance of taking potentially dangerous behaviour seriously, even when it is presented as a prank.

Holding someone over a high-rise balcony is not harmless entertainment. Alcohol consumption does not remove responsibility for actions that put another person’s life at risk.

Although Chahal eventually moved on from the episode, his decision to discuss it again has renewed attention on an incident that could have ended very differently.

From Mumbai Indians youngster to IPL’s leading wicket-taker

Chahal’s career has changed considerably since the 2013 incident. The leg-spinner made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians before becoming a key figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he spent eight seasons and established himself as one of the tournament’s most effective wicket-taking bowlers.

His ability to deceive batters through flight, variations and sharp leg-spin made him a valuable asset in the shortest format. Chahal’s performances consistently demonstrated that wrist-spinners could remain influential even in a competition increasingly dominated by aggressive batting.

He later represented Rajasthan Royals and joined Punjab Kings, continuing his career as one of the most experienced Indian spinners in the IPL.

Chahal’s record reflects his remarkable consistency. He has taken 233 wickets in 188 IPL appearances, making him the competition’s leading wicket-taker in the statistics cited in the latest reports.

During IPL 2026, he represented Punjab Kings and featured in 14 matches, claiming 12 wickets. Although those numbers were below his best seasons, they demonstrated that he continued to feature regularly in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.

His experience and understanding of T20 bowling remain valuable assets, particularly when teams need a spinner capable of breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs.

Can Yuzvendra Chahal return to the Indian team?

While Chahal continues to make his mark in franchise cricket, his international future remains a subject of interest among Indian cricket fans.

His last appearance for India came in a T20 International against the West Indies in 2023. Since then, competition for places in India’s white-ball squads has intensified, with selectors having several spin-bowling options available.

Chahal’s record in international cricket and the IPL demonstrates his wicket-taking ability, but a potential comeback will depend on factors such as current form, team requirements and the selectors’ plans for upcoming tournaments.

His experience could be useful in conditions that favour spin, although consistent performances in domestic and franchise competitions will remain important if he hopes to return to the national setup.

The leg-spinner has also retired from first-class cricket while continuing to pursue opportunities in limited-overs formats. His focus on white-ball cricket keeps the possibility of further appearances at the highest level open, although selection is never guaranteed.

For now, Chahal remains an important name in discussions about India’s most successful T20 bowlers, and his IPL achievements continue to distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.

A disturbing memory that continues to attract attention

Chahal’s latest comments have revived interest in an episode that has followed him for years. More importantly, they have clarified that Andrew Symonds and James Franklin were not the players involved, despite speculation linking them to the incident.

The identity of the Australian cricketer remains undisclosed, and no further conclusions should be drawn without confirmation.

For Chahal, the incident was a frightening experience from his early playing days, one that he says left him feeling fortunate to have survived unharmed. His subsequent achievements in the IPL show how far he has progressed since those early years with Mumbai Indians.

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