Cricket in India is not just a sport – it is a passion, an emotion, and a way of life. The game enjoys immense popularity, cutting across regional, cultural, and generational divides. From children playing in the streets to millions glued to their television screens, the influence of cricket is undeniable. The sport’s reach has transformed Indian cricketers into national icons, making them household names. While their on-field heroics form the foundation of their fame, their off-field lives also remain under constant scrutiny. The unwavering support and admiration from fans ensure that cricketers stay in the limelight, whether for their performances, controversies, or personal lives.
Cricketers as celebrities: The rise of stardom
In the modern era, cricketers have transcended beyond their roles as athletes, evolving into full-fledged celebrities. Their popularity is no longer confined to the cricketing fraternity but extends to the world of endorsements, entertainment, and even social activism. The unparalleled stardom of Indian cricketers has elevated them to a pedestal where their every move is followed with keen interest. Whether it is their wedding, family life, vacations, or personal milestones, their lives often become the subject of public discussion.
With the advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the connection between cricketers and their fans has become more intimate. Every post, every picture, and every update garners massive engagement, allowing ardent supporters to stay updated on their favorite players’ lives. This digital evolution has not only made cricketers more accessible but has also brought their families and partners into the limelight. Many cricketers’ spouses, once known only within private circles, have now gained their own following, with fans eager to know more about the lives of their sporting heroes beyond the field.
From Anushka Sharma to Ritika Sajdeh: Wives of Indian cricketers
1. Rohit Sharma – Ritika Sajdeh
Rohit Sharma is married to Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager who has played a crucial role in his off-field commitments. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Samaira Sharma, in 2018. Recently, in November 2024, they welcomed their second child, making their family even more special. Ritika has been a constant presence at Rohit’s matches, often seen cheering from the stands. The couple shares a strong bond, frequently posting heartfelt messages for each other on social media.
2. Virat Kohli – Anushka Sharma
Bollywood actress and Virat Kohli are one of India’s most celebrated power couples. They tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Italy in December 2017. The couple welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021 and their second child, a son, Akaay, in early 2024. Anushka, a successful actress and producer, has been a pillar of support in Kohli’s life, frequently seen accompanying him on overseas tours. The couple shares glimpses of their family life but remains protective of their children’s privacy.
3. KL Rahul – Athiya Shetty
Indian cricketer KL Rahul married Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, in a grand ceremony in January 2023. The two had been dating for several years before tying the knot. Their wedding was a private affair at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala, attended by close friends and family. Athiya, a rising Bollywood star, often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. The couple enjoys traveling together, and Rahul frequently credits Athiya for being a strong support system in his cricketing journey.
4. Axar Patel – Meha Patel
Axar Patel married Meha Patel, a dietitian and nutritionist, in January 2023. Meha has been actively supporting Axar’s career, often seen cheering for him during Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches. The couple had a traditional Gujarati wedding with close family and friends in attendance. Axar and Meha frequently share their travel experiences and special moments on social media.
5. Ravindra Jadeja – Rivaba Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is married to Rivaba Jadeja, a politician and social worker. They tied the knot in 2016, and Rivaba has since been actively involved in social work and politics. She is a BJP MLA from Gujarat. The couple has a daughter, and Rivaba is often seen supporting Jadeja during his matches.
6. Varun Chakaravarthy – Neha Khedekar
Varun Chakaravarthy married his long-time girlfriend Neha Khedekar in 2020. Neha has been a supportive partner, accompanying him to IPL events and cricket tours. Varun, who had a late rise in his cricketing career, credits Neha for being a constant support in his journey.
Indian cricketers keeping their personal lives private
Several young Indian cricketers, including Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, have chosen to keep their personal lives away from the public eye. None of them have been linked to any known relationships, as they appear to be entirely focused on their cricketing careers.
- Washington Sundar is a quiet and reserved individual who rarely shares personal details on social media. There are no reports of him dating anyone.
- Kuldeep Yadav maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, and while fans speculate about his dating life, there has been no confirmation of any relationships.
- Harshit Rana, the young fast bowler, remains dedicated to his career and has not shared any personal relationship details in the public domain.
- Arshdeep Singh has also kept his personal life away from the media and has not been linked to anyone publicly.
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Indian cricketers and their girlfriends
- Rishabh Pant – Isha Negi
Rishabh Pant has been linked with Isha Negi, an entrepreneur and interior designer. It was in January 2019 when Pant took to his Instagram handle and shared a cozy picture with a stunning girl. The post went viral as the star cricketer finally introduced his girlfriend, Isha, to the public. Isha, a businesswoman from Dehradun, has a background in luxury interior design. While they were once active on social media together, Pant has remained silent about his personal life since his accident in 2022.
- Shreyas Iyer – Trisha Kulkarni
Shreyas Iyer’s personal life has sparked curiosity among fans. According to several reports, he is dating Trisha Kulkarni. The couple has been frequently spotted together, fueling speculation about their relationship. Trisha was seen in the stands during every match of the ODI World Cup 2023, often alongside the girlfriends and spouses of other players. Additionally, she and Iyer were spotted together during Team India’s Diwali celebrations. Trisha has also been a constant presence at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) games during IPL 2024, often seen with Shreyas’ sister, Shresta.
Rumoured relationships
- Shubman Gill – Sara Tendulkar
Shubman Gill has been frequently linked with Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Their social media interactions and similar Instagram captions have fueled dating rumors, though neither has officially confirmed the relationship. Despite ongoing speculation, Gill remains focused on his cricketing career.
Sara, who holds a degree in medicine from University College London, has been actively participating in Bollywood events. Interestingly, while Gill and Sara do not follow each other on Instagram now, Sara follows Gill’s sister, Shahneel on the platform. Fans continue to speculate about their bond, but both prefer to keep their personal lives private.
Indian cricketers who have gone through divorce
- Hardik Pandya – Divorced from Natasa Stankovic
Hardik Pandya and Serbian born Natasa Stankovic tied the knot in 2020 and welcomed their son, Agastya, the same year. However, now the couple has parted ways after four year in 2024. Speculation about their separation intensified during the IPL of 2024 when Natasa removed Pandya’s surname from her Instagram handle and stopped sharing pictures with him. Neither Hardik nor Natasa has publicly addressed the rumors, but their social media activity has fueled speculation about their divorce which ultimately proved to be true later.
- Mohammed Shami – Divorced from Hasin Jahan
Mohammed Shami’s personal life took a controversial turn when his marriage with Hasin Jahan ended in a highly publicized divorce. In 2018, Hasin Jahan accused Shami of domestic violence and infidelity, leading to legal battles and public disputes. Their separation became a widely discussed topic in Indian cricket, with Shami choosing to focus entirely on his cricketing career. Despite the personal turmoil, he has continued to be a key player for India, delivering consistent performances on the field.
