In India, cricket is more than a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon, and cricketers are revered as national icons. Recently, rumors of separation between Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and his Serbian actress-model wife, Natasa Stankovic, have surfaced, sending shockwaves through their fan base. As we delve into this unfolding story, we also take a look at other Indian cricketers whose marriages have ended in controversy.
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic's relationship has been in the limelight since they announced their engagement on January 1, 2020. Their whirlwind romance and eventual marriage captivated fans and media alike. The couple welcomed their son, Agastya, in July 2020, adding to their public charm. However, recent reports suggest that all may not be well in paradise. While neither Hardik nor Natasa has confirmed the rumours, their conspicuous absence from each other's social media profiles has fueled speculation. If true, this separation would be another addition to the list of high-profile splits in Indian cricket.
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his swashbuckling batting style, also made headlines with his personal life. Dhawan married Aesha Mukherjee in 2012, a woman he met on Facebook. Their relationship, initially full of promise, faced challenges due to geographical distances. Aesha, living in Australia with their son Zoraver, allegedly kept Dhawan away from their child, leading to immense strain. In 2023, a Delhi court granted Dhawan a divorce on grounds of mental cruelty, marking a tumultuous end to their marriage.
Dinesh Karthik's first marriage to childhood friend Nikita Vanjara ended in scandal. Nikita's affair with Karthik's teammate Murali Vijay led to a dramatic divorce in 2012. Karthik, showing remarkable resilience, found love again with squash player Dipika Pallikal. They married in 2015 and welcomed twin boys in 2021. Despite the controversies of his past, Karthik has maintained a positive public image and continues to be a beloved figure in Indian cricket.
Former Indian batsman Vinod Kambli's personal life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. His marriage to childhood friend Noella Lewis ended in 2005. Kambli later married model Andrea Hewitt, converting to Christianity in the process. The couple has two sons, adding a layer of stability to Kambli's often tumultuous life. Despite these changes, Kambli's legacy in cricket remains influential, albeit shadowed by his personal controversies.
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin's personal life has been as eventful as his cricketing career. His first marriage to Naureen ended in 1996 when he married Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani. This marriage too ended in divorce after 14 years. Azharuddin has since been linked to several women, including badminton player Jwala Gutta, keeping his personal life in the public eye. His controversial relationships have often overshadowed his contributions to cricket.
In 2018, fast bowler Mohammad Shami's estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, accused him of domestic abuse and infidelity, leading to a highly publicized legal battle. Shami has consistently denied these allegations, claiming they are attempts to tarnish his image. The couple has been separated since the accusations surfaced, and their legal battle continues, adding another layer of drama to Shami's life off the field.
Ravi Shastri, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has had a colorful personal life. In the 1980s, he was engaged to actress Amrita Singh, but they eventually parted ways. Shastri later married Ritu Singh, a doctor and trained classical dancer. Their marriage ended in 2012 after 22 years. Shastri was also rumored to be linked with actress Nimrat Kaur, though both denied these claims. Despite these personal challenges, Shastri remains a respected figure in cricket.
Yograj Singh, former cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, divorced his first wife Shabnam. His personal life has been marked by controversies, and he has since remarried.
Manoj Prabhakar divorced his first wife, Sandhya, and later married actress Farheen. His personal life, like his cricketing career, has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
Javagal Srinath, known for his stellar cricket career, divorced his first wife Jyothsna in 2004. He later married journalist Madhavi Patravali, moving on from his earlier personal challenges.