Cricket isn’t just about sixes and wickets—it’s also about life’s curveballs. While fans cheer for their favorite players on the field, off-field relationships sometimes face tricky googlies. Divorce is a sensitive topic, but it’s a reality even for cricket stars. Let’s explore the stories of Indian cricketers who navigated splits, their journeys post-divorce, and how they rebuilt their lives—with a mix of empathy and a dash of masala.
1. Mohammad Azharuddin & Naureen Azharuddin
The Split:
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin and his first wife, Naureen, divorced in 1996 after 13 years of marriage. The split made headlines, fueled by rumors of Azhar’s alleged affair with Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani (whom he later married). The divorce was messy, with custody battles over their two sons.
Life After:
- Naureen: Prefers a private life but occasionally appears at family events. She raised their sons, Asad and Ayaz, away from the limelight.
- Azharuddin: Married Sangeeta Bijlani in 1996 (divorced in 2010). He later joined politics, served as an MP, and remains a cricket commentator.
2. Vinod Kambli & Noella Lewis
The Split:
The flamboyant cricketer Vinod Kambli married model Noella Lewis in 1999. Their marriage, however, hit rough patches due to Kambli’s financial struggles and erratic behavior. They divorced in 2013 after years of separation.
Life After:
- Noella: Focused on raising their son, Jesus Christiano, and stays out of public glare.
- Kambli: Remarried hairstylist Andrea Hewitt in 2014. He now coaches budding cricketers and appears on reality TV shows (Bigg Boss, anyone?).
3. S. Sreesanth & Bhuvneshwari Kumari
The Split:
Controversial fast bowler S. Sreesanth and his wife, Bhuvneshwari, faced turbulence during the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. While they didn’t divorce, rumors of strain surfaced. Sreesanth later clarified they worked through their issues.
Life After:
- Bhuvneshwari: Stood by Sreesanth during his ban from cricket. The couple shares two kids and often posts cozy family pics on Instagram.
- Sreesanth: Made a comeback in reality TV (Khatron Ke Khiladi) and domestic cricket after his ban ended in 2020.
4. Robin Uthappa & Sheetal Goutham
The Split:
Robin Uthappa married childhood sweetheart Sheetal Goutham in 2006. However, the marriage ended quietly in 2014, with reports citing compatibility issues.
Life After:
- Sheetal: A sports psychologist, she rebuilt her career and avoids media attention.
- Robin: Remarried surgical therapist Sherlyn Benjamin in 2021. He retired from cricket in 2022 and now runs a wellness brand.
5. Praveen Kumar & Suman Sharma
The Split:
The fiery pacer Praveen Kumar married Suman Sharma in 2007. Their marriage crumbled amid allegations of domestic violence and anger issues. They divorced in 2017 after a decade of turmoil.
Life After:
- Suman: Lives in Meerut with their two sons, focusing on family.
- Praveen: Retired from cricket in 2018, opened a cricket academy, and admits to working on his mental health.
6.Hardik Pandya & Natasa Stankovic
The Buzz:
In June 2024, rumors swirled about a possible separation between Hardik Pandya (India’s T20 vice-captain) and Serbian actor-dancer Natasa Stankovic. The couple, who tied the knot in 2020 and have a son, Agastya, sparked speculation after deleting joint photos and unfollowing each other on Instagram. Neither has officially confirmed a split.
Current Status:
- Natasa: Focused on parenting and her fitness brand.
- Hardik: Leading Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, battling on-field pressures amid personal life chatter.
Why It Matters: Fans are split—some demand privacy, others dissect every social media move.
7. Shikhar Dhawan & Aesha Mukerji
The Split:
Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Australian-born Aesha Mukerji divorced in 2023 after 11 years of marriage. The split was amicable, with shared custody of their sons, Zoraver and Alijah.
Life After:
- Aesha: Runs a yoga studio in Melbourne, stays low-key.
- Shikhar: Dating fitness coach Dr. Mamata Singh, seen cheering for her at marathons. On-field, he remains Punjab Kings’ IPL stalwart.
8. Yuzvendra Chahal & Dhanashree Verma
Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s marriage began with viral romance—they met in 2020 during an online dance class where she was his instructor. However, cracks emerged soon after. Reports suggest Verma wished to relocate to Mumbai shortly after moving into Chahal’s family home in Haryana, leading to disagreements. A source close to the cricketer claimed Chahal was unwilling to leave his roots, stating, “Yuzi was clear he wouldn’t uproot himself from his parents’ home.”
While some outlets alleged Verma sought ₹60 crore, her family dismissed these claims as “baseless.” However, she reportedly received ₹4.75 crore, sparking backlash and cryptic social media jabs from RJ Mahvash, rumored to be linked to Chahal.
9. Suresh Raina & Priyanka Chaudhary
Old News, New Rumors:
Suresh Raina (retired in 2022) and wife Priyanka faced separation rumors in 2023. Both dismissed the gossip, posting family Diwali pics.
Current Life:
- Priyanka: Manages their charity foundation.
- Raina: IPL commentator and entrepreneur.
Why These Stories Trend
Cricketers’ personal lives often become public fodder, especially in India’s celeb-obsessed culture. While curiosity is natural, remember.
Why These Stories Matter
Divorce isn’t a “failure”—it’s a chapter. These cricketers, like millions worldwide, faced personal storms but found resilience:
- Azhar rebuilt his career in politics.
- Kambli swapped chaos for coaching.
- Uthappa embraced wellness after cricket.
The Bigger Picture: Love, Loss, and Googlies
Cricket stars aren’t superheroes; they’re human. Their splits remind us that fame doesn’t shield anyone from life’s uncertainties. While fans obsess over their cover drives, let’s also respect their boundaries. After all, even the best batters get bowled sometimes.
So, next time you see a cricketer’s personal life trending, remember: behind the headlines are real people navigating love, loss, and second innings.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
