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Journalism of Courage
Indian cricketer divorce list: Cricket is almost religion in India. It is a shared passion that unites millions. Fans ardently follow their favourite players, celebrating their on-field triumphs. The limelight is mostly on the players’ professional achievements, and the personal journeys of these athletes, marked by challenges and transformations, remain away from the public eye. However, fans are almost always keen on the stars’ personal lives.
In recent years, several prominent Indian cricketers have faced significant personal upheavals, navigating the complexities of marital relationships under the scrutiny of the public and media. Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant batting and charismatic presence, was granted a divorce in October 2023 from Aesha Mukerji on grounds of mental cruelty. The separation was not just a legal proceeding but an emotional journey, especially concerning his son, Zoravar, from whom he has been estranged.
Similarly, Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner celebrated for his on-field agility, parted ways with choreographer Dhanashree Verma in March 2025 after over four years of marriage. Dinesh Karthik’s personal life also witnessed turbulence, with his first marriage to Nikita Vanjara ending after nine years.
Several Indian cricketers have encountered difficulties in their marriages, leading to divorce. While some have found love again and remarried, others continue to embrace singlegood. Here’s a look at their stories.
Yuzvendra Chahal is the latest Indian cricketer to go through a divorce. He tied the knot with dancer and choreographer Dhanashree Verma in 2020, but their marriage soon hit a rough patch. The two had been living separately for the past couple of years, and have now officially ended their relationship. As per the divorce agreement, Chahal will be paying Dhanashree an alimony of Rs 4.75 crore.
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, and his wife Natasa Stankovic, made headlines in July 2024 when they confirmed their separation, sparking widespread buzz across social media. Their relationship began in early 2020, blossoming into a whirlwind romance that led to a low-key wedding during the COVID-19 lockdown. The couple welcomed their son, Agastya, on July 30, 2020. In a more public celebration of their bond, they hosted a grand wedding ceremony in Rajasthan on February 14, 2023. However, despite their seemingly strong connection, their relationship eventually faced irreconcilable issues, resulting in their split in 2024.
Shikhar Dhawan’s relationship with Ayesha Mukherjee, a Melbourne-based kickboxer, once seemed like a modern-day romance, defying conventions. Ayesha, already a mother of two and previously divorced, formed a deep bond with Dhawan, leading to their marriage in 2012. Their union, which welcomed the birth of their son Zoravar, appeared strong. However, in 2021, the couple publicly announced their decision to part ways. Later, in 2023, a Delhi court officially granted Dhawan a divorce, citing mental cruelty by Ayesha as the reason. It was reported that cultural clashes and ongoing personal disagreements played a major role in their split.
Dinesh Karthik’s first marriage was marred by controversy and heartbreak. He married his childhood friend Nikita Vanjara in 2007, but their relationship soon hit turbulent waters. Reports emerged of Nikita’s growing closeness with Karthik’s then-teammate, Murali Vijay. The rumours eventually proved true, as she went on to marry Vijay in 2012, the same year her divorce with Karthik was finalised. The episode created quite a stir in the media and became an unfortunate personal setback for Karthik amid his cricketing career. However, he later found stability and happiness in his personal life, tying the knot with renowned Indian squash champion Dipika Pallikal.
Mohammad Azharuddin, the stylish former captain of the Indian cricket team, tied the knot with Naureen in 1987. The couple had two sons, Mohammad Asaduddin and Mohammad Ayazuddin. However, after over a decade of marriage, their relationship came to an end in 1996. Azharuddin then went on to marry Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, a union that attracted considerable media attention at the time. Unfortunately, their marriage also couldn’t stand the test of time. In 2010, Sangeeta reportedly filed for divorce amid widespread speculation about Azhar’s alleged involvement with multiple women, marking the end of their relationship as well.
Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer and ex-head coach of Team India, parted ways with his now ex-wife Ritu Singh in 2012, bringing an end to their 22-year-long marriage. The couple had tied the knot in 1990 and were blessed with a daughter, Alekha, in 2008. While the exact cause behind their separation has never been publicly revealed, the split marked a significant chapter in Shastri’s personal life.
Vinod Kambli, the stylish southpaw who lit up the cricketing scene in the 90s, went through a divorce with his first wife, Noella Lewis, reportedly due to personal incompatibilities. After the separation, he found companionship again and tied the knot with fashion model Andrea Hewitt. The couple has a son together. In 2023, Kambli and Andrea made headlines when they filed for divorce, but the two eventually decided to withdraw the petition, choosing to give their relationship another chance.
Javagal Srinath, one of India’s leading fast bowlers from the 90s, went through a divorce in 2007 after being married to his first wife, Jyothsna, for eight years. The couple parted ways due to personal incompatibilities. Eventually, Srinath found companionship again and tied the knot with journalist Madhavi Patravali, turning a new chapter in his personal life.
Former Indian all-rounder and coach Manoj Prabhakar ended his first marriage with Sandhya in 2013 after years of a strained and turbulent relationship. The separation followed serious allegations from Sandhya, who accused him of dowry demands and harassment. Eventually, Manoj found stability in his personal life once again when he tied the knot with actress Farheen. The couple has since built a peaceful life together and are parents to two sons.
