Divorces among celebrities often make headlines, and cricketers are no exception. The latest to join this list is Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has officially ended his marriage with Dhanashree Verma. The couple, who had been living separately for months, were granted a divorce by a Mumbai court on March 20.
Reports suggest that compatibility issues led to the split, with Chahal allegedly paying ₹4.75 crore as alimony. However, he is far from being the only Indian cricketer to experience marital separation. Over the years, several cricketers have gone through high-profile divorces, some involving controversies and legal battles.
Here’s a look at some notable Indian cricket stars who have parted ways with their spouses.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s Divorce: What Went Wrong?
A Love Story That Ended Too Soon
Chahal, one of India’s top spinners, tied the knot with Dhanashree Verma, a renowned choreographer and social media personality, in 2020. Their romance initially appeared strong, with regular posts showcasing their bond. However, cracks began to appear, leading to speculation about trouble in their marriage.
Separation and Legal Proceedings
Reports indicate that the couple had been living separately for months before officially filing for divorce. Dhanashree’s absence from Chahal’s public life further fueled speculation. Eventually, a Mumbai family court granted them divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
Financial Settlement
The financial aspects of celebrity divorces often grab attention. In this case, Chahal has reportedly agreed to pay ₹4.75 crore as alimony to Dhanashree. While the details of their settlement remain undisclosed, sources suggest that both parties have agreed to move on amicably.
Indian Cricketers Who Have Gone Through Divorce
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic: Rumors Turned Reality
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic were among the most celebrated couples in Indian cricket. However, their relationship took a hit in 2024, with Natasa removing Pandya’s surname from her social media accounts and deleting pictures of them together.
Despite speculation, neither of them publicly confirmed their split until later. Natasa’s absence from IPL 2024 only strengthened the rumors, and eventually, the couple officially ended their marriage.
Dinesh Karthik and Nikita Vanjara: A Controversial Separation
Perhaps one of the most controversial divorces in Indian cricket history, Dinesh Karthik’s marriage to Nikita Vanjara ended in heartbreak.
The Infamous Love Triangle
Karthik and Nikita tied the knot in 2012, but their marriage fell apart when it was revealed that Nikita was in a relationship with cricketer Murali Vijay. The revelation led to a messy divorce, with Nikita later marrying Vijay.
Karthik’s New Beginning
In 2015, Dinesh Karthik found love again and married squash player Dipika Pallikal. The couple now has twin sons, Kabir and Zian.
Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukherjee: A Marriage Struggled by Distance
Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukherjee met on Facebook and married in 2012. However, Aesha’s prior marriage and her residence in Australia led to strains in their relationship.
The couple has a son, Zoraver, who lives with Aesha in Australia. In 2023, a Delhi court granted Dhawan a divorce, citing mental cruelty by Aesha. Dhawan has since shared heartfelt messages about his love for his son.
Vinod Kambli and Noella Lewis: A Low-Key Split
Vinod Kambli, once a prominent cricketer, had a low-profile divorce from Noella Lewis in 2005. He later married Andrea Hewitt, converting to Christianity. The couple has kept a relatively private life, though Kambli occasionally makes headlines.
Mohammad Azharuddin: A Tale of Two Marriages
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin had a controversial personal life. He divorced his first wife, Naureen, in 1996 and married actress Sangeeta Bijlani. However, his second marriage also ended after 14 years.
Tragedy in the Family
Azharuddin had two sons from his first marriage. Sadly, Mohammad Ayazuddin passed away in a road accident in 2011. His elder son, Mohammad Asaduddin, married Anam Mirza, sister of tennis star Sania Mirza.
Mohammad Shami and Hasin Jahan: A Legal Battle Still Ongoing
In 2018, Hasin Jahan accused her husband, Mohammad Shami, of domestic abuse and infidelity. Shami denied the allegations, calling them a conspiracy. The couple separated, but their legal battle continues to this day.
Yograj Singh and His Two Marriages
Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, was married to Shabnam Kaur before parting ways. He later married Satbir Kaur, with whom he has a son and a daughter. Reports suggest that differences over Shabnam’s career ambitions led to their separation.
Javagal Srinath: A Quiet Divorce and Second Marriage
Unlike most high-profile cricketers, Javagal Srinath’s divorce did not involve controversy. He married Jyothsna in 1999, but the marriage ended quietly. Later, in 2008, he tied the knot with Madhavi Patravali, a journalist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma divorce?
They parted ways due to compatibility issues, as per reports.
2. How much alimony is Yuzvendra Chahal paying?
He is reportedly paying ₹4.75 crore as alimony.
3. Who was involved in the Dinesh Karthik divorce controversy?
Dinesh Karthik’s ex-wife, Nikita Vanjara, was allegedly in a relationship with Murali Vijay.
4. What happened between Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukherjee?
They separated due to long-distance struggles and legal issues. Dhawan won custody rights for his son.
5. Did Mohammad Azharuddin remarry after divorcing Naureen?
Yes, he married Sangeeta Bijlani, but their marriage ended after 14 years.
6. Is Mohammad Shami still married to Hasin Jahan?
No, they separated in 2018, and their legal battle is ongoing.
Conclusion
While marriage in the cricketing world often appears glamorous, many relationships face the same challenges as any other. Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce is another reminder that even celebrated lives can experience personal hardships. Whether due to incompatibility, controversies, or long-distance struggles, these stories shed light on the personal lives of cricket’s biggest stars.
