Hardik Pandya-Natasa Stankovic call it quits? Indian cricketers who had controversial divorces

In India, cricket is not just a game but a religion, and many beloved cricketers are treated like Gods by their fans. Amidst the separation rumour of ace Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and his Serbian actress-model wife Natasa Stankovic, here we list down some famous Indian cricketers who made the news recently for their controversial divorces. Read on to know more.

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan had met his former wife Aesha Mukherjee on Facebook and they got married in 2012. While this was Aesha's second marriage and she has two daughters with her first husband, it was the first time Shikhar had married. Together, Aesha and Shikhar have a 10-year-old son named Zoraver Dhawan. However, as per Shikhar Dhawan's allegations against Aesha, the latter lived in Australia with their son for years, refused to move to India, and kept Shikhar away from his son. In 2023, a Delhi Court granted divorce to Shikhar Dhawan on grounds of mental "cruelty" which was inflicted on him by his ex-wife Aesha Dhawan.

Indian cricketer Dinesh Kartik was earlier married to his childhood friend Nikita Vanjara, however their marriage couldn't survive the test of time. After years of knowing each other, Dinesh Kartik and Nikita Vanjara married in 2012. But Nikita later had an affair with Dinesh's teammate Murali Vijay, which stirred up a controversy and led to Dinesh and Nikita's divorce. In 2015, Dinesh Karthik married squash player Dipika Pallikal and in 2021, the couple were blessed with twin boys named-- Kabir Pallikal Karthik and Zian Pallikal Karthik.

In 2024, Dinesh Karthik recently retired from from IPL. He was a wicket-keeper and batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Photo: Dinesh Kartik/ Instagram

Former Indian batsman Vinod Kambli was earlier married to his childhood friend Noella Lewis. However, the duo called it quits in 2005 and Vinod Kamble later went on to marry former model Andrea Hewitt, for which he even converted to Christianity. He has two sons and a daughter.

Photo: Vinod Kambli/ Instagram

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin's personal live has been a bit controvesial. Mohammad Azharuddin was earlier married to Naureen, with whom he has two sons-- Asaduddin and Ayazuddin. However in 1996, he divorced Naureen to marry Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani but they too got divorced after 14 years of marriage. Mohammad Azharuddin was later also linked to sports star Jwala Gutta, Shannon Marrie, among others.

Photo: Mohammad Azharuddin/ Instagram

In 2018, Indian fast-bowler Mohammad Shami's estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, had filed a case of domestic abuse and adultery on him. However, the cricketer has time and again refused the allegations saying they were false and conspired to tarnish his public image. The fomer couple are separated since 2018 and their legal battle is currently going on. Mohammad Shami has a daughter with Hasin Jahan.

Photo: Maharastra Times

Former Head Coach of the Indian National Cricket team, Ravi Shastri has made the headlines for several reasons-- be it his personal or professional life. In the 1980s Ravi Shastri was dating actress Amrita Singh and they were even engaged, as per reports. However the duo called it quits and moved on in life. Ravi Shastri later married Ritu Singh, who is a Doctor by profession and she also a trained classical dancer. But after 22 years of marriage, Ravi Shastri and Ritu Singh got divorced in 2012. The former couple have a daughter named Alekha Shastri together.

In 2018, Ravi Shastri was linked to actress Nimrat Kaur, after they had met for a car launch event in 2015. But both- Ravi Shastri and Nimrat Kaur- had denied the rumours.

Photo: Ravi Shastri/ Instagram

Former cricketer Manoj Prabhakar was earlier married to Sandhya, his first wife, however they got divorcec in 2013 after a long legal battle wherein Sandhya had accussed Manoj of dowry and harrassement. The former couple have a son together. Manoj Prabhakar later got married to actress Farheen. His personal life, like his cricketing career, has seen its fair share of ups and downs.

Photo: BCCL