Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukerji
Shikhar Dhawan’s marriage to Melbourne-based kickboxer Aesha Mukerji in 2012 was seen as a modern love story. After nearly a decade together and the birth of their son, Zoravar, the couple's separation in 2021 came as a surprise to many fans. In October
2023, a Delhi court granted Dhawan a divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty. The court noted that Mukerji had subjected Dhawan to significant mental agony by compelling him to live separately from his son for years. The end of their marriage highlighted the immense pressures that long-distance relationships can face, especially when compounded by the demands of a high-profile international cricket career.
Mohammad Azharuddin and his Two Marriages
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin's personal life has often been as discussed as his elegant wristy strokeplay. He was first married to Naureen in 1987, and the couple had two sons. Their nine-year marriage ended in 1996 when Azharuddin divorced her to marry Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, a union that garnered significant media attention. However, his second marriage also faced challenges, and the couple divorced in 2010. Reports at the time suggested that Azharuddin's alleged closeness with badminton player Jwala Gutta was a contributing factor, though these claims were denied. Azharuddin's life story includes two divorces, making his personal journey one of the most public and tumultuous in Indian cricket.
Dinesh Karthik and Nikita Vanjara
Dinesh Karthik's first marriage to his childhood friend Nikita Vanjara in 2007 ended in a widely publicised divorce in 2012. The separation was surrounded by reports that Vanjara had an affair with Karthik's teammate and friend, Murali Vijay. The situation was a significant personal setback for Karthik, who reportedly faced depression as his cricketing career also stalled. Despite the difficult circumstances, Karthik handled the divorce with dignity, refraining from public accusations. Nikita married Murali Vijay shortly after the divorce. Karthik later found love again, marrying Indian squash champion Dipika Pallikal in 2015, marking a remarkable personal and professional comeback.
Mohammed Shami and Hasin Jahan
The marriage of star pacer Mohammed Shami to former model Hasin Jahan in 2014 took a dramatic and public turn in 2018. Jahan leveled serious accusations against Shami, including domestic violence and adultery, which led to their separation and a prolonged and contentious legal battle. The case has been in the courts for years, with ongoing disputes over alimony and other matters. In 2025, the Calcutta High Court ordered Shami to pay a significant monthly maintenance amount to both Jahan and their daughter. Their separation has remained in the headlines, illustrating a bitter and unresolved end to their four-year marriage.
Javagal Srinath and Jyothsna
Javagal Srinath, one of India's greatest fast bowlers, also went through a divorce. He married his first wife, Jyothsna, in 1999. After nearly a decade together, the couple mutually agreed to part ways, finalising their divorce in 2007. The separation was reportedly amicable, stemming from personal differences. Srinath has since moved on, marrying journalist Madhavi Patravali in 2008. His story is a quieter example of a cricketer navigating the end of a long-term relationship away from the intense drama that has accompanied other public splits in the sport.
