Ruturaj Gaikwad became the latest Indian cricketer to tie the knot earlier this year, as he tied the knot on June 3, just a day after lifting the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) title with the Chennai Super Kings. Ruturaj's wife, Utkarsha, is also a cricketer who plays for Maharashtra in domestic cricket.
In a love story made on the cricket field, Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) star Ruturaj Gaikwad got married to a female cricketer, Utkarsha Pawar, on June 3. Utkarsha had attended the 2023 IPL final, which saw Ruturaj lift the title for the second time, days before the couple tied the knot.
Utkarsha is a cricketer herself and plays for the Maharashtra women's cricket team in domestic cricket. She has played 39 List A Games and 45 T20s. Many wondered if she would continue to play the sport after her wedding, and the 24-year-old has put any doubts about her cricketing career to rest and stated that her family is very supportive of her endeavour to continue playing the sport.
I will continue to play cricket for as long as I wish and as long as my body allows me. One can be 200 per cent sure about it, not just 100 per cent. I am repeatedly asked about my career now that I am married. Not from the family but only the outsiders seem to be worried about it. said Utkarsha in chat with Marathi podcast. My family is supportive. Ruturaj’s family is extremely supportive, our relatives are also supportive… but the question does come up from the outsiders. I have the full support of my parents, husband Ruturaj Gaikwad and my in-laws. I will continue to play cricket as long as I wish and as long as I can since my life revolves around cricket," she added.
Utkarsha also opened up about her experience being part of the CSK game during the 2023 season and lavished special praise on MS Dhoni. She spoke glowingly about MS Dhoni's 'Aura' and his down-to-earth nature.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s aura is something different. When you are meeting him, you end up calling him sir… But he is so humble and down to earth, it’s unbelievable," she added. "I got an opportunity to meet him properly after the final. He has a great sense of humour and tries to keep the atmosphere light around him. He treats everyone like a family. We were on the road for two months or so but he always made us feel at home, Utkarsha stated.
Talking about Ruturaj, he was part of the Indian Test and ODI teams for the ongoing West Indies series. He has been named vice captain of the Jasprit Bumrah-led side that will travel to Ireland later this month to play a three-match T20I series. The 26-year-old will lead the national team for the first time in his career during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
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