The glittering worlds of Bollywood and cricket have long been intertwined, captivating the hearts of millions across India. While some starry-eyed romances blossomed into marriages, others remained tantalizing rumors that set tongues wagging. Let’s know about 15 Bollywood Actresses You Never Knew Were Linked to Cricket Superstars!
Madhuri Dixit and Ajay Jadeja: A Match-Fixing Scandal That Rocked Their World
The “Dhak Dhak” girl of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit, was reportedly entangled in a romantic liaison with cricketer Ajay Jadeja. However, their budding relationship faced an untimely demise, overshadowed by the notorious match-fixing scandal. While some sources claimed the duo was merely considering a professional collaboration, the controversy put paid to any potential partnership, both on and off-screen.
Nimrat Kaur and Ravi Shastri: A Car Commercial That Drove Rumors Wild
The ‘Airlift’ actress Nimrat Kaur found herself in the eye of a media storm when rumors surfaced about her alleged two-year relationship with Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri. Their association, which began during a luxury car brand promotion in 2015, sparked intense speculation. However, both parties vehemently denied the rumors, with Shastri dismissing them as “the biggest load of cow dung.”
Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards: A Love Story That Transcended Boundaries
In a bold move that defied societal norms, Neena Gupta and West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards embarked on a passionate romance in the late 1980s. Though they never tied the knot, their relationship resulted in the birth of their daughter, Masaba Gupta, in 1989. Masaba, now a renowned fashion designer and actor, has openly embraced her unique heritage and the attention that comes with it.
Nidhhi Agerwal and KL Rahul: Dinner Dates That Sparked Speculation
South Indian actress Nidhhi Agerwal and cricketer KL Rahul were frequently spotted dining together, fueling rumors of a budding romance. Despite intense media scrutiny, both maintained they were “just friends.” Rahul eventually found his happily-ever-after with Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, tying the knot earlier this year.
Preity Zinta and Yuvraj Singh: When IPL Sparked More Than Just Cricket Fever
The early days of the Indian Premier League saw Preity Zinta and Yuvraj Singh’s names linked romantically. As the owner of Kings XI Punjab and its captain respectively, their frequent public appearances together set rumor mills into overdrive. However, both parties moved on, with Preity marrying Gene Goodenough and Yuvraj finding love with model-actor Hazel Keech.
Deepika Padukone’s Cricket Connection: MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh
Deepika Padukone found herself at the center of not one, but two cricketing romances:
- MS Dhoni reportedly harbored a crush on the actress, even requesting a special screening of “Om Shanti Om” through Shah Rukh Khan.
- Yuvraj Singh and Deepika were rumored to be dating, with the cricketer later commenting on their relationship’s end.
Kim Sharma and Yuvraj Singh: A Four-Year Romance That Fizzled Out
Kim Sharma and Yuvraj Singh’s relationship lasted four years, from 2003 to 2007. Often seen attending events hand-in-hand, their romance eventually succumbed to irreconcilable differences.
Sushmita Sen and Wasim Akram: When Reality TV Sparked Real-Life Drama
Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen and Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram’s alleged romance began on the sets of reality show “Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena” in 2008. Despite numerous public appearances together, both vehemently denied any romantic involvement, with Sushmita taking to social media to quash the rumors.
Isha Sharvani and Zaheer Khan: A Love Story Eight Years in the Making
Actress Isha Sharvani and cricketer Zaheer Khan’s relationship spanned eight years, beginning in 2005. Their romance blossomed from friendship to living together, with wedding rumors swirling during the 2011 World Cup. However, the couple eventually parted ways, with Isha later revealing they remained good friends.
Nagma and Sourav Ganguly: A Controversial Affair That Rocked the Cricket World
In the early 2000s, actress Nagma was rumored to be dating married cricketer Sourav Ganguly. While both remained tight-lipped initially, Nagma later alluded to their relationship in a 2009 interview, speaking of a special connection that couldn’t be entirely let go.
Sofia Hayat and Rohit Sharma: A London Club Romance
Before his marriage to Ritika Sajdeh, Rohit Sharma allegedly dated singer and TV personality Sofia Hayat. The pair reportedly met at a London club through a mutual friend, though their romance was short-lived.
Amrita Singh and Ravi Shastri: A Pre-Saif Ali Khan Romance
Before her high-profile marriage to Saif Ali Khan, Amrita Singh was rumored to be dating cricketer Ravi Shastri. The actress was often spotted cheering for him from the stands during his playing days.
Esha Gupta and Hardik Pandya: Wedding Bells That Never Rang
Cricketer Hardik Pandya and actress Esha Gupta were linked after meeting at a party. Despite rumors of an impending marriage, both denied any romantic involvement, with Esha taking to social media to set the record straight.
Shruti Haasan and Suresh Raina: A Short-Lived Cricket Romance
Actress Shruti Haasan and cricketer Suresh Raina’s alleged relationship began in 2013 after meeting through mutual friends. Shruti was often seen supporting Raina at Chennai Super Kings matches, but their romance was reportedly brief.
Riya Sen and Sreesanth: A Jewellery Ad That Sparked a Year-Long Romance
Riya Sen and cricketer Sreesanth’s relationship reportedly began during a jewellery brand commercial shoot. Their romance lasted about a year, with Riya often seen cheering for him in the VIP box in 2011. However, controversies surrounding Sreesanth led to their eventual split.
