Virat-Anushka, Rahul-Athiya: How star wives changed way people see cricket

India won the ICC Champions Trophy yesterday. As expected, every street in India and Dubai (where the final took place) was lit with colors, crackers, and cricket fans dancing excitedly. Almost a decade ago, after the win, it was all about cricket players, their opinions, and reviews from commentators.

But many things have changed in the last few years especially after the use of social media platforms has become rampant and cricketers are being treated as stars almost equal to or even more like the Bollywood superstars. Also, Virat Kohli marrying Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma has added a glamour to the Indian cricket match.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's marriage changed many things

Even before Virat Kohli, the names of many other Indian cricketers were linked with Bollywood actors. Saurav Ganguly was rumoured to be dating actress Nagma during his heydays although he never confirmed it. The affair of Amrita Singh and Ravi Shastri or Kapil Dev and Sarika was also much discussed in the tabloids but they never got married.

To all the girls saying, "There's no such thing as a busy man," let me clarify...

Even Virat Kohli waited for the match to end before going to Anushka.. he didn’t leave midway.

Give your man some time. If he's truly yours, he'll come.

pic.twitter.com/ikt3wiK9vB

— Kamini Sharma🌻 (@kaminisharma_) March 10, 2025

Although Reena Roy did marry Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan, her marriage received a lot of slamming because she had married a Pakistani. Things changed when Virat Kohli married Anushka Sharma because both of them were at the top of their game. Their open display of affection on the field and social media posts have left many fans intrigued.

Anushka Sharma specially called Rohit Sharma and gave him a tight hug.🔥

They are like a family bro.#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/6UgeFchHVT

— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮 (@Ro_45stan) March 9, 2025

That is why today when India is playing and Anushka Sharma is there, the cameraman always tracks the reaction of the Sultan actress adding entertainment.

KL Rahul-Athiya Shetty, Yuzvendra Chahal-Dhanashree and more

Another star cricketer who married an actress is KL Rahul who tied the knot with Athiya Shetty. The two keep on sharing updates on social media. Athiya even posts when KL Rahul does well during a game or when India wins. Similarly, Yuzvendra Chahal added more glamour to the cricketing game when he married YouTube influencer and dancer Dhanashree.

Athiya Shetty post

Now that he is rumoured to be divorcing Dhanashree he is once again in the news as Chahal was spotted with another influencer during the recent match of India in Dubai. So nowadays, news related to cricket is no longer restricted to players and the game. Rather they are also about these little things that over the years have added more glamour to the game and escalated the interest of the audience further.

Cameraman kahin se bhi content dhundh leta hai 🤣

Ek camera toh sirf yuzvendra chahal aur mahvash pe hai#INDvsNZ

pic.twitter.com/6nTxvneOTM

— Jeet (@JeetN25) March 9, 2025