Meet Utkarsha Pawar: Cricketing Star & Wife Of CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Dasharath Gaikwad, known as one of cricket's rising stars, and his talented wife, Utkarsha Pawar, form a powerful pair both on and off the cricket field. Gaikwad's journey from winning the 'Man of the Match' award in the Cadence Trophy 2010 to making waves in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy showcases his consistent excellence in batting and cricketing skills. His standout performance in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018 earned him a spot in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Now, Gaikwad has taken on the mantle of captaincy for CSK, succeeding the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Gaikwad has consistently impressed with his batting prowess and cricketing acumen throughout his meteoric rise. Behind Gaikwad's success stands his equally impressive wife, Utkarsha Pawar, who has carved her path in the competitive world of cricket. Together, they epitomise grace, determination, and strength, charming cricket fans worldwide.

Who Is Utkarsha Pawar?

Utkarsha Pawar, born on the 13th of October, 1998, shares not only her heart but also her passion for cricket with Gaikwad. Hailing from Maharashtra, Utkarsha has made significant strides in the Indian domestic cricket circuit, showcasing her skills as an all-rounder. As a right-handed batter and a pace bowler, she adds dynamism and depth to the sport she loves. Utkarsha's journey in cricket began at the age of 11, fueled by her admiration for the legendary Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan. Inspired by her idol, she set out on a journey of determination, dedicating herself to perfecting her craft with renowned coaches like Anwar Shaikh and Santosh Jedhe by her side.

Pawar, an all-rounder hailing from Maharashtra, shines in the Indian domestic cricket scene. A right-handed batter and pace bowler, she balances her sporting career with academic endeavours. According to media reports from 2023, she was pursuing studies at the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences (INFS) in Pune, skillfully juggling between her sporting commitments and education. Pawar's journey also includes a significant shift from Kathak to cricket. Faced with the decision between dance and cricket, she chose the latter, driven by her passion for the sport.

Ruturaj And Utkarsha's Journey

The romance between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Utkarsha Pawar goes beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, representing a delightful fusion of sportsmanship and love. Their journey began when Gaikwad took a bold step on Instagram, intrigued by Utkarsha, which sparked the flame that eventually led them to marry. The couple exchanged vows on June 3, 2023, in a picturesque ceremony in Mahabaleshwar, following a two-year courtship.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ruturaj Gaikwad (@ruutu.131)

While not widely known, Gaikwad made a tough call to withdraw from India's reserve list for the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia. Despite the chance to represent his country at a prestigious event, Gaikwad chose to prioritize his marriage and companionship with Utkarsha.