IPL 2024: CSK Players and their wives

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the franchises that have been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Having reached the finals in the very first season, the South Indian franchise has been consistent in its dominance. They have appeared in a record 10 finals and qualified for the playoff stages 12 times out of the 14 seasons.

Above all, CSK added their fifth title to the trophy cabinet with a win in the 2023 final against Gujarat Titans. Their main strength over the years has been the presence of quality players and the man behind the stumps - their mastermind Mahendra Singh Dhoni. CSK also have the uncanny ability to bring out the best in veteran players and make out-of-form players their key cogs.

However, apart from skills, abilities and physical fitness, mental well-being is also a crucial factor in player performance. The life partner of every sportsperson plays a major role in this, but they are often overlooked. CSK cricketers are no exception in receiving extraordinary support from their biggest cheerleaders.

CSK are led by Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 17th edition of the IPL and the team is doing well, sitting third on the points table with four wins from six matches. As the tournament enters its halfway stage, let's take a look at the unsung heroes standing behind them through thick and thin.

MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi Dhoni

The love story of former CSK captain and Sakshi Dhoni is a modern-day fairy tale, as we all have seen in the cricketer's biopic. Sakshi is now deeply involved in managing Dhoni's ventures and remains his unwavering support system both on and off the field. She is always a constant presence in the stands during CSK's matches along with their daughter Ziva.

IPL 2024 is rumoured to be Dhoni's last dance. The CSK talisman led them to five IPL titles and made them the most successful franchise in the history of the league. The 42-year-old continues to entertain the crowd with towering sixes in his brief cameos. It would be fantastic if Gaikwad and Co could bid farewell to their talisman by winning their sixth IPL title.   

Deepak Chahar’s wife Jaya Bhardwaj  

Deepak Chahar has been associated with CSK since 2018 and is a vital cog in their bowling unit. The right-arm pacer, known for his intimidating swing that can trouble opponents in the Powerplay, has played 72 matches for Chennai and taken 75 wickets.

Chahar married Jaya Bhardwaj on 1 June 2022 in a surreal ceremony in Agra. His romantic proposal to Bigg Boss fame Sidharth Bhardwaj's sister during the match against Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 surprised everyone. Jaya is often seen in the stands during CSK's matches to cheer on her husband and his team.

Shivam Dube’s wife Anjum Khan

Shivam Dube has completely revamped his game since joining CSK in IPL 2022. He is now one of the most consistent and reliable batters in the team. The southpaw is known for his attacking game, especially against spinners. Dube is continuing his impressive hitting in the ongoing IPL and trying to lock a spot in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad.

The 30-year-old married his long-time girlfriend model and actor Anjum Khan on July 16, 2021, in Mumbai. The couple welcomed their first child, a boy, on 13 February 2022. Both support each other to excel in their respective fields.

Ravindra Jadeja’s wife Rivaba Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the strong pillars of CSK. The veteran all-rounder has been associated with the franchise for so many years and is currently the second most admired player in the team after Dhoni. He has won numerous matches with his three-dimensional prowess and his cameo finish in the 2023 final will forever be etched in the hearts of all CSK fans. 

Credit must also go to his wife Rivaba for Jadeja's impressive performance on the field. The star couple tied the knot on April 17, 2016, marking the cricketer's continued support. For the uninitiated, Rivaba is an Indian politician - a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Jamnagar North Assembly constituency.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s wife Utkarsha Pawar

Ahead of the 2024 season, MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad and the opening batter is leading the team well. The Maharashtra cricketer has played 58 IPL matches and has amassed over 2000 runs. He has played a key role in CSK's two successful campaigns and will be aiming to add another trophy for them under his captaincy.

On 3 June 2023, Gaikwad married his long-time girlfriend Utkarsha Pawar in a grand ceremony in Mahabaleshwar. Notably, Utkarsha is a Pune-based cricketer who represents Maharashtra in domestic cricket. Both are in the same profession and support each other to excel.

Ajinkya Rahane’s wife Radhika Dhopavkar

Veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has brought a new dimension to his T20 cricket after joining CSK. The right-hander often plays aggressively, with delightful shots. However, this season, he has not been at his best with the bat and is aiming to return to form.

Radhika Dhopavkar stands as a beacon of support for the Maharashtra cricketer. Dhopavkar was Rahane's childhood friend but she became his life partner from 16 September 2016. Being a homemaker, the super lady gives comfort and strength to her husband to shine in challenging situations.

Daryl Mitchell’s wife Amy Mitchell

CSK acquired Daryl Mitchell in the 2024 auction after seeing his heroics in the 2023 ODI World Cup for New Zealand. The middle-order batter, however, has not been able to replicate his form for the five-time champions this season as he has found it difficult to score runs.

In spite of these difficult times, Amy Mitchell has been giving unwavering support to the pace all-rounder as usual. The two exchanged wedding vows in 2017 and are parents to two children. The duo dated for almost three years before tying the knot.

Shardul Thakur’s wife Mittali Parulkar

Shardul Thakur is a dynamic bowling all-rounder for both Team India and CSK. He has represented multiple franchises in the league, but his best came for Chennai. Thakur, who has played 50 matches donning the yellow jersey, has taken 55 wickets with his remarkable variations.

After a few years of dating, Thakur and Mittali Parulkar decided to take their relationship to the next level on February 27, 2023. The two got married in a Marathi-style wedding in Mumbai. Entrepreneur and professional baker, Mittali Parulkar has the same dedication and passion as her husband shows on the cricket field.

Tushar Deshpande’s wife Nabha Gaddamwar

CSK fast bowler Tushar Deshpande married his school crush Nabha Gaddamwar on 21 December 2023 in Kalyan city in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Deshpande's life partner is also a talented painter. Her support and encouragement have been crucial in the 28-year-old's cricketing journey.

CSK picked up the right-arm pacer for a base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL 2022 mega auction. He is a regular feature in their line-up and improves his performance every year. Deshpande has played 29 IPL matches so far and has taken 31 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/33.

Rachin Ravindra’s girlfriend Premila Morar

Rachin Ravindra grabbed attention with his remarkable consistency and performance for New Zealand. His impressive knocks in the 2023 ODI World Cup attracted IPL franchises and it was CSK who bagged the golden deal in the 2024 mini-auction. In the absence of his compatriot Devon Conway, Ravindra has been opening for CSK this season and the southpaw has had a decent campaign so far by often giving a blazing start in the Powerplay.

The young Kiwi sensation is not yet married but is in a relationship with Premila Morar, a talented fashion designer who is based in Auckland's Pukekohe East. Morar is not an ardent cricket fan, but she likes to enjoy her boyfriend playing and is always there for support.