
Lucknow: Indian cricket star Kuldeep Yadav has embarked on a new chapter in his personal life, announcing his engagement to his childhood friend Vanshika in an intimate ceremony held in Lucknow on June 4. The private event, attended by close family and friends, marked a significant milestone for the celebrated left-arm wrist-spinner.
Vanshika, a resident of Shyam Nagar in Kanpur, works with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). She and Kuldeep have shared a deep bond since their early years, with their friendship blossoming into love over time. The engagement took place shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where Kuldeep represented the Delhi Capitals, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 7.07.
The ceremony saw the presence of fellow cricketer Rinku Singh, whose attendance dispelled rumors of a rift between him and Kuldeep. Speculation about their relationship had surfaced following a playful incident during an IPL match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Rinku Singh’s fiancée, Priya Saroj, an MP, shared a heartfelt message on social media, posting a picture of the couple and writing, “A forever in the making heartfelt congratulations to Kuldeep Bhaiya and Vanshika!”
Kuldeep, dressed in a cream-colored sherwani with intricate brocade and zardozi embroidery, and Vanshika, radiant in a vibrant orange lehenga adorned with gold sequins and gota patti work, exchanged rings in a warm and festive atmosphere. Videos and photos from the event, shared widely on social media, captured the couple’s joy and the celebratory mood of the gathering.
While the couple has not yet announced their wedding date, sources cited indicate that the originally planned date of June 29 has been postponed due to Kuldeep’s upcoming commitments with the Indian cricket team for a five-match Test series in England. The wedding is now expected to take place by the end of 2025.
Kuldeep, a key player for India across all formats, has been a standout performer, notably contributing to the team’s success in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. As he prepares for the England tour, fans and well-wishers continue to shower the couple with congratulatory messages, celebrating their journey from childhood friends to soon-to-be life partners.