Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya revealed on Instagram on Thursday that he and his wife, Natasa Stankovic, have decided to part ways amicably.
For several months, rumours circulated about a possible separation between the two. With Thursday’s announcement, these rumours have been officially confirmed. Hardik Pandya has been a significant player for the Indian cricket team in recent years, while Natasa, originally from Serbia, has pursued a career in film. The couple got engaged in January 2020 and have a four-year-old son named Agastya.
In a joint Instagram post on Thursday, Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic stated: “After four years together, Natasa and I have mutually decided to part ways. We did our best and gave it our all, but we believe this decision is in the best interest of both of us. This has been a difficult decision, considering the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared as we built a family together.
“We are blessed with Agastya, who will remain the centre of our lives. We will continue to co-parent to ensure his happiness and well-being. We kindly ask for your support and understanding to respect our privacy during this challenging and sensitive time. Hardik/Natasa”
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The first rumours of their relationship surfaced around 2018, and in a 2019 Instagram post, Natasa referred to Pandya as her ‘best friend.’ They got engaged on January 1, 2020, and welcomed their son Agastya in July of the same year. The couple renewed their vows in Udaipur on February 14, 2023.
They were frequently seen together at social events and were adored by the media. Similar to Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, they represented another high-profile marriage between an Indian cricketer and an actor. However, by May 2024, rumours began to spread that their marriage was facing difficulties.
Previously active in sharing pictures together, the couple’s social media posts dwindled in recent months. Natasa, who used to attend IPL matches to support Pandya, was notably absent during the IPL 2024 season. This absence fuelled speculation about their separation, which has now been confirmed with Thursday’s announcement.