Kuldeep Yadav Takes Time Out For His Biggest Innings Yet: Marriage
There is something about a cricketer taking a personal pause that makes fans sit up. Perhaps we are so used to seeing them in bio bubbles and high pressure stadiums that a moment of real life feels almost refreshing. India’s left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has now chosen that moment. He has formally asked the BCCI for leave in the last week of November for his wedding.
And this simple request has turned into one of the most followed off field stories of the month.
Kuldeep Yadav Marriage – Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kuldeep Yadav requests late November leave for wedding |
| Bride | Vanshika, childhood friend from Lucknow |
| Engagement Date | 4 June 2025 |
| Possible Impact | May miss South Africa second Test and ODI series |
| Reason for Delay | Clash with IPL and other tours earlier in the year |
What Happened?
Kuldeep informed the Indian cricket board that he wishes to take time off during the final week of November for his marriage. Reports confirm that his soon to be wife is Vanshika, a childhood friend from Lucknow who currently works with LIC.
The two got engaged earlier this year in June in a small family ceremony. The original plan was to marry soon after, but a packed cricketing calendar pushed the date forward. Now the finalised window directly overlaps with India’s tour of South Africa, which is why the BCCI’s approval matters.
Why This Matters
If Kuldeep is granted leave, he may miss the second Test against South Africa and possibly the start of the ODI series. For a bowler who has recently re established himself as a core part of India’s attack in all formats, this absence is not a small detail.
This also brings up a bigger truth. Modern cricket barely allows personal breathing room. Players often schedule weddings like they do match travel. Kuldeep taking control of his timeline offers a reminder that behind every tight length delivery, there is a human being with a life to run.
Quick Context
Kuldeep has been in excellent rhythm this year. His role in India’s middle overs, especially in white ball cricket, is vital. With the South Africa series being one of the tougher away challenges, decisions around squad balance now get interesting. Whether the team management rotates options or sticks to continuity will shape the final call on Kuldeep’s leave.
Kuldeep Yadav – The Personal Angle
The wedding is happening with someone who’s been in Kuldeep’s life for a long time. He got engaged in June to his childhood friend Vanshika, in a low-key ceremony in Lucknow. Their relationship grew out of school-days friendship, and now they’re stepping into a new chapter.
Vanshika works with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and has stayed out of the media glare. Their engagement was described as “intimate” and “private,” attended by family and select cricketing colleagues rather than being a grand public affair.
Originally the wedding was to happen earlier (some sources mention June), but due to cricketing obligations – especially the extended IPL season and other tours – it got postponed. Now the plan is firmly set for the end of the month.
Kuldeep Yadav – The Professional Angle
Here’s where things get interesting for the team-buffs. Kuldeep is part of the Indian Test squad against the South Africa national cricket team. He could miss the second Test, possibly the upcoming ODI series if his wedding leave is approved.
A BCCI official told media:
“Kuldeep’s wedding is planned for the last week of Nov. The team management will assess when they will need his services before granting him the exact number of leaves.”
This means that while personal joy is at the forefront, squad management and match strategy will dictate how much time Kuldeep gets off. As fans, the wait is to see how the call affects the playing XI, and whether the team needs to plan for his absence.
Why It’s Worth Noting
- This move highlights how cricketers juggle personal milestones with packed international calendars.
- For Kuldeep, being part of the Test and white-ball squads means his absence has tangible implications — especially in a high-stakes series.
- It also showcases the human side of the athlete — beyond the wickets, the stats and the accolades. It’s about life, relationships and planning ahead.
- For fans, it’s a rare moment where the headline is no longer just match-winning spells or record wickets, but a personal milestone.
What’s Next
If the leave is granted:
- Kuldeep may skip the second Test (scheduled from Nov 22 – 26) and the subsequent ODI series.
- Once the wedding is done, he’s likely to re-focus on cricket, including upcoming tours and formats.
- From a narrative perspective, the story pivots to how he returns — increased focus or refreshed mental state post-wedding?
The Human Side
Every athlete has a turning point away from the field, and for Kuldeep, this is one of them. Friends describe him as grounded and family oriented. Those who know the couple say the relationship goes back to school days, long before cricket had turned professional for him.
These are the kinds of stories that remind us that cricket careers may come with statistics, but lives do not.
Samay’s Voice
The spinner who confuses batters for a living has finally found the one person he does not want to spin away from.
Kuldeep’s request is simple. His timing is complicated. His decision is personal. The BCCI assessment will determine how much of the South Africa series he plays. But for once, cricket takes a step back and life takes the front seat.
A new innings for Kuldeep is about to begin, and this time the crease has nothing to do with it.
