Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav, the celebrated left-arm wrist-spinner famously known as the ‘Chinaman’ of Indian cricket, got engaged to his childhood friend Vanshika in a private and heartwarming ceremony held in Lucknow on Wednesday. The event was a low-key affair attended by close family and friends, along with several prominent cricketers from Uttar Pradesh, including teammate and friend Rinku Singh.
The engagement, held at a private venue in the city, marks a new chapter in Kuldeep Yadav’s life off the field. Vanshika, who hails from Kanpur and is the daughter of an LIC employee, has known Kuldeep since their early years. Their relationship, rooted in a deep and long-standing friendship, has now blossomed into a lifelong commitment.
Though the couple has not yet made an official announcement on social media, pictures from the ceremony quickly made their way online, triggering an outpouring of love, admiration, and warm wishes from fans and fellow cricketers. Known for guarding his personal life from the public eye, Kuldeep was seen beaming in the engagement photos, standing hand-in-hand with Vanshika as they exchanged rings.
Sources close to the family revealed that the wedding is likely to take place after India’s upcoming Test series against England. A formal reception is reportedly being planned for a later date to accommodate the spinner’s international commitments.
A Career on the Rise
While Kuldeep Yadav’s personal life is making headlines for all the right reasons, his on-field performance continues to be a cornerstone of Indian cricket. In the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kuldeep represented Delhi Capitals and took 15 wickets across 14 matches, boasting a commendable economy rate of 7.07. His consistent bowling helped Delhi finish fifth in the tournament, with seven wins to their name.
Beyond the IPL, Kuldeep Yadav has been an essential part of India’s bowling attack in all formats of the game. His pivotal roles in India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024 and their Champions Trophy triumph in 2025 have cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most valuable spinners.
Since his international debut in 2017, the 30-year-old has carved out an impressive record:
- 113 ODIs – 181 wickets
- 40 T20Is – 69 wickets
- 13 Test Matches – 56 wickets
His skill in outsmarting batters with flight, sharp turn, and subtle variations has earned him a reputation as a fan favorite and a reliable match-winner for Team India.
Looking Ahead
Kuldeep Yadav is currently preparing for the high-stakes five-match Test series against England, which begins on 20 June and runs until 4 August. The Indian squad is expected to depart for the UK next week, and Kuldeep is anticipated to play a central role in the spin department.
While he readies himself for yet another international assignment, fans across the country are celebrating this personal milestone with equal enthusiasm. The engagement to Vanshika is a testament to Kuldeep’s grounded nature and enduring personal ties, even amid the high-pressure world of elite cricket
Congratulations to the happy couple, Kuldeep and Vanshika, on their beautiful beginning!
