Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic part ways after four years of marriage

New Delhi: Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya confirmed his separation from wife Natasa Stankovic on Thursday, officially addressing months of speculation about their relationship status. The couple, who married in 2020 and share a three-year-old son named Agastya, had been the subject of various rumours, but until now, neither Pandya nor Stankovic had publicly confirmed the separation.

Taking to Instagram, Pandya made the announcement, revealing that he and Natasa have "mutually parted ways" after four years of marriage. He described the decision as a "tough one," highlighting the growth they experienced as a family during their time together. In his post, the 30-year-old cricketer expressed that while the separation was challenging, it was ultimately in the "best interest" of both parties.

“After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for the both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we enjoyed together as we grew a family,” Pandya wrote.

Pandya also emphasised that their son, Agastya, will remain the focal point of their lives. He confirmed that he and Natasa will co-parent to ensure Agastya’s well-being and happiness. The cricketer requested privacy and support from fans and the public during this "difficult and sensitive time."

In addition to this personal update, Pandya's recent performance in the T20 World Cup was notable. The all-rounder played a pivotal role in India’s victory, scoring 144 runs in six innings at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57. He also took 11 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64, with his best bowling figures being 3/20. His crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen and the final over where he dismissed David Miller were key moments in India’s successful World Cup campaign.

This World Cup marked a significant comeback for Pandya, who had faced injuries and controversies in recent years. He had been the target of online criticism during the IPL 2024 season, where he took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the highly successful Rohit Sharma. Pandya was criticised for perceived disloyalty after leaving his previous team, Gujarat Titans (GT), which he had led to the IPL title in 2022. However, his performance in the T20 World Cup served as a redemption for the all-rounder, reaffirming his position as a leading cricketer on the international stage. ANI