Did Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal ‘update’ their Instagram bios after postponing the wedding?

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal have quietly updated their Instagram bios in the days following the unexpected postponement of their wedding, originally scheduled for 23 November.

The wedding was delayed after Mandhana’s father, Shriniwas Mandhana, suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital. Shortly afterwards, Muchhal fell ill with acute acidity and a viral infection. He received initial treatment in Sangli before being transferred to SRV Hospital in Goregaon, Mumbai, where doctors declared him fit to return home on 26 November.

The pair added a nazar emoji, a traditional symbol believed to ward off the evil eye, amid a surge of online speculation surrounding their relationship.

The sudden change of plans triggered widespread chatter across Instagram, Reddit and X, particularly when fans noticed that Mandhana had removed all wedding-related posts from her profile, including engagement and proposal photos. With neither Mandhana nor Muchhal issuing a public statement, the speculation only intensified.

Against this backdrop, the subtle addition of the nazar emoji to both their bios was widely interpreted as a discreet gesture aimed at quelling rumours and protecting their privacy during what has been a challenging period for both families.

As the couple continue to recover from the emotional strain and recent health scares, Mandhana has received support from within the cricketing community. India teammate and close friend Jemimah Rodrigues has chosen to remain in India rather than rejoin Brisbane Heat for the Women’s Big Bash League.