IPL 2018: 5 cricketers who had their 'special someone' cheering for them in the stands

The Indian Premier League is everything a glamorous sporting tournament should be. Be it the frenzied throngs of fans,the mind-numbing yorkers or the towering boundaries and sixers, the IPL has it all. Ever since its inception back in 2008, the tournament has been known for its glitz and dazzle. In games as highly charged as those of the IPL, cricketers are bound to be under a lot of duress to win it for their sides and not disappoint their ardent fans.

In such crucial situations, what better than to see the face of your beau in the stands, cheering you on to victory? On more occasions than one, people close to the star players have been spotted in the stadium, rooting for their special ones. Let's take a look at 5 cricketers who've been lucky enough to have their special someone's support in IPL 2018.

5. MS Dhoni

Captain 'Cool' played a blinder of an innings against the Kings XI Punjab on Sunday (April 15) at Mohali. Unfortunately, CSK fell short by just 4 runs in spite of MS Dhoni's heroics. However, his better half, Sakshi Dhoni was present in the stands to cheer him on the entire time he was at the crease.

Sakshi has been a regular at the stadiums whenever her husband's been in action, be it for the CSK or India. She was also present a few days back at CSK's match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai, where her daughter, Ziva Dhoni was clicked in an adorable snap with superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

4. Yuvraj Singh

Hazel Keech was present at Mohali to support her husband, Yuvraj Singh

Cricket and the Hindi film industry has had a love affair since time immemorial and Yuvraj Singh-Hazel Keech are an adorable proof of it. The happy couple got married in December 2016 and Keech has been a rock-solid support to her husband.

Recently, she was spotted in the stands of the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali where she'd come out to support Yuvraj as KXIP took on the mighty CSK. Her presence might just have acted as a lucky charm for Yuvraj, who ended the day on the winning side as KXIP won the match by 4 runs.

3. Hardik Pandya

Elli Avram and Hardik Pandya have set the rumour mills churning for quite some time now

Although fiery cricketer, Hardik Pandya and model-actress Elli Avram have never confirmed their relationship, rumour mills were set churning after the duo was spotted together on a number of occasions, including the wedding of the former's elder brother, Krunal Pandya a short time back. From dropping Pandya at the airport to attending Avram's shooting floors, the couple seems to be doting on each other with all their hearts.

What caught quite a few eyeballs, was Avram's presence in the opening match of the IPL 2018, where the Mumbai Indians were pitted against the Chennai Super Kings. Although her presence wasn't confirmed, images of the actress in the stands went viral on the social media. Since Pandya has been a crucial cog in the MI outfit, it was only fitting that his special someone would be there to cheer him on in his first match of the season.

2. Rohit Sharma

Ritika Sajdeh and Rohit Sharma are one of the most adorable couples in the cricketing world

Rohit Sharma's love for his wife, Ritika Sajdeh knows no bounds and he's flaunted his feelings for her on the field more than once. From embracing her after winning the cup for Mumbai Indians in 2017 to kissing his wedding finger after his 16th ODI century to dedicate it to Ritika, the MI captain is an old-school romantic. The social media feeds of the love birds say just as much via the numerous cute pictures they post with each other.

The first match of IPL 2018 between MI and CSK saw Ritika in the stands, looking on intensely as Rohit Sharma shepherded his troop. From IPL encounters to international matches, Ritika has been spotted a number of times, supporting her husband. Although MI was unable to win the match, it's for sure that his wife's presence in the stadium would've meant a lot for the star cricketer.

1. Virat Kohli

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli give us serious 'Couple Goals'

No prizes for guessing who came to support Virat Kohli in RCB's match against KXIP in Bengaluru! Anushka Sharma was spotted sitting alongside KXIP owner, Preity Zinta and reacting enthusiastically to the proceedings on the field. As Kohli's boys raced on to victory by 4 wickets, Sharma was seen cheering in full throttle for her husband.

The talented Hindi film actress, who got married to Kohli in December 2018 has frequented various stadiums to be with her beau. Not only has she flown to various venues where Kohli has played in the IPL or for the Indian team, but she's often accompanied him to Indian Super League (ISL) matches, where Kohli is the co-owner of the FC Goa team.