Utkarsha Pawar, the talented right-arm pacer from Maharashtra, has reaffirmed her dedication to her cricketing journey even after her recent marriage to cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad. In a candid conversation with the Marathi cricket podcast ‘Coffee, Cricket Aani Barach Kaahi’, Utkarsha emphasized her strong determination to continue playing cricket as long as her passion and physical condition permit.
The 24-year-old cricketer, who tied the knot with Ruturaj Gaikwad on June 3 in Pune, has garnered attention both for her prowess on the field and her recent marriage. Despite the buzz surrounding her personal life, Utkarsha remains steadfast in her commitment to her cricketing career.
Supportive Environment Addressing concerns that marriage might impact her professional aspirations, Utkarsha highlighted that both her family and Ruturaj’s family fully support her cricketing ambitions. She acknowledged the backing of their relatives as well. Utkarsha, currently accompanying her husband Ruturaj Gaikwad in the West Indies as he represents the men’s national team, expressed that while outsiders express concerns about her career post-marriage, her family, in-laws, and husband remain firmly supportive.
She shared, “I am repeatedly asked about my career now that I am married. Not from the family but only the outsiders seem to be worried about it. My family is supportive. Ruturaj’s family is extremely supportive, our relatives are also supportive… but the question does come up from the outsiders.”
Fuelled by Support Utkarsha’s impressive performance record in List A and T20 matches reinforces her belief in her cricketing journey. With 28 wickets in 39 List A games and 26 scalps in 45 T20 matches since her senior inter-state debut for Maharashtra in the 2015-16 season, she is confident about her future in the sport.
Utkarsha’s Inspiration and Journey Utkarsha shared her early inspiration for fast bowling, revealing that she idolized Zaheer Khan during her childhood. Although she is right-handed and Zaheer Khan is left-handed, she was determined to mirror his speed and technique. Under her father’s guidance, she received coaching from Anwar Shaikh and benefited from Santosh Jedhe’s mentorship during net practice sessions.
Despite trying her hand at various sports during her upbringing, including swimming, badminton, and football, Utkarsha recognized cricket as her true passion. She even relinquished Kathak dancing to prioritize her delicate physique and cricket aspirations.
Encounter with MSD and the CSK Experience Utkarsha recounted a memorable encounter with the legendary MS Dhoni during the IPL 2023. She found Dhoni to be remarkably approachable and down-to-earth, despite his illustrious career. Utkarsha appreciated Dhoni’s sense of humor and his ability to create a relaxed atmosphere for those around him. She expressed gratitude for the warmth and camaraderie she experienced during her two-month journey with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Utkarsha concluded, “Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s aura is something different. When you are meeting him, you end up calling him sir… But he is so humble and down to earth, it’s unbelievable. I got an opportunity to meet him properly after the final. He has a great sense of humour and tries to keep the atmosphere light around him. He treats everyone like a family. We were on the road for two months or so but he always made us feel at home.”
