Ajinkya Rahane and Radhika’s heartwarming love story: From childhood neighbours to parents of two

In a world of high-octane sporting drama, flashy celebrity weddings, and “Gram-worthy” romances that seem to end as fast as they begin, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane’s life feels like a refreshing breath of cool air. We often see him on the pitch—calm, composed, and playing those textbook-perfect cover drives—but his real strength isn’t just in his bat. It’s in the quiet, rock-steady foundation he built with his childhood sweetheart, Radhika Dhopavkar.

Their story isn’t one of grand, cinematic gestures; it’s something much better. It’s a neighborhood fairy tale that proves you don’t need drama to have a deep, enduring devotion. Read on to know their heart-warming love story here:

Picture 2000s Mumbai: kids borrowing Bollywood DVDs, debating cricket in chawls. Ajinkya and Radhika lived in the same housing society, and they crossed paths endlessly—her besties with his sister, collegemates too. And so, it was natural for them to become friends sometime around 2007, during their college days. Their families also knew each other, and so it was no surprise when their feelings surfaced. In fact, their blessings flowed easy.
Radhika, who was studying interior design at Vinayak Ganesh Vaze College, became Ajinkya’s rock amid his rising career demands. The was a slow-burn romance: no apps, just authentic connection in bustling Mulund lanes.

Ajinkya and Radhika dated each other for seven steady years. During this time Ajinkya was busy making his career in domestic cricket, while Radhika remained his steady support. And on September 26, 2014, the couple finally took their relationship to the next level by getting married in a traditional Marathi wedding in Mumbai. Their wedding was attended by over 1,500 guests, including cricket stars, as per reports. But the twist? Ajinkya rolled up in T-shirt and jeans! Obviously, Radhika fumed; and he dashed to change into sherwani. “Only Ajinkya,” fans chuckle—pure, unfiltered him.
Their wedding was followed by a lavish reception.

Radhika (née Dhopavkar), with 359K Instagram followers, exudes grace with her effortless style and warm posts of family joys. An interior design graduate, she is Ajinkya Rahane’s anchor in life. “My biggest supporter,” he calls her. Amid his highs (Border-Gavaskar heroics 2020-21, overseas Test average 40+), she grounds him. Meanwhile, fans too like this couple’s groundedness and genuine partnership.

On October 4, 2019, Ajinkya and Radhika became parents for the first time with the arrival of their daughter Aarya. And on October 5, 2022, they welcomed their son Raghav– thus completing their family. As Rahane eyes IPL 2026 comebacks, his family seems to fuel his fire.

Rahane’s game is elegant and unflashy, just like his love life. From sister’s friend to mother-of-two, Radhika is his constant in life. Here’s to many more years of happiness and togetherness for the couple.