From sport stars to parents

Despite Ishant’s fame, Pratima wasn’t easily impressed. Being an elite athlete herself, she lived in a world of discipline and hard work, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the cricket spotlight. And so, when Ishant sent her a friend request on Facebook, she didn’t accept it for two whole years, as per reports!

But, Ishant’s persistence eventually paid off. He didn’t play the “celebrity card”; instead, he showed up at her tournaments, sat in the stands, and waited for her to notice the man behind the cricketer. This eventually won Pratima’s heart and the duo dated for roughly five years before getting married. They weren’t just lovers; they were friends and sportspersons who understood the grind of training, the pain of injuries, and the pressure of representing India.