New Delhi. Ashish Nehra’s name is recorded in the history of Indian cricket as a brave player who never gave up despite 12 major surgeries and countless injuries in his career. His fiery balls on the field have uprooted the stumps of great batsmen of the world, but do you know on which googly ‘Nehra ji’ himself was clean bowled? Ashish Nehra’s love story is no less than a film script. This story starts from the historic Oval ground of England, where love at first sight led to the decision of marriage in just 15 minutes. Let us know about every untold aspect of this interesting story of Nehra and Rushma.
The time was 2002. The Indian team was on a tour of England. The match was going on at the Oval and there was noise from the spectators all around. Amidst this crowd, there was a face which attracted the attention of Ashish Nehra. That face was that of Rushma, who was originally from Gujarat and was in London at that time. For Nehra it was ‘love at first sight’. After the match, both of them met, a conversation started and gradually this friendship turned into love. While Nehra was known for his simplicity and Delhi liveliness, Rushma was an artist and had a deep understanding of cricket.
Love story of cricketer Ashish Nehra.
Seven years of ‘secret’ romance and sudden idea of marriage
The relationship between Nehra and Rushma did not last for a few months. Both of them dated each other for about seven years. During this period, Nehra remained the main bowler of the Indian team, battling injuries and making comebacks, but he kept his personal life completely away from the glare of the media. The decision of marriage was as interesting as their relationship. One evening in March 2009, Ashish was sitting having fun with his friends. Suddenly the thought came to his mind that now the time has come to give a name to this relationship. He made up his mind to propose to Rushma without any fuss.
It took 24 hours for the joke to become reality
When Nehra proposed marriage to Rushma for the first time, Rushma thought that Ashish was joking. He did not take it seriously and laughed it off. But Ashish Nehra was not one to accept defeat (as we have seen on the field as well). The next day he again asked the same question to Rushma. This time there was seriousness in his tone, which surprised Rushma. Rushma realized that Ashish really wanted to spend his life with her. She smiled and said ‘yes’ and from here the ‘superfast’ phase of marriage started. Nehra had told in an interview that the entire wedding plan was made in just 15 minutes and we became husband and wife just 10 days after the proposal.
15 minutes planning and marriage in 10 days
Ashish Nehra is famous for his simplicity, and his marriage is the biggest proof of this. The entire wedding plan was prepared within just 15 minutes. After the proposal was accepted, there was very little time for preparations. On April 2, 2009, both of them exchanged vows in a very private ceremony. It was a simple but very beautiful wedding, completely unlike the ‘big fat Indian weddings’ of today.
Goa’s greenery and family
After retiring from cricket, Ashish Nehra left behind his hectic life. Currently he lives in Goa with his wife Rushma and two children, daughter Ariana and son Aarush. Living a peaceful and close life to nature is the priority of this family. Rushma, who stayed away from social media for a long time, is now active on Instagram and often shares happy family pictures. Nehra is not on any social media platform even today, which reflects her ‘old school’ personality.
Overcoming injuries and a brilliant career
Nehra’s career is a story of ups and downs that inspires. Even after suffering serious injuries and surgeries 12 times in his career, he returned to the field. He took 44 wickets in 12 matches in Tests, while Nehra has 157 wickets in his name in 120 ODIs. Nehra took 34 wickets in 27 T20 Internationals. Today Ashish Nehra is preparing the new generation as the bowling coach of Gujarat Titans. His coaching style is as frank and effective as his bowling.
true love doesn’t make noise
The story of Ashish Nehra and Rushma teaches us that true love does not make noise. This love story that started from the stands of the Oval remains as fresh and simple even today. Be it the cricket field or the journey of life, Nehra has proved that if intentions are strong, both victory and love can be achieved.
