The Enigmatic Saga of Shubman Gill and Sara Tendulkar: Internet’s Most Confusing Couple

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of celebrity relationships, few stories have captured the imagination and curiosity of the Indian internet quite like that of cricketer Shubman Gill and Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. What started as subtle social media interactions has, over the years, snowballed into a complex web of rumors, speculations, and public scrutiny, making them arguably the most confusing couple on the internet. But beyond the memes and headlines, what does this saga reveal about celebrity culture, online toxicity, and the blurred lines between public and private lives?

The Early Days: Subtle Hints and Growing Curiosity

The story begins in 2018, a pivotal year for both Shubman and Sara. Shubman Gill had just emerged victorious with India’s Under-19 World Cup team, his cricket career on a promising upward trajectory. Sara Tendulkar, meanwhile, had completed her studies in London and, at that time, was yet to make any forays into Bollywood or brand endorsements as she does today. Despite her low profile, the Tendulkar surname kept her in the public eye.

It was around this time that eagle-eyed netizens began to notice something unusual: Shubman and Sara started following each other on Instagram. Their interactions were subtle—liking stories, posting oddly similar captions—but hard to ignore for those paying close attention. Though their relationship was never public, it was not entirely private either, especially as both were just starting out in their respective careers.

Shubman, still finding his place in the Indian cricket team, was known for his discipline and close family ties, often seen with his family at stadiums. Sara, on the other hand, mostly stayed away from the limelight, except for the constant speculation about her potential Bollywood debut—a fate common to many “nepo kids” at the time.

From Rumors to Headlines: The Relationship Timeline

As 2019 rolled in, the online chemistry between Sara and Shubman became more evident through their social media activity. Occasional blurry party photos surfaced, and screenshots of Sara wishing Shubman a happy birthday in comments fueled further speculation. For those following closely, it was clear that something was brewing between the two.

By 2020, their bond reportedly grew more serious. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic limiting public appearances, media portals claimed that the two had officially started dating. However, by 2021, things began to change. Sara almost completely stopped engaging with anything related to cricket, and Shubman unfollowed Sara—not just her, but even her close friends—from his social media. Netizens interpreted this as a sign of an official breakup.

This period marked a turning point in both their careers. Shubman began performing consistently for India, especially in Test matches, and was quickly being hailed as the future of Indian cricket. His image as a grounded, respectful family man only solidified as he was frequently seen with his father and sister at matches. Sara, meanwhile, leaned further into the influencer space, collaborating with brands, appearing in paparazzi shots, and being spotted at Mumbai’s cafes and events.

On-Again, Off-Again: The Confusing Social Media Dance

2022 brought another twist to their story. In January, they followed each other again on Instagram, only to unfollow by June. During this time, rumors swirled about Sara dating Sidharth Kerkar, while Shubman was linked to other women, including actress Sara Ali Khan. When asked about his relationship with Sara Ali Khan on Sonam Bajwa’s chat show, Shubman gave a cryptic “maybe, maybe not,” refusing to confirm or deny anything. This only fueled the confusion, making it clear that he too enjoyed the attention their rumored relationship brought.

Meanwhile, family members seemed to stoke the flames quietly. Shubman’s sister would often like reels related to Sara, keeping fans guessing. In 2023, Shubman posted a photo from a London coffee shop on Valentine’s Day—an image strikingly similar to one Sara had posted years earlier. Though the dates didn’t match, and reports suggested Sara was dating Sidharth at the time, fans lost no time in speculating that the two were together again.

Public Sightings and Viral Moments

The World Cup season brought yet another twist. Sara was spotted in the stands, clapping as Shubman batted, leading netizens to believe that she was showing support for him. However, in early 2024, Shubman finally addressed the rumors in an interview with a Hollywood reporter, stating that he had been single for the past three years and dismissing all dating rumors as ridiculous. For many, this was the final nail in the coffin of the Shubman-Sara relationship—at least for those who believed in logic.

But the story didn’t end there. In July 2025, both were back in the news after being seen at Yuvraj Singh’s “YouWeCan” charity event in London, attended by cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. Tweets and viral clips from the event showed Shubman and Sara in the same frame, reigniting curiosity and speculation. Some comments, unfortunately, took a misogynistic turn, accusing Sara of chasing after successful men or seeking validation through her rumored relationships.

Misogyny and Double Standards in Public Discourse

Such comments raise important questions about the way women, especially those from privileged backgrounds, are perceived in public discourse. Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of one of India’s greatest sportsmen, comes from a world-class background and has access to virtually everything she could wish for. The notion that she needs to “chase” anyone for money or validation is not just unfounded but deeply misogynistic.

Moreover, if Sara is accused of being an “attention seeker,” shouldn’t the same be said for Shubman, who never clarified the rumors and even enjoyed the attention? On talk shows and social media, Shubman’s ambiguous responses only added fuel to the fire, suggesting that he, too, relished the limelight brought by the speculation around their relationship.

The Role of Families and Friends

Interestingly, both families seemed to have played a role in keeping the rumors alive. Subtle endorsements, like Shubman’s sister engaging with Sara-related content, kept fans invested in the story. Even teammates like Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli were seen teasing Shubman about Sara during matches, further blurring the lines between private relationships and public entertainment.

What Does It All Mean?

The current status of Shubman and Sara’s relationship remains unclear. Their pattern of following and unfollowing each other every few months is, at the very least, confusing and, at worst, indicative of a toxic dynamic. The timeline of their rumored relationship is messy, filled with mixed signals and public ambiguity.

What is clear, however, is that the fascination with their story says as much about us as it does about them. In a world where personal lives are constantly under the microscope, the line between genuine curiosity and unhealthy obsession is easily crossed. The double standards and misogyny faced by women like Sara, contrasted with the playful indulgence granted to men like Shubman, reflect deeper societal biases that need addressing.

Conclusion: A Story of Modern Celebrity Culture

The Shubman Gill and Sara Tendulkar saga is a case study in modern celebrity culture—where every post, like, and public appearance is dissected for meaning. Whether they were ever truly together, or simply victims of relentless speculation, is beside the point. Their story is a reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media, the toxicity of public scrutiny, and the need for empathy in how we discuss the lives of those in the spotlight.

As the dust settles on their rumored romance, one thing remains certain: the internet will always find its next “most confusing couple.” Until then, perhaps it’s time we let Shubman and Sara live their lives—on their own terms.

What do you think about the public’s obsession with celebrity relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments below.