Anaya Bangar is India’s first transgender cricketer. She has recently joined the Rise & Fall 2025 reality show. Born in a cricket-loving family, she played club and age-group cricket before her gender transition.
She has experienced harsh regulations for transsexual athletes, harassment, and discrimination. She now uses her story to encourage inclusivity and inspire others.
Who is Anaya Bangar?
Anaya Bangar is India’s first openly transgender cricketer. She was born as Aryan Bangar in a cricket-loving family. She played for Mumbai’s Islam Gymkhana, represented Puducherry in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, and also played club cricket in England.
Her story is about courage, accepting oneself, and overcoming challenges, it is not only about cricket. Because of her gender identity, Anaya has faced harassment, discrimination, and strict rules in sports. But she has used her struggles to inspire others. Today, she openly talks about the challenges transgender players face and works as a strong voice for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
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Anaya Bangar: Net Worth & Salary
Anaya’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹30–35 lakh. Her income comes from multiple sources:
- Playing cricket in India and England
- Modelling and brand work
- Social media presence
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns
Unlike big international cricketers with huge contracts, Anaya focuses on creating awareness about transgender rights while still playing cricket. The money she earns shows her independence and commitment.
Anaya Bangar: Family & Early Life
Anaya’s father is Sanjay Bangar, a former Indian cricketer and coach. He played for India, later coached the national team and IPL sides, and also trained Anaya from her childhood. He has always stood by her side during her transition, promoted her love of cricket, and supported her decisions.
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Her brother, Atharva, has also been supportive. The love and strength of her family have played a big role in shaping both her cricket career and her personal journey.
Anaya Bangar: Career in Cricket
Anaya trained under her father and played competitive cricket in India and abroad. She represented Puducherry in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, scoring 300 runs and taking 19 wickets, with a highest score of 149. She played for Mumbai’s local clubs like Islam Gymkhana. She also played club cricket in England, continuing her cricket career internationally.
Along the way, she trained with well-known players like Sarfaraz Khan and even received batting advice from Virat Kohli. Even though she faced exclusion because of her transgender identity, she never gave up on cricket. She continues to play while also pushing for fair treatment of transgender athletes.
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Anaya Bangar: Transformation Journey
In 2024, Anaya started her Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and later underwent gender-affirming surgery. She shared her journey publicly in July 2024.
The process was not easy. She went through health challenges such as muscle loss and reduced strength, which affected her game. But she worked hard to overcome these problems with determination and training.
The majority of the medical procedures, which cost about ₹80,000 for HRT in India, were paid for by her. The story of Anaya’s story is one of the bravest, acceptance of oneself, and the determination to live a genuine life.
Reality Show: Rise & Fall 2025
Anaya appeared on Rise & Fall, one of India’s most entertaining reality shows after Bigg Boss. The competition tests social skills, mental toughness, and physical strength.
Anaya is considered a strong contender due to her athletic background, courageous nature, and capacity for handling pressure. It is anticipated that she would overcome obstacles, devise ingenious plans, and motivate viewers with her bravery and tenacity.
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Achievements & Awards
- Represented Puducherry in U-19 cricket with 300 runs and 19 wickets
- Played club cricket in Mumbai and county cricket in the UK
- – Trained under Sanjay Bangar and learned batting tips from Virat Kohli
- Advocate for transgender inclusion in sports
- Social media influencer and designer supporting LGBTQ+ rights
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