Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, is set to undergo gender-affirming surgery (vaginoplasty) in Thailand this March. After years of navigating her gender identity and a complex journey of transition, Anaya has secured the full backing of her family. Crucially, her father Sanjay Bangar has committed to covering the entire cost of the procedure, marking a significant turn in their relationship.

Anaya began her hormonal replacement therapy in 2021, a period during which Sanjay was initially concerned that such a step would end her cricketing career. However, those initial reservations have faded, replaced by empathy and support. Anaya shared that the decision follows extensive therapy and personal reflection. Post-surgery, she will remain in Thailand for a month and will be away from the cricket field for at least six months. Anaya hopes her journey will inspire conversations about identity and acceptance within other families of trans individuals.