Tirupati. Indian cricket team’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya visited the world-famous Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Tirupati Balaji) temple in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, where he performed rituals. During the ceremony, Hardik was seen with a shaved head, photos and videos of which are rapidly going viral on social media.
Hardik was accompanied by his alleged girlfriend Mahika Sharma during the temple visit. Both were seen in traditional white attire, offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara. Their religious journey has become a topic of discussion among cricket fans.
Why do devotees get their heads shaved in Tirupati?
The Tirumala temple has a centuries-old tradition of tonsuring their hair. Devotees donate their hair to fulfill a wish or to receive Lord Venkateswara’s blessings. Millions of devotees shave their heads here every year. The temple administration auctions these hair, and the proceeds are used to run the temple and support various social and religious activities.
Hardik Pandya has been out of action since IPL 2026.
Hardik Pandya has been out of action for several months due to injury. After IPL 2026, he suffered a back strain and then a thigh injury, which has repeatedly delayed his return to the field.
He captained Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, but the team failed to make it to the playoffs.
Due to injury,
Hardik missed the limited-overs series against Afghanistan, the ODI and T20 series of the England tour, and the white-ball series against Zimbabwe. It is believed that after performing puja in Tirupati, he will now focus on his fitness and prepare for a return to the cricket field soon.
Rumors of Hardik Pandya leaving Mumbai Indians are swirling –
Meanwhile, speculation about Hardik Pandya leaving Mumbai Indians continues to surface. However, there has been no official statement from either the franchise or the player.
Hardik was a part of the Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2021. He then captained the Gujarat Titans and returned to the Mumbai Indians in 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. Over the past few seasons, there has been constant debate about the team’s performance and captaincy, leading to speculation about his future.