Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Hardik Pandya’s visit to the Tirumala temple has become the latest talking point among cricket fans, but it wasn’t just because of his presence. The India all-rounder surprised many by appearing with a clean-shaven head while offering prayers at the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Pandya was accompanied by his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, and the two were seen taking part in the temple’s sacred rituals, including the Suprabhatam Seva. Pictures and videos from their visit quickly spread across social media, with many fans wondering why the cricketer had shaved his head.
Cricketer Hardik Pandya visited the Tirumala temple clean-shaven, a traditional offering, and is nearing a return to India’s white-ball team after completing injury rehabilitation.
The answer lies in a centuries-old tradition followed by millions of devotees at Tirumala. Offering one’s hair to Lord Venkateswara is considered a symbol of devotion, humility and gratitude. It is one of the temple’s most well-known customs, and Pandya appears to have followed the same ritual during his visit.
While his new look grabbed attention online, Pandya’s main focus remains his return to the Indian team after an injury-enforced break. The all-rounder has been sidelined for several weeks after suffering a back and thigh injury, forcing him to miss India’s ODI series against Afghanistan. The injury also kept him out of the white-ball tour of England and the subsequent T20I series against Zimbabwe.
VIDEO | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya offers prayers during the Suprabhata Seva at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/HKdtPmcyC3
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
There is, however, good news for Indian cricket. According to recent reports, Pandya has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. With his recovery progressing well, the star all-rounder is expected to be available for India’s upcoming white-ball assignments, although an official return date is yet to be announced.
Pandya’s comeback will be a significant boost for India, especially with the ODI World Cup 2027 drawing closer. As one of the world’s premier all-rounders, his presence adds balance to the side and gives the team an extra edge with both bat and ball.
Meanwhile, India’s attention shifts to the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Led by Shubman Gill, the visitors will begin the series at the Galle International Stadium on August 15 before moving to Colombo for the second Test from August 23. Although Pandya is not in the Test squad, fans will be hoping to see him back in India’s colours soon as he edges closer to full fitness.
