Tirumala: Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya surprised fans on Sunday when he visited the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. The dynamic all rounder was seen sporting a completely bald look after offering his hair as a mark of devotion. He was accompanied by his rumoured girlfriend, model Mahieka Sharma, and the pair participated in the early morning Suprabhatham Seva to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
Pandya, dressed in traditional white kurta pyjama with a prominent tilak on his forehead, grabbed immediate attention due to his striking new appearance. Tonsuring the head, or offering hair, is a deeply personal and voluntary act of faith and gratitude practiced by millions of devotees at the Tirumala shrine. Mahieka Sharma was also seen dressed in elegant traditional white attire as the couple offered their prayers together, maintaining a low profile amidst tight security.
Visuals of the cricketer and the fashion model navigating the temple complex quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans reacted strongly to Pandya’s dramatic transformation. While many praised his spiritual dedication, others speculated about the timing of the visit, noting it coincides with ongoing rumours regarding a potential IPL trade from the Mumbai Indians to the Chennai Super Kings. Neither Pandya nor Sharma have publicly commented on their relationship status or the trade speculations.
The 32 year old all rounder has been away from competitive cricket recently as he recovers from back and thigh muscle injuries sustained after the IPL 2026 season. Reports indicate that he has completed his rehabilitation and the return to play protocol at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Many view this spiritual visit as a precursor to his much anticipated comeback to the national squad for the upcoming white ball series. Fans are eager to see the seasoned player back in action as he prepares for future international tournaments.