Hardik Pandya in brand new bald look [Source: X and Screengrab]Spirituality and Indian cricket have been synonymous ever since the team's first World Cup win. There are often regular glimpses of India's head coach as well as marquee players visiting temples and religious shrines to seek blessings ahead of important tournaments or even bilateral series. Apart from doing so as a team, many players have also sought the path of spirituality and positivity while going through a lean patch in their lives and have bounced back strongly. Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians skipper and India's premier fast-bowling all-rounder, was recently seen sporting a bold new avatar while embracing the path of Hindu dharma and spirituality. Internet Reacts As Hardik Pandya Visits Tirumala Temple With A Shaved HeadHardik is generally known to have a flamboyant personality and is often seen as someone who is more interested in social life than a spiritual one. However, his recent appearance at the Tirumala Temple with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, has sparked massive buzz on the internet. Hardik Pandya was spotted with his girlfriend in a completely new look, having gone bald after shaving off all his hair. Pandya, who is otherwise known for his funky hairstyles in almost every tournament he plays, decided to shave off his head ahead of the visit.Pandya was seen seeking blessings at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, where he offered his hair as part of a religious vow and was seen sporting his new bald look. The pair also took part in the early morning Suprabhat Seva. CREX @Crex_live Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya took blessings at the Tirumala Temple.❤️🛕 Hopefully, we'll see him back in India's ODI squad for the West Indies series. 🇮🇳🤞 #HardikPandya #TeamIndia #INDvsWI Aug 2, 2026, 9:58 AM The internet, however, has celebrated Pandya's new look and his apparent journey towards spirituality and positivity. Pandya, who has had a rough phase in his life over the last few months ever since the Champions Trophy 2025, will be aiming for a massive comeback as the internet praises this new chapter of his life. Also Read- Mumbai Indians Break Silence On IPL Trade Amid Hardik Pandya's CSK Joining RumoursHere's a look at how the internet reacted to Pandya’s new look:Gillfied⁷ @Gill_Iss People trolled Mahieka Sharma when she first appeared with Hardik Pandya but she proved them all wrong. She completely changed Hardik and inspired him to embrace devotion...!! Hardik's redemption arc truly began when he donated his hair at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple🙏❤️ Aug 2, 2026, 11:24 AM "2027 World Cup & IPL comeback loading..." - @NehaRoy1030732R A T N I S H @LoyalSachinFan Beginning of Hardik Pandya's comeback arc, we are in for something special. Aug 2, 2026, 10:44 AM "Hardik Pandya Donates His Hair at Tirumala Temple. The Comeback of the MVP We've All Been Waiting For!" - @cricsam02Sonu @Cricket_live247 Look at Hardik Pandya's happiness after donating his beloved hair at the Tirupati Balaji Temple. ❤️ Hardik Pandya and his girlfriend sought Lord Venkateswara's blessings, symbolizing gratitude and letting go of ego. 🙏 A new chapter of Hardik Pandya's life begins. Aug 2, 2026, 10:10 AM Indian Cricket Ministry @Tejashyyyyyy Hardik Pandya and his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma visited the Tirumala Temple today and sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. Hardik Pandya reportedly donated his hair at Tirumala 🥹❤️ Aug 2, 2026, 9:51 AM Jara @JARA_Memer Hardik Pandya visits 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮 Temple with his girlfriend to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. ❤️🙏 - Their bond is truly heartwarming. 🥺 Aug 2, 2026, 9:22 AM "Hardik Pandya sought divine blessings at Tirumala as Mission Comeback officially begins. The MVP is locked in and ready to take the field" - @CricInformer𝘼¹⁸ @Ajay__vk18 Hardik Pandya to Daridhram After TIRUMALA Darshanam : Aug 2, 2026, 11:19 AM Hardik Pandya Eyes Mega Comeback After Lean PatchHardik Pandya has faced major struggles since March 2025, including a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, mental exhaustion, and physical injuries. After the Champions Trophy in March last year, he led Mumbai Indians to the IPL 2025 playoffs, but their campaign ultimately ended in disappointment. Nevertheless, the pressures of captaincy and leadership saw Pandya finish ninth with Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026 season, which led to heavy criticism from fans on the internet over the team's poor performances. As rumours are currently surfacing, Pandya has also reportedly decided to leave Mumbai Indians and is expected to join Chennai Super Kings for a fresh start. However, Pandya is reportedly demanding the captaincy. Injuries and recovery have also continued to trouble Pandya, as he suffered a quadriceps muscle strain and missed India's ODI matches against Afghanistan as well as England. To recover fully and script a comeback, Hardik Pandya has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has worked hard to earn the green signal from the CoE to return for India's upcoming matches. Hardik, Mahieka Following Kohli-Anushka's Footsteps?Pandya and Mahieka Sharma are seemingly trying to follow in the footsteps of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on their spiritual journey. Virat Kohli was also once regarded as one of the ‘cool boys’, much like Hardik, and has admitted that he did not believe much in God or spirituality. However, after marrying Anushka Sharma, Kohli transitioned from a self-admitted non-believer into a family-oriented individual who embraced self-awareness and spirituality. The couple frequently visit spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan and also follow the teachings associated with Neem Karoli Baba's Kainchi Dham. Since 2017, Anushka has been credited with influencing Kohli's spiritual awakening, much like Mahieka Sharma was recently seen accompanying Hardik Pandya to the Tirumala Temple. Since the birth of their daughter, Vamika, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have become even more focused on family values and spiritual grounding. Even in 2025–26, following Virat's retirement from Test cricket, the couple made a dedicated spiritual trip to Vrindavan to meet Premanand Ji Maharaj. Mahiee Ka Sharma and Hardik now appear to be following a similar path, taking inspiration from one of India's most admired couples. Also Read- How Much Money Will Ajinkya Rahane Receive From BCCI As Pension After Retirement?
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