Hardik Pandya's New Look Goes Viral As He Offers Prayers At Tirumala With Mahieka Sharma

Tirumala: Cricketer Hardik Pandya and his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday. The couple took part in the early morning Suprabhatam Seva and sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. Photos and videos of their temple visit have since gone viral on social media.

Did Hardik shave his head?

The cricketer, during his temple visit for darshan of Venkateshwara, was wearing a white kurta and dhoti, but what grabbed everyone's attention about him was his shaved head, which might have been done as a tradition for fulfilling some religious offering.

Whereas Mahieka was wearing a white printed salwar suit. Throughout the entire visit, both maintained their devotion and performed the worship according to the traditions. 

For the temple visit, Hardik wore traditional Indian clothing, a kurta and dhoti, while Mahieka wore a white printed salwar suit. 

Has Hardik taken a break due to an injury?

The Indian all-rounder is currently on a break due to his injury. His fans see his visit to Tirupati Balaji as a start before a new phase and upcoming cricket matches.

Hardik Pandya has been on a break since IPL 2026 due to back stiffness and a subsequent thigh muscle injury. According to media reports, Hardik is fully fit and ready to return to Team India. He has also completed the return-to-play protocol at the BCCI's Center of Excellence, which is mandatory for any injured player. He is likely to return in the next white-ball series.