Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was recently spotted at the iconic Tirumala temple with his wife, capturing a spiritual moment away from the cricket field. The couple stood side by side in traditional attire, hands folded in prayer, smiling against the backdrop of the temple’s illuminated gopuram. Dhawan who is known for his aggressive opening batting and cheerful personality was dressed in a cream kurta with a yellow-bordered shawl, while his wife wore an elegant white and blue embroidered salwar suit. The pictures went viral quickly on social media.
Tirumala is one of the most sacred Vaishnavite shrines dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and millions of people visit it every year. Dhawan’s presence there showed how spirituality remains an important part of life for several Indian sports personalities, offering grounding amid the intensity of professional cricket. The simple act of standing together in namaste captured both devotion and companionship in one frame stole the spotlight.
Shikhar Dhawan’s India career and Retirement
Shikhar Dhawan enjoyed a memorable international career for India that went from 2010 to 2022. The left-handed opener made his ODI debut against Australia and went on to play 167 ODIs, scoring 6,793 runs at an impressive average of over 44. He also featured in 34 Tests, where he amassed 2,315 runs including a sensational debut century against Australia in just 85 balls, and 68 T20Is with 1,759 runs.
The left-hander has put up some of his outstanding performances in major tournaments, topping the run charts for India in the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophies as well as the 2015 World Cup. His aggressive yet consistent style at the top of the order made him a fan favourite for more than a decade. He last represented India in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022. On 24 August 2024, Dhawan announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket.
