Hardik Pandya offers prayers at Gujarat's Somanth Mandir; video surfaces

Mumbai Indians' new skipper and Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya offered prayers to Lord Shiva at Gujarat's Somnath Temple during the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League, a video shared by ANI showed on Friday.

In the video, Pandya is seen doing 'Abhishek' while the priests chant mantras. He also offers, honey, milk, curd and belpatra (Aegle marmelos) to Lord Shiva and performs aarti.

He is seen donning a light blue Kurta. Watch video here.



After returning to Mumbai Indians as skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma, Hardik faced criticism from fans and ex-players. MI's shaky start this season, losing to Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, added to his challenges.

Questions on the captaincy change were raised during the pre-season press conference, leading to backlash on social media as Hardik evaded direct responses.

The shift from Rohit Sharma to Hardik as captain stirred controversy, with the team's initial defeats intensifying scrutiny on the decision.

Despite the pressure, Hardik's leadership will be closely watched as Mumbai Indians aim to bounce back in the IPL as they face Delhi Capials on April 7.