After ODI World Cup snub, Shikhar Dhawan visits Mahakaleshwar Temple on Akshay Kumar’s birthday

Akshay Kumar just turned 56 years old on 9th September.

After ODI World Cup snub, Shikhar Dhawan visits Mahakaleshwar Temple on Akshay Kumar’s birthday

Shikhar Dhawan and Akshay Kumar (Images via X)

Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Indian actor Akshay Kumar had visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Both of them had performed Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal in the early morning of 9th September.

Both arrived at Indore Airport and travelled directly to the temple with their families. Akshay Kumar turned 56 years old on 9th September, and had attended the temple with his sister, son and nephew. 

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After the Aarti, both interacted with the media. When asked if he prayed for his selection in the Indian Team, Dhawan replied that it was a small wish as India was bound to win. He was happy he had attended the temple and took the blessings of God. Akshay Kumar said he had prayed for the country to progress. 

Related: “Feel for them”- Fans unhappy after veterans Shikhar Dhawan, R Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were not selected for 2023 ODI World Cup

Shikhar Dhawan will miss his first ICC ODI tournament in 10 years

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Dhawan in action for India (Image via ESPN)

Dhawan was a regular of the Indian squad from 2013 to 2021. After a dip in performances after the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dhawan lost his spot to young prodigy, Shubman Gill. He was also dropped from the T20I team in 2019 to KL Rahul. 

Many fans were unhappy that Gabbar would not be a part of the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but Dhawan on the other hand had congratulated and wished the team luck as they would compete for the coveted ICC World Cup Trophy. 


Dhawan has not played for the Indian team since December, 2022. After Gill started opening in ODIs, Dhawan has only played in the 2023 IPL. He currently captains the Punjab Kings in the IPL. He last played for the Delhi Cricket Team in 2019 in a Ranji Trophy Match. In that match, they scored 140 runs in his first innings and 21 in the 2nd. Dhawan currently would be targeting a return to the Indian team.

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