Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant batting and cheerful personality, recently added a unique chapter to his post-retirement journey by visiting the spiritual site Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh. What made headlines was not just his meeting with spiritual guru Dhirendra Krishna Shastri – popularly known as Bageshwar Baba – but a casual cricket match that unfolded in the Dham premises, blending faith and sport in the most unexpected yet heartwarming way.
Shikhar Dhawan plays cricket with Baba Bageshwar during his visit to sacred Bageshwar Dham
In a video that has since gone viral, Dhawan is seen playing a short cricket session with Bageshwar Baba. With smiles all around and joyous energy in the air, the cricketing star took strike as the spiritual leader bowled to him. In classic ‘Gabbar’ style, Dhawan calmly stepped out and smashed Bageshwar Baba for a six, drawing cheers from those watching. The crowd surrounding the two erupted in excitement, witnessing a surreal moment that combined India’s love for cricket and spirituality.
The fun didn’t end there. In a second clip shared by Dhawan on Instagram, the roles were reversed – Bageshwar Baba picked up the bat, and Shikhar Dhawan tried his hand at bowling to him. The spiritual leader connected well with the ball, much to everyone’s delight, as Dhawan clapped in good spirit, encouraging his partner in play. The entire session had a light-hearted, festive vibe, showing how cricket can be a beautiful bridge between different worlds.
Here’s the video:
Also READ: Shikhar Dhawan comes up with a hilarious video featuring girlfriend Sophie Shine
Dhawan, who was welcomed at Bageshwar Dham with traditional honors including a saffron turban, expressed deep admiration for Bageshwar Baba. He shared his thoughts on Instagram, calling the meeting “truly inspiring” and praising the spiritual leader’s calm, positive energy and humble demeanor. He even remarked that Baba’s laughter was so infectious, it lifted everyone’s mood instantly.
“It was truly inspiring to meet Shri Dhirendra Shastri Ji. Unka calm and positive nature left a deep impact, aur unki hasi kaafi infectious, aur unka andaaz mast malang hai. Unke sath cricket khelna made it even more memorable! Jai Shree Ram! Jai Bajrang Bali,” Shikhar wrote on Instagram.
This rare crossover between a cricket icon and a spiritual figure has touched hearts across the country. Dhawan’s social media post has already garnered over 750,000 likes, with fans calling it one of the most wholesome and joyful moments involving a cricketer in recent times. Many noted how Dhawan continues to spread happiness and stay grounded, even after stepping away from international cricket. After retiring from international duties in 2024, Dhawan has remained active in the cricketing scene. He recently represented Karnali Yaks in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) and continues to be a popular figure in T20 leagues and media appearances.
Also WATCH: Shikhar Dhawan’s bold announcement makes girlfriend Sophie Shine blush with delight
