The Pran Pratishtha ceremony for Ram Mandir was successfully held in the holy city of Ayodhya on Monday, January 22, sending the entire country into a frenzy. In addition to attending the event, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out the ceremonies to dedicate Lord Rama’s idol in their innermost home. Several prominent figures from the nation witnessed the historic event, which was graced by the attendance of the biggest names in business, sports, and film. But despite the large number of celebrities present at the hallowed occasion, prominent Indian cricket players Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma were not present. Scroll down to read Why Virat, Dhoni, & Rohit Did Not Attend Ram Mandir Ceremony.
Why Virat, Dhoni & Rohit Did Not Attend Ram Mandir Ceremony
The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha program was held at Ayodhya on January 22 on a huge and historic occasion. This celebration, which drew luminaries from all around the nation, commemorated the installation of Lord Ram’s idol in the recently built temple. Sports legends, including cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Ravindra Jadeja, and Venkatesh Prasad, were among those invited. Their presence honored the event. Nonetheless, the non-attendance of a few well-known cricket players, including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, raised questions and aroused intrigue.
Why Rohit Sharma Could Not Attend the Ram Mandir Ceremony?
The Indian captain was unable to attend the Ram Mandir consecration event because he joined the team earlier today, on Monday, January 22.
Along with the Indian cricket squad, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is in Hyderabad. He’s getting ready for the next Test series against England, which starts on January 25. Because of the limited practice window, the squad faced logistical challenges with his presence in Ayodhya.
Why Virat Kohli Could Not Attend the Ram Mandir Ceremony?
Virat Kohli and his Bollywood actress wife, Anushka Sharma, were personally invited to the religious ceremony at his Mumbai home.
Nevertheless, the cricket player from Delhi was unable to attend the function for private reasons as well. When it was first announced that Kohli was taking a day off from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), there were high expectations regarding his attendance. Even a rumored video emerged, supposedly capturing him leaving for Ayodhya. Nevertheless, he eventually was unable to attend the function, citing private concerns. Moreover, Kohli’s choice to miss the occasion had an impact on the first two Test matches in the series against England.
According to a press release from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the star batter has withdrawn from the first two Test matches of the series against England in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
Why Did MS Dhoni Not Visit Ayodhya?
One of the first cricket players to accept an invitation to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha program was a former captain of India, MS Dhoni. But given his well-known introversion, it was exceedingly improbable that he would attend. Dhoni lives in Ranchi and is seldom seen in public places. His desire for seclusion is demonstrated by his refusal to attend cricket matches, especially during major competitions like the 2023 World Cup.
It’s important to note that he recently made a rare exception by going to the Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi, where India and Germany were playing in the semifinals. Despite this, Dhoni continues to choose a low-key lifestyle and is selective about attending public events.
Ravindra Jadeja visited Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony
Additionally, the Indian Cricket Board asked the public and media to respect Kohli and his family’s privacy and give them some space. As a result, the star batter was also absent from the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The sole member of the men’s cricket team to visit Ayodhya with his spouse, Rivaba Jadeja, was all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. In addition to him, former cricket players Venkatesh Prasad, Anil Kumble, and Sachin Tendulkar were present to lend their grace to the occasion.
