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In a grand and significant event, the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha program took place in Ayodhya on January 22. This event marked the installation of the idol of Lord Ram in the newly constructed temple, and it attracted numerous dignitaries from across the country. Among those invited were veterans from the world of sports, including renowned cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Ravindra Jadeja, and Venkatesh Prasad, who graced the occasion with their presence. However, the absence of some prominent cricketers, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni, sparked curiosity and led to questions about their non-participation.
Rohit Sharma gearing up for English challenge
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is in Hyderabad with the Indian cricket team. He is preparing for the upcoming Test series against England, which is set to commence on January 25. The team had only a brief window for practice, making his presence in Ayodhya logistically tough.
Virat Kohli's mysterious absence
Kohli had initially raised expectations of his attendance after reportedly taking a day's leave from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). An unconfirmed video even surfaced, purportedly showing him departing for Ayodhya. However, he ultimately did not make it to the event, citing personal reasons for his absence. Furthermore, Kohli's decision to skip the event had a ripple effect on the first two matches of the Test series against England.
MS Dhoni's reclusive nature
Former Indian captain Dhoni was among the first cricketers to receive an invitation for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha program. However, his attendance was highly unlikely due to his well-known reclusive nature. Dhoni resides in Ranchi and is rarely seen at public functions or events. His absence from cricket matches, even during high-profile tournaments such as the 2023 World Cup, is a testament to his preference for privacy.
However, it's worth noting that he made a rare exception recently by attending the semi-final match between India and Germany during the Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi. Despite this, Dhoni remains selective about participating in public events and usually opts for a low-profile lifestyle.
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