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Indian cricket stars Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi visited the revered Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Wednesday, November 26, shortly after the conclusion of the IPL 2025 auction. The duo joined other devotees in offering prayers and seeking blessings at the temple, known for its spiritual significance and grandeur.
This devotional visit follows the announcement that both players were retained by their respective IPL franchises ahead of the auction. Axar Patel was retained by Delhi Capitals for a staggering ₹16.5 crore, while Ravi Bishnoi secured his place in the Lucknow Super Giants lineup for ₹11 crore. The faith shown by their franchises underscores their importance to their teams, given their consistent performances in the previous IPL seasons.
A Glimpse into Their Performances
Axar Patel had an impressive IPL 2024 season, contributing with both bat and ball. He amassed 235 runs, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different match situations, and claimed 11 wickets with his precise left-arm spin. His contributions were pivotal for the Delhi Capitals as they sought to strengthen their squad around him for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi, a rising star in Indian cricket, delivered notable performances for the Lucknow Super Giants. The leg-spinner picked up 10 wickets in 14 games, maintaining an economy rate of 8.77. Bishnoi’s skillful variations and ability to perform under pressure have made him an asset for both his IPL team and the national side.
A New Chapter in Indian Cricket
The significance of the duo’s temple visit goes beyond their IPL commitments. Both Axar Patel and Bishnoi have become integral to India’s T20 International setup following their impressive performances in recent tournaments. Axar, in particular, has stepped up to fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja, who retired from T20I cricket after the ICC event in 2024.
The two players were part of India’s squad in the four-match T20I series against South Africa, where the team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, secured a 3-1 victory. Axar claimed five wickets during the series, while Bishnoi took three, contributing to India’s dominance.
Looking ahead, the pair is set to feature in the T20I series against England in January 2025. Both players will aim to carry their form into the series and strengthen their position in the Indian cricket setup.
Seeking Blessings Before New Challenges
The visit to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple reflects a blend of spiritual devotion and the acknowledgment of new challenges on the horizon. Pictures and videos of the visit, shared by the temple’s official Instagram handle, captured the cricketers immersed in prayer and the serene ambiance of the temple.
In Indian culture, such acts of devotion are often seen as a way to find inner strength and focus, especially before significant events or challenges. For Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, the visit serves as a moment of reflection and a gesture of gratitude as they prepare for the rigorous cricketing calendar ahead.
As they continue to shine in both domestic and international cricket, their fans will undoubtedly look forward to their performances in the IPL and beyond. With their talent and dedication, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi are poised to make further significant contributions to Indian cricket.
