South Africa cricket team spinner Keshav Maharaj, who will practice with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, fulfilled his dream of visiting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Ahead of the side’s opening match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, Maharaj visited the Ram Mandir and his post on social media platform Instagram has gone viral. Maharaj posted a picture of himself inside the Ram Mandir on Instagram along with the caption – “Jai Shree Raam. Blessings to everyone”.
The cricketer caught everyone’s attention after the DJ at the Newlands Stadium in South Africa played the song, “Ram Siya Ram”, when he came to bat against India during the second Test.
Earlier, upon reaching the team hotel in Lucknow, Maharaj received a welcome in a very unique style.
In the video shared by LSG on their social media, Maharaj was seen getting out of the car and famous song, “Ram Siya Ram”, was being played in the background. The hotel staff then put Tilak on the Proteas spinner’s forehead and gave him a warm welcome.
Earlier, Maharaj had also expressed his desire to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
“Unfortunately, the schedule didn’t allow me to visit during the inauguration of the temple. But in the future, I would definitely love to go and see the temple in Ayodhya,” Maharaj had said on SportsTak.
“Fingers crossed. Hopefully in the near future. Maybe the Lucknow franchise..(pause)..my family always wanted to go on pilgrimage to India,” he added.
Maharaj is not a part of LSG’s official squad but will be training alongside them in the nets.
“While Keshav Maharaj, who’s also a Super Giant in the SA20, will train alongside the squad during the season, he will not be part of our official squad. However, his presence during the entire season is bound to inject positive energy into the group,” stated LSG in an official release.
(With PTI inputs)
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