India is still celebrating its historic triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final to lift the trophy, triggering massive celebrations across the country but amid the euphoria, India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again landed in the middle of a social media storm.
A viral video featuring Pandya and his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma performing a religious ritual at home has sparked fresh debate online, with fans sharply divided over the visuals.
Hanuman Chalisa Pooja Video Sparks Online Discussion
The clip circulating on social media shows Pandya and Sharma chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during a pooja ceremony at their residence.
A priest is seen sitting on the floor conducting the ritual while the couple sits on a sofa nearby, holding their pet dog. After the ceremony concludes, the two are seen posing together for photographs. Soon after the video surfaced, it triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms.
One user who shared the clip wrote that the couple had performed a Hanuman ji pooja at home, but also questioned whether the arrangement was appropriate. The post pointed out that Pandya and Sharma were seated at a higher level than the priest and wondered if a girlfriend could traditionally accompany a man during a yajna. According to the user, such rituals are typically performed by a married couple.
Social Media Divided Over Ritual Practices
The video quickly turned into a talking point online. Some users criticised the seating arrangement and questioned whether the ritual followed traditional customs. One comment sarcastically remarked that an international athlete should at least have the fitness to sit on the floor during a religious ceremony.
Another user offered a more balanced take. They said performing pooja together isn’t necessarily wrong but added that certain rituals are traditionally done by married couples because they symbolise shared karma and spiritual responsibility.
However, the same user also pointed out that Hindu traditions often allow room for personal interpretation.
Hardik Pandya and his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma performed Hanuman Ji puja at home.
— Chota Don (@choga_don) March 11, 2026
>They are sitting on chairs, positioned at a higher level than the pandit.
>Is a girlfriend allowed to accompany a man during yagya as per Hindu culture?
Traditionally, only a (Dampati) married… pic.twitter.com/ujdPaCJdAH
Another comment noted that priests usually recite the couple’s gotra during such ceremonies, something generally associated with married pairs. Still, plenty of people defended the couple. Several users argued that devotion is a personal matter and shouldn’t be policed by strangers on the internet.
For you people, she already posted it on her broadcast channel 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/QyjQoj4RVH
— ルシェンドラナート🥋🥶🗿 (@TimeGOD_3) March 11, 2026
Earlier National Flag Controversy
This isn’t the first time Pandya has faced scrutiny during the celebrations. Soon after India’s World Cup victory, the cricketer was seen wrapped in the Indian tricolour during post-match celebrations.
In viral visuals, Pandya rolled on the ground with the flag and was also seen kissing Sharma during the celebrations. Following those clips, advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar reportedly filed a complaint alleging disrespect toward the national flag.
This is Advocate Wajid Khan.
— Saffron Chargers (@SaffronChargers) March 12, 2026
He has filed an FIR against Hardik Pandya, claiming that after winning the World Cup he insulted the national flag by lying down with it wrapped around his back.
If, in Wajid Khan’s view, this is an insult to the national flag and if he is genuinely… pic.twitter.com/KDL8GSPXxI
The complaint referred to provisions under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which governs how national symbols should be handled. However, many fans strongly defended Pandya. Supporters argued the moment was simply an emotional celebration after India’s World Cup triumph and not an intentional act of disrespect.
Celebration, Faith and Public Scrutiny
For now, the debate continues online. What started as a personal religious moment has turned into another social media flashpoint involving one of India’s most high-profile cricketers.
For Pandya, the last few days have been a mix of glory and controversy. On one hand, he’s part of the squad that brought home another global title for India. On the other, nearly every moment of celebration or personal life seems to be playing out under the microscope of the internet.
