Indian cricket team visits Simhachalam Temple ahead of 4th T20I vs NZ
Visakhapatnam, Jan 28
Indian cricket team players visited the historic Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Simhachalam ahead of the fourth match of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which will be played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
In a video shared by the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association on Instagram, team India coach Gautam Gambhir, along with captain Suryakumar Yadav and other players, were seen wearing a saffron shawl wrapped around their necks as they offered prayers at the iconic devotional place.
"Starting on a divine note. A morning filled with gratitude and prayer as we prepare to give our best on the field," the cricket association wrote in the caption of the video.
Indian star players Virat Kohli and Washington Sundar had also offered prayers at Simhachalam in December last year, when the team defeated South Africa in the third ODI match played at Vizag and also won the series 2-1.
Gautam Gambhir, who is heading to his second ICC tournament as a coach, has previously visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and the Kalkaji Temple situated in Guwahati during the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand. Other than Gambhir, Indian players are also visiting temples and taking the blessings of God as they march towards defending the T20 World Cup title.
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is in great form in the ongoing T20I series. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, they have taken a 3-0 lead against the Blackcaps. The last match of the five-match series will be played at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
India's clinical performance in the series is seen as a big boost for the defending champions as they ramp up their preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on February 7. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. They will open their campaign against the USA on February 7.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone new to following cricket in India, I find this blend of intense sport and quiet spirituality fascinating. It seems to bring a sense of balance and perspective to the team.
Simhachalam temple is so beautiful and powerful. Glad our players are visiting. But let's also remember, prayers are important, but it's their hard work on the field that wins matches! The 3-0 lead proves that. 💪
Respectfully, I hope the focus remains on cricket. These temple visits are nice for morale, but sometimes the media coverage makes it seem like a ritual for good luck. The real 'puja' is the practice session!
Gambhir seems to be building a great team culture. Visiting temples across different states shows respect for local traditions. This unity is what we need before the World Cup. All the best, boys!
Feeling so proud! It's not just about cricket, it's about representing Bharat's values. The saffron shawls look perfect. May Lord Narasimha give them strength. Now go for a 5-0 clean sweep! 🔥
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