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Kohli, Kuldeep Seek Blessings at Mahakaleshwar Temple Ahead of Decider

Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav visited the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to seek blessings and attend the Bhasma Aarti. The visit comes ahead of the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand in Indore. Other team members, including coach Gautam Gambhir and KL Rahul, had also offered prayers at the temple earlier. Kohli recently regained the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings and became India's highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs.

Key Points: Kohli, Kuldeep Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple, Attend Bhasma Aarti

  • Cricketers seek blessings before series decider
  • Team members attended early morning Bhasma Aarti
  • Kohli recently topped ICC ODI rankings
  • India faces New Zealand in 3rd ODI on Sunday
2 min read

Kohli, Kuldeep visit Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, attend Bhasma Aarti

Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav visited Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple, attended Bhasma Aarti, ahead of the ODI series decider against New Zealand.

"It was a very good experience... It always feels good to have darshan of Lord Mahakaal. - Kuldeep Yadav"

Ujjain, Jan 17

Former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli, along with spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fielding coach T Dilip, visited the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Saturday to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and also attended the Bhasma Aarti on Saturday.

The two cricketers also attended Bhasma Aarti. Kohli was also felicitated by the Mahakaleshwar Temple management committee.

"It was a very good experience, and the entire team came here. It always feels good to have darshan of Lord Mahakaal. By His grace, everything is going well, and I hope that God continues to shower his blessings on everyone and that everyone's life goes well. It was a very good experience today," Kuldeep told IANS.

On Friday, head coach Gautam Gambhir and wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul also offered prayers at one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Gambhir, Rahul and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also attended the 4:00 AM Bhasma Aarti.

Team India is set to play in the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, after the visitors levelled the three-match series by preventing India from taking an unassailable lead in the second ODI at Rajkot.

After clinching a thrilling four-wicket win in the series opener at Vadodara, India entered the second ODI with momentum but suffered a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat against Michael Bracewell's New Zealand.

Earlier this week, Virat Kohli regained the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, overtaking former India captain Rohit Sharma. However, his first appearance after reclaiming the number-one ranking resulted in a modest 23 off 29 balls. Despite that, Kohli etched his name in the record books by becoming India's highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI history.

Across 35 ODIs against the Kiwis, Kohli has amassed 1,773 runs at an impressive average of 55.4, including six centuries and 10 half-centuries, with a highest score of 154. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 1,750 runs in 42 matches at an average of 46.05, with five hundreds and eight fifties.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see our players grounded in culture. The Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM is a powerful experience. Hope this spiritual boost translates into a winning performance on the field. All the best, boys!
A
Aman W
While I respect their faith, I hope the team management is also focusing enough on the tactical review of the last match. The batting order looked shaky. Prayers are good, but solid game plans are essential.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting India, it's fascinating to see how seamlessly sports and spirituality mix here. The dedication to attend a 4 AM ritual before a crucial game speaks volumes about the team's mindset. Best of luck!
V
Vikram M
King Kohli back at No. 1 and now seeking blessings at a Jyotirlinga! The man is in form in every way. That record against New Zealand is phenomenal. Hope he plays a match-winning knock tomorrow. 🔥
N
Nisha Z
Feeling proud. Our cricketers are icons who also respect our ancient traditions. Visiting Mahakaleshwar is no small thing. Jai Mahakal! Bring the trophy home, Team India.

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