Team India players at Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple. (video capture)
Hours before going into the high-pressure T20 World Cup semi-final against England, members of the Indian team sought divine intervention at the famous Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati temple in Mumbai on Wednesday.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!In a video that went viral on social media, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma were seen offering prayers and taking darshan at the revered temple, a day before India’s knockout clash at the Wankhede Stadium.He watches:
The spiritual visit comes at a crucial stage for India, which has not yet qualified for the semi-finals. The favorites at the start of the tournament, they struggled to produce flawless performances against stronger opponents.
However, the team showed resilience after the heavy defeat to South Africa in the opening match of the Super 8 tournament.The reintroduction of Sanju Samson proved to be a masterstroke. More than a decade after his India debut, the 31-year-old made a career-record unbeaten 97 in a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies, igniting India’s campaign. His confidence will be key, especially for his opening partner Abhishek Sharma, who is still searching for his best despite the 50th Super 8 match against Zimbabwe.
India reach the final session before the T20 World Cup final
England, which has achieved five consecutive victories, will pose a difficult test. Jofra Archer’s pace, Willjack’s movement in the powerplay and Adil Rashid’s skill in the middle can challenge India’s top order. Harry Brook and Sam Curran have played pivotal roles for England, while questions remain about Jos Buttler’s form ahead of the big clash.India’s core group, including Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, spent long hours training earlier this week. And with twins Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy expected to play a key role on what could be a difficult surface, execution will be crucial.