Bhubaneswar, 9 December (H.S.): Ahead of the upcoming T20 match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, members of the Indian cricket team visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Tuesday to seek divine blessings.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and cricketer Tilak Varma—reached the pilgrim town early in the morning. Suryakumar Yadav was accompanied by his wife during the visit.

The players were escorted to the temple under stringent security arrangements put in place by the Puri district administration. Police personnel were deployed across the temple premises to ensure smooth movement, while the Puri SP and Collector personally oversaw the arrangements.

Visits to the revered shrine have become a tradition for Team India whenever a match is scheduled at Barabati Stadium, with players often seeking the blessings of the Bhagwan Jagannath before major fixtures.

Large crowds gathered outside the temple to catch a glimpse of the team, adding to the excitement in the area. All morning rituals at the temple were completed before the players were allowed entry. Under heavy security, the cricketers were permitted to proceed up to the Bhitara Katha for darshan.

Senior officials of the Odisha Cricket Association, representatives from the BCCI, and members of the local administration accompanied the squad during the visit. Upon entering the premises, captain Suryakumar Yadav greeted devotees with chants of “Jai Jagannath” before moving towards the sanctum for prayers.

The visit began with offerings at Patitapabana, after which the players proceeded further inside for darshan of the Sibling Deities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda