India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the famous Jagannath Puri Temple on Tuesday morning, just hours before the opening
T20I of the five-match series against South Africa. They were joined by Tilak Varma and several members of the support staff for the spiritual visit ahead of the busy international schedule.
Footage released by local news channel OTV showed Suryakumar accompanied by his wife, Devisha Shetty, while batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was also seen seeking blessings at the Srimandir. Notably, it appeared that the team management had coordinated with local authorities well in advance to avoid any disruption and ensure a smooth darshan. Heavy security arrangements were in place around the temple to manage the gathering and facilitate the players’ movement.
Senior officials, including the Puri district SP and Collector, along with representatives from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), were also present during the visit. The presence of key administrative figures highlighted the significance of the team’s arrival in the region and ensured that all logistical requirements were taken care of.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 drawing closer, India’s focus will gradually shift away from Tests and ODIs to refining their approach in the shortest format. One of the most important figures in India’s campaign will undoubtedly be Suryakumar, who has been exceptional in T20Is, amassing 2,754 runs in 89 innings at a strike rate of 164.41, including four centuries.
However, 2025 has been a challenging year for the 35-year-old. He has gone 21 matches without a fifty, having batted 18 times during that period. His last half-century came against Bangladesh in October 2024, when he struck an impressive 75 off 35 balls. Since then, his best performance has been an unbeaten 47 off 37 deliveries against Pakistan during the Asia Cup.
With only 10 T20Is remaining before the mega event on home soil, Suryakumar will be determined to rediscover his best form and lead from the front. A strong showing would not only boost his confidence but also provide a psychological lift to the entire dressing room. The first T20I is set to happen in Cuttack, with a full-strength South African side, including David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Donovan Ferreira, ready for action.
