Gautam Gambhir Seeks Blessings at Kamakhya Temple Before Crucial T20I in Guwahati
In a spiritual prelude to an important cricket encounter, Indian Men's Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir visited the historic Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on Sunday. This visit comes just ahead of the third T20 International match between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in the same city.
A Spiritual Ritual for Sporting Success
Gambhir, known for his intense focus and strategic mindset, offered prayers at the renowned temple, seeking divine blessings for the team's performance. This is not the first time the coach has engaged in such spiritual practices before a match. Notably, he also visited Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple on January 16, ahead of the India vs New Zealand ODI series decider in Indore. That match, however, ended in a loss for India against the visitors.
India's Commanding Lead in the T20I Series
The Indian team, currently led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, is in a strong position in the ongoing five-match T20I series, holding a 2-0 lead. The team will aim to clinch the series with a victory in the third match on Sunday. The Men in Blue's confidence is sky-high following their spectacular performance in the second T20I.
Recap of India's Dominant Victory in the Second T20I
In the previous match, India showcased a breathtaking display of batting prowess. Chasing a challenging target of 209 runs set by New Zealand, the hosts made a mockery of the total, achieving victory in just 15.2 overs. The run chase was spearheaded by explosive innings from key players.
New Zealand's Innings Highlights:
- Captain Mitchell Santner played a crucial unbeaten knock of 47 runs off 27 deliveries, featuring six fours and one six.
- Left-handed batter Rachin Ravindra contributed a brisk 44 off 26 balls, including two fours and four sixes.
- Their efforts helped New Zealand post a competitive score of 208/6 in the first innings.
- For India, the wicket-takers included Hardik Pandya (1/25), Harshit Rana (1/35), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/35), Shivam Dube (1/7), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/35).
India's Batting Masterclass:
- Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering 21-ball half-century, scoring 76 runs off just 32 balls with 11 fours and four sixes.
- Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 37 deliveries, hitting nine fours and four massive sixes.
- Shivam Dube provided a fantastic cameo, scoring an unbeaten 36 off 18 balls with four boundaries.
- India's Powerplay score of 75/2 was the second-highest against New Zealand, only behind the 76/1 recorded in Johannesburg during the ICC T20 World Cup 2007.
Looking Ahead to the Guwahati Clash
With the series on the line, all eyes are now on the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Indian team, buoyed by their recent dominant win and Gambhir's spiritual preparations, will be eager to secure the series victory. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be fighting to keep the series alive with a strong performance in this crucial match.
