NEW DELHI: Indian cricketers Washington Sundar and Tilak Verma visited the Simhachalam Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam ahead of the highly anticipated T20I series opener against Australia. The duo sought blessings and participated in a special ritual at the temple on Thursday, adding a touch of serenity to their preparations for the upcoming series.
The Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, are set to face Australia in the T20 format after a closely contested ODI World Cup final last Sunday. As the team gears up for the T20 series, the visit to the temple reflects a blend of spirituality and sportsmanship.
Suryakumar Yadav, sharing his thoughts ahead of the series, emphasised the significance of being selfless on the field and prioritising team goals over personal milestones. With an eye on the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Yadav encouraged his teammates to play fearlessly and contribute to the team's success.
"I told them to keep the team's interests first and then whatever comes after that, they can take their call. My message to them was very clear: just be fearless and do whatever it takes to help the team," stated Suryakumar Yadav.
1/10:India vs Australia T20Is - Trivia and stats
AP
2/10:H2H: India lead 15-10
<p>India enjoy a winning % of 60.00 as against 40.00 by Australia, winning fifteen and losing ten out of 26 played (NR 1).</p>AFP
3/10:India's lowest T20I total
<p>India got dismissed for 74 off 17.3 overs at Melbourne on February 1, 2008 - the lowest total on either side in T20Is involving India and Australia. India's total of 74 remains their lowest against any opponent in T20Is.<br /></p>TNN
4/10:Virat Kohli's record vs Australia
<p>Virat Kohli has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93, including eight fifties, in 21 innings at a strike rate of 143.84 - the most by any batsman against Australia in T20Is.</p>AFP
5/10:Aaron Finch vs India
<p>Aaron Finch has totalled 500 runs at an average of 27.77, including two fifties, in 18 innings - the most by an Australian batsman against India in T20Is.</p>Agencies
6/10:Jasprit Bumrah's record vs Australia
<p>Jaspreet Bumrah, with 16 wickets at 23.43 runs apiece in thirteen matches, is the top wicket-taker on either side in India-Australia T20Is.</p>Getty Images
7/10:Adam Zampa vs India
<p>Adam Zampa, with 12 wickets at 24.83 runs apiece in fourteen matches, is the top wicket-taker for Australia vs India.</p>Getty Images
8/10:MS Dhoni's record vs Australia
<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni has affected 15 dismissals (10 catches plus five stumpings) in 17 innings - the most by a wicketkeeper against Australia.<br /></p>TNN
9/10:Virat Kohli
<p>Virat Kohli has taken 10 catches in 22 matches - a record by a fielder in T20Is involving India and Australia.</p>PTI
10/10:Maxwell's 28 sixes vs India
<p>Maxwell's tally of sixes (28 in eighteen innings) is a record in T20Is involving India and Australia. Kohli's tally of 26 sixes in 21 innings remains an Indian record vs Australia. </p>Getty ImagesThe series against Australia also marks the return of Axar Patel to the squad, providing a boost to the Indian team. Patel, who missed the World Cup due to injury, is set to make his comeback after recovering from the setback.
(With inputs from ANI)
