Superstition grips India ahead of T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad

Superstitions have long been associated with cricketers, and the Indian team appears to be no exception. Ahead of their T20 World Cup final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad, the India national cricket team has reportedly changed its hotel in the city, hoping for a change in fortune.

According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI), the decision was taken after India’s previous stays at the same hotel coincided with two significant defeats at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The venue has not been particularly lucky for India in recent years. In the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, the hosts suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Australia national cricket team despite entering the match as favourites. More recently, during the Super 8 stage of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India endured their biggest defeat in the tournament’s history by runs when South Africa national cricket team bowled them out for just 111 while chasing 188.

“In Ahmedabad, the BCCI has changed India’s team hotel ahead of the final. While no one will come on record, it is only fair to mention that during the team’s previous couple of stays in the earlier hotel in Ahmedabad, they lost two big matches,” the PTI report noted.

Training delayed due to lunar eclipse

Superstitions also reportedly influenced India’s preparations before the semifinal against England national cricket team. The team delayed its practice session at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by about 45 minutes due to a lunar eclipse, a period during which many in India traditionally avoid beginning important activities.

The strategy appeared to work in India’s favour. In a tense semifinal, India managed to edge past England by seven runs. Defending a total of 253, the Indian bowlers struggled at times, but two crucial overs from Jasprit Bumrah in the final stages helped seal the victory.

Gambhir attends Tendulkar family wedding

Meanwhile, on the day of the semifinal, India head coach Gautam Gambhir briefly stepped away from team duties to attend the wedding celebrations of Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, in Mumbai.

Photos of Gambhir from the event circulated widely on social media. Several cricketers associated with the Mumbai Indians franchise, including Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, were also reported to have attended the celebrations.