Indian Team captain Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir visit Puri Srimandir ahead of Barabati T20 against SA

Team India players visited Puri on Tuesday to offer prayers at the Sri Jagannath Temple ahead of their upcoming match. Four members of the Indian squad travelled to the pilgrim town in the morning, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who arrived to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath before the fixture.

According to reports, Suryakumar Yadav was accompanied by his wife during the visit.

Heavy Security Deployed in Puri

The cricketers were escorted to the temple under tight security arrangements made by the Puri district administration. Police personnel were stationed in and around the temple premises to ensure smooth movement, while the Puri SP and the Puri Collector were also present during the visit.

This is not the first time that members of the Indian cricket team have offered prayers at the shrine. Players routinely visit the Srimandir whenever a match is scheduled at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, seeking the blessings of the Sibling Deities ahead of major fixtures.

Large crowds gathered outside the temple to catch a glimpse of the players, with their arrival generating considerable excitement in the area. All morning rituals of the Sibling Deities were completed before the team entered the temple. Heavy security was deployed as the cricketers were permitted to proceed up to the Bhitara Katha for darshan.

OCA, BCCI Officials Accompany Team India

Senior officials from the Odisha Cricket Association, staff from the BCCI and members of the local administration accompanied the players during the visit. Upon entering the temple premises, captain Suryakumar Yadav chanted “Jai Jagannath” as he proceeded inside along with his wife, head coach Gautam Gambhir and cricketer Tilak Varma.

The team first offered prayers at Patitapabana before moving further into the sanctum area for darshan.