Gautam Gambhir Seeks Divine Blessings Ahead of T20 World Cup: Will India Make History?

As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aims to defend their title starting Saturday against the USA at Wankhede Stadium. With a strong track record and recent victories, India is poised to make history by becoming the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups. Can they achieve this remarkable feat? Read on to find out more about their preparations and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 5, 2026, 15:59 IST

Gautam Gambhir's Temple Visit Before T20 World Cup

Mumbai: Ahead of India's T20 World Cup campaign, head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple on Thursday to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. He was joined by batting coach Sitanshu Hargovindbhai Kotak.

The Indian team, known as the Men in Blue, will kick off their title defense on Saturday against the USA at the renowned Wankhede Stadium.

Previously, Gambhir had visited the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati before the third T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand, where he offered prayers. Following the third match, he and the players visited the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, ahead of the fourth T20I.

As defending champions, India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, are considered strong contenders for the title this year. A victory would mark them as the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups. Interestingly, no host nation has ever claimed the T20 World Cup trophy, presenting India with a unique chance to make history.

India's T20 squad showcases remarkable depth and talent, significantly improving from the unbeaten team that played in the USA and West Indies two years ago. This formidable unit last faced defeat in a series back in August 2023, prior to the World Cup. Since the last tournament, India has maintained an impressive win-loss ratio of 6.5 in a format known for its unpredictability.

The team has been well-prepared, recently clinching a five-match T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand, further solidifying their dominance over the Proteas.

In their official warm-up match on Wednesday, India triumphed over South Africa by 30 runs, aiming to carry this momentum into their opening match against the USA.