After India’s historic 96-run win over New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 FinalIndian captain Suryakumar Yadavhead coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC Chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with a glittering trophy. Heartwarming videos shared on social media showed the trio being prayed for and blessed after the team’s winning campaign during the trip.
Visit the temple before departure
A few members of the Indian contingent made a spiritual pit stop at the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad before the players dispersed to their respective destinations after the resounding victory. In videos widely shared on social media platform X, Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah entered the temple premises holding the World Cup trophy aloft for the devotees to see.
Lifting the trophy in front of a crowd of over 130,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night, the captain looked subdued and grateful as he received blessings from the temple priest. Gambhir, the architect of India’s aggressive brand of cricket, stood by, his usually tense demeanor replaced by a calm smile.
In one particularly moving video, players and officials watched with folded hands as a temple priest performed a special aarti for the trophy itself, waving the sacred flame in front of the silverware. The priest then applied tilak on the foreheads of Suryakumar, Gambhir and Shah, blessing them for their role in India’s historic achievement.
In a video shared by news agency ANI, the early morning sunlight glinted off the silverware as Suryakumar held the cup close as the priest recited prayers. Known for his 360-degree batting on the field, the captain looked completely at ease in the spiritual conditions.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Awards: Complete list of winners – Jasprit Bumrah to Sanju Samson
Jay Shah’s tribute to the Indian team
ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who played an important role in the successful organization of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, had a cordial interaction with the players when he visited the temple. In the videos, he is seen congratulating Suryakumar and Gambhir, their shared joy evident in their relaxed body language.
Shah also took to social media to congratulate the winning team.
“Incredible final of the most global and accessible @ICC event! Congratulations to India for becoming the first team to win back-to-back #t20worldcup titles. Best of luck to Suryakumar Yadav, all the staff & crew. Congratulations also to @BLACKCAPS for their amazing campaign,” he wrote.
What an incredible finale for the most global and accessible @ICC event always!
Congratulations to India, the first team to win back-to-backs #t20worldcup titles.
Big thanks to Suryakumar Yadav and all the staff and crew.Congratulations too @BLACKCAPS for his great campaign. pic.twitter.com/7pzFmpjyDT
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 8, 2026
