In a rare blend of tradition and sport, the Indian dressing room embraced spirituality during the high-pressure Oval Test, turning to a 16th-century devotional hymn to lift morale. According to a Dainik Jagran report, the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam Stuti echoed through the team’s space for all five days of the series finale.
With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, only a win against England could level the contest. But when early wickets fell in the first innings — Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul dismissed at 38/2 — the atmosphere dipped. That’s when senior throwdown specialist Raghavendra, fondly known as Raghu, decided to change the mood.
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He played the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam over the dressing room speakers, a move that soon became the team’s spiritual soundtrack. “It wasn’t planned, but once it started, it became part of our environment. It brought this strange mix of peace and energy,” a touring squad member told Dainik Jagran.
Indian cricket team listened to Shiva stotras in the Oval testhttps://t.co/YEoy3mMmrk
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Players revealed that music in the dressing room isn’t unusual — sometimes upbeat tunes, sometimes devotional tracks like the Hanuman Chalisa during practice. But five consecutive days of Rudrashtakam in a crunch Test was a first.
Composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Rudrashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to enhance focus, remove negativity, and provide spiritual strength. Popular belief holds that reciting it for seven straight days can help overcome obstacles and enemies.
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Legend says Lord Rama himself recited the stuti at Rameswaram before his battle with Ravana, seeking divine blessings for victory. The chant’s calming yet energising presence left its mark. Even after the Oval Test ended, several players continued listening to the Rudrashtakam — a reminder that in cricket, as in life, mental and spiritual balance can be as crucial as skill.
