India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir began their Tuesday on a spiritual note with an early-morning visit to the revered Jagannath Puri Temple, just hours before the opening T20I of the five-match series against South Africa. Tilak Varma accompanied them, along with several support staff members and Suryakumar’s wife, Devisha Shetty, in a collective moment of calm before India’s packed international calendar.

Local broadcaster OTV shared visuals of the group offering prayers at the Srimandir, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also seen seeking blessings. It was clear that the visit had been meticulously planned. The team management worked closely with temple authorities and local officials to ensure the players’ darshan proceeded smoothly, without any crowd disturbance.

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Heavy security arrangements were deployed around the temple to manage the early-morning rush and facilitate the team’s movement. Prominent administrative officials — including the Puri district SP, the Collector, and representatives from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and the BCCI — were present throughout the visit. Their involvement underscored the team’s presence in the state and ensured that every logistical detail was handled with precision.

Team India cricketers visited and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath in Puri. pic.twitter.com/J5x4cUli8R

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As India gradually shifts its focus toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar’s form will be central to the team’s strategy. Despite an incredible T20I record of 2,754 runs in 89 innings at a blistering strike rate of 164.41, 2025 hasn’t been particularly kind to him. The 35-year-old is currently on a 21-match streak without a fifty, with his last half-century coming against Bangladesh in October 2024. Since then, his best knock has been an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

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With only 10 T20Is left before the World Cup, the opener in Cuttack becomes even more crucial. Facing a full-strength South African side featuring David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Donovan Ferreira, Suryakumar will be keen not only to regain his rhythm but also to set the tone for India’s T20 campaign. A commanding start could be the spark both he and India need as preparation for the mega event intensifies.