After India’s historic 96-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC Chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the gleaming trophy. The visit, captured in heartwarming videos circulating on social media, showed the trio offering prayers and seeking blessings after the team’s triumphant campaign.
Temple visit before departure
Before the players dispersed to their respective destinations following the grand victory, several members of the Indian contingent made a spiritual pit stop at a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad. Videos shared widely on social media platform X showed Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah walking into the temple premises, with the World Cup trophy held aloft for devotees to see.
The captain, who lifted the trophy on Sunday night in front of over 130,000 spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium, was seen in a composed and grateful mood as he received blessings from the temple priest. Gambhir, the architect of India’s aggressive brand of cricket, stood alongside, his usually intense demeanour replaced by a serene smile.
In one particularly touching video, the temple priest was seen performing a special aarti for the trophy itself, waving the holy flame in front of the silverware as players and officials watched with folded hands. The priest then applied tilak on the foreheads of Suryakumar, Gambhir and Shah, blessing them for their roles in India’s historic achievement.
A video shared by news agency ANI captured the moment when Suryakumar held the trophy close as the priest chanted prayers, the early morning sunlight glinting off the silverware. The captain, known for his 360-degree strokeplay on the field, appeared completely at peace in the spiritual setting.
Jay Shah’s tribute to the India team
ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who played a crucial role in the tournament’s successful organization across India and Sri Lanka, was seen interacting warmly with the players during the temple visit. Videos showed him congratulating Suryakumar and Gambhir, their shared joy evident in the relaxed body language.
Shah also took to social media to congratulate the winning team.
“What an incredible finale to the most global and accessible @ICC event ever! Congrats to India, who became the first team to win back-to-back #t20worldcup titles. Well done to Suryakumar Yadav and the whole squad and staff. Congrats also to @BLACKCAPS for their great campaign, “ he wrote.
What an incredible finale to the most global and accessible @ICC event ever!
Congrats to India, who became the first team to win back-to-back #t20worldcup titles.
Well done to Suryakumar Yadav and the whole squad and staff.Congrats also to @BLACKCAPS for their great campaign. pic.twitter.com/7pzFmpjyDT
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 8, 2026
