Rohit Sharma seeks Lord Ganesha's blessing at Siddhivinayak before flying to Australia for 20-20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma (Image source: Twitter)

With hopes of doing better than the last event, the Indian team flew to Australia on Thursday, October 6^th. The Men in Blue will be led by the mercurial skipper Rohit Sharma in the 20-20 World Cup. India begins their World Cup campaign with their game against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23^rd.

Before leaving for Australia however, Rohit Sharma visited Siddhivinayak and sought the blessing of Lord Ganesha. The famous temple is in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, where the Indian contingent flew together from.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle, Siddhivinakak Temple’s CEO Ms Nanda Raut said, "He paid a visit to our temple on the day of Dusserah on Wednesday. He came with his wife (Ritika) and daughter Samaira at around 6.30 pm. His visit was not intimated earlier but he was well escorted and looked after by our security staff. He was in the temple for about ten minutes.”

She revealed further details about Rohit’s visit and said that he was comfortably able to take the blessing. "Rohit could comfortably take the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The monk gave him a garland and a coconut and blessed the family. We wish the Indian team returns with the World Cup trophy”, she added.

First World Cup for Rohit Sharma as captain

Having been made India’s captain following Virat Kohli’s abdication from the position. Since then he has taken the national side on multiple series wins but remains untested in a World Cup.

The Asia Cup 2022 was one such tournament where Rohit could show his leadership qualities. India and Rohit Sharma however failed to impress all as they crashed out of the continental tournament in the Asia Cup 2022 itself, after losing to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Super Four.

Meanwhile, India was dealt a major blow after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out from the South Africa series following a back stress fracture. The team is also struggling with death bowling as they have failed to stop the flow of runs in the dining embers of the game.