Rajeev Shukla visits Tirumala temple, prays for India's 2027 World Cup triumph
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla offered prayers at Tirumala on August 30 and expressed confidence in India's chances at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Vice President, Rajeev Shukla, visited the Tirumala temple on Sunday, August 30, and offered prayers at the holy shrine.
Shukla's visit to the pilgrimage coincided with the conclusion of India's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which India won 1-0. He also expressed firm confidence in India's prospects at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"We had gone to seek the blessings. We prayed for everybody's well-being. We will win the World Cup. Our boys are fully prepared. Ample opportunities are being provided to new players," Shukla was quoted as saying by The News Mill.
Tilak Varma eyed as Shreyas Iyer backup for 2027 WC
What did Shukla say about India's upcoming Test commitments?
Shukla also spoke about India's packed Test schedule ahead. With the Sri Lanka series wrapped up, he pointed to forthcoming series against New Zealand and Australia as the next major assignments for the side.
"The Sri Lanka Test series has just concluded. Upcoming are the Test series with New Zealand and Australia. All these series are currently in progress. Whatever decisions are made after that, you all will be informed," Shukla did not elaborate on specific selection or tactical matters at this stage," Shukla added.
How did India perform in the Sri Lanka Test series?
India claimed the series opener at Galle by 165 runs. Spinner Manav Suthar produced a maiden 10-wicket haul in that match, while Devdutt Padikkal anchored the batting with 167 in the first innings, laying the foundation for the victory.
The Colombo Test produced a contrasting finish, with Sri Lanka successfully batting out the match to deny India a series sweep. India had posted 503/9 in their first innings, with Padikkal scoring 117 off 193 balls and Dhruv Jurel finishing unbeaten on 115 off 177 balls. Test captain Shubman Gill contributed 50 and Rishabh Pant added 63 to the total.
Sri Lanka replied with 290 in their first innings, with Sonal Dinusha scoring 103 and Pasindu Sooriyabandara adding 80. Prasidh Krishna and Suthar each claimed three wickets for India in that innings. In their second innings, Dinusha batted through to finish unbeaten on 133 off 264 balls, his third century of the series. He shared a 112-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha, who contributed 46, as Sri Lanka reached 429/9 to secure the draw and keep the series deficit at 1-0.
Download Our App