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Journalism of Courage
Ahead of the first semi-final clash between India and Australia in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tuesday, cricket fans in Varanasi showed their support for the Men in Blue.
In a video shared by ANI, a group of six men can be seen praying for India’s victory in the semi-finals at the Sarangnath Temple. While three of them can be seen pouring a bucket full of milk over a Shivling, others hold posters of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Virat Kohli as temple priests chant mantras.
A large poster of Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya sharing the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy is displayed alongside a poster of Lord Shiva on the temple walls.
After offering the prayers, one of the cricket fans expressed confidence in Team India’s chances, believing that Rohit Sharma and his squad will secure a spot in the final of the ongoing tournament.
“We performed special prayers at Sarangnath Shiva temple for Team India’s victory against Australia. We have high hopes from Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli should also repeat the brilliant innings played against Pakistan… India will definitely reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy…” the fan said.
This much-anticipated clash at the Dubai International Stadium marks the first time India and Australia will face off since the heartbreaking World Cup final loss for India on November 19, 2023. Their paths to the semifinal have been quite different — India dominated the group stage, winning all their matches, while Australia managed to secure just one victory against England, with two of their games being washed out due to rain.
