India Turned to 16th-Century Lord Shiva Stuti in Oval Test Rollercoaster: Report
The Indian team embraced spirituality during the Oval Test, listening to Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam Stuti for five days to boost morale under high pressure.
The Indian dressing room turned to spirituality and listened to a 16th-century stuti during the Oval Test when the mood dipped, according to a report in Dainik Jagran. The Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam Stuti resonated in the Indian dressing room throughout all five days of the series finale.
With the five-match Test series at stake and India trailing 1-2, the pressure was at its highest. Defeating England was the only way for India to level the series.
But when the top order collapsed in the first innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul dismissed at just 38/2, the dressing room atmosphere sank. That is when Raghavendra, the Indian team's senior throwdown specialist, known as Raghu, chose to adopt a different approach.
As per the report, Raghu played the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam on the dressing room speaker system.
'It wasn't something we planned. But once it started, it became part of our environment. It brought this strange mix of peace and energy," a touring squad member was quoted as saying by Dainik Jagran.
'We often play music before or after sessions. It could be something upbeat or devotional, even the Hanuman Chalisa during practice. But five straight days of Rudrashtakam in a high-stakes Test was something new," another cricketer said.
The chant, composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, is a Sanskrit hymn in praise of Lord Shiva. It is chanted to invoke spiritual strength, enhance focus and ward off negative influences.
As per popular belief, reciting the Rudrashtakam with devotion for seven successive days can help eliminate major obstacles and enemies.
Legend has it that Lord Rama recited this stuti at Rameswaram before his final battle with Ravana, seeking Lord Shiva's blessings for a win.
The fusion of spirituality and tradition resonated with the Indian side, with many cricketers continuing to listen to the hymn even after the game concluded.
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