Divine hand behind Oval fightback? How 16th century Lord Shiva hymn reportedly inspired India's thrilling win

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3 days ago

India produced a fightback for the ages to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval and level the five-match series 2-2. While individual contributions from the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal and others were crucial to the win, spirituality reportedly also played its part.
The Indian team celebrates after defeating England by 6 runs at The Oval to level the five-match Test series 2-2. Reuters
India produced a fightback for the ages at The Oval in London to level the five-Test series against England 2-2 and share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In a game that will be remembered as an all-time classic, the pendulum swung from one side to the other, with England appearing set for a 3-1 series win in the evening session on the penultimate day.
The Shubman Gill-led visitors, however, clawed back through a flurry of wickets late on Day 4 before an inspired spell by Mohammed Siraj on the final day that lasted less than an hour sealed a thrilling six-run victory for India.
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While Siraj's spell along with other contributions such as Yashasvi Jaiswal's 118 and nightwatchman Akash Deep's 66 were no doubt crucial to the result, there was also reportedly some divine intervention behind what is one of India's greatest victories of all time.
Team India finds comfort in 16th century Lord Shiva chant
According to a report on Dainik Jagran, veteran throwdown specialist Raghavendra, a.k.a. Raghu, started playing the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam, a 16th century Stuti or hymn on the dressing room's speaker system at The Oval, which became something of a daily tradition during the series finale.
The Sanskrit hymn praising Lord Shiva, composed by revered poet-saint Tulsidas, brought a sense of calm to the dressing room at a time when India faced a must-win scenario with England ahead by a 2-1 margin in the series. The report quotes one player as claiming that while the move towards spirituality wasn't the only reason behind India's victory, it did provide 'an energy boost'.
'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,' said one member of the Indian squad.
'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. I won't say we won just because of it, but there was definitely an energy boost,' said another player.
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One player added that the hymn has become part of daily routine for some members of the squad, whether they play it in their cars or during personal routines.
'Raghu made a great call playing it in the dressing room,' a team member said. 'It not only helped lift spirits but also created a kind of invisible bond in the group. It reminded us to stay grounded and focused,' the report quoted as player as saying.