NEW DELHI: In the lead-up to the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, a wave of excitement and optimism has swept across the nation as fans, devotees, and even politicians rally behind the Men in Blue for a triumphant showdown.
Wankhede stadium atmosphere:
Fans have flocked to the vicinity of the Wankhede Stadium, eagerly anticipating the face-off and expressing their fervent support for the Indian team. The gates are on the brink of opening, and the air is filled with prayers and cheers. Anand Prajapati, a fan, conveyed the collective sentiment, stating, "We are very excited for this match. Last time we could not make it, but this time we won't lose the opportunity. All batsmen and bowlers are in form."
Nitin, echoing the optimism, confidently asserted, "Today is the semi-final; the team will definitely reach the final. All the players of Team India are going to play well. All of them are in good form."
Prayers across India:
Devotees from various parts of India are seeking divine intervention for India's victory. At Shaktipeeth Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha, Gujarat, pandit Acharya Gaurang recited shlokas, invoking blessings for the success of the Indian team. Prakash Joshi, a devotee, expressed determination, saying, "We pray Maa Ambaji for our team's victory. We could not do it last time, but this time we will; we have to win the World Cup."
In Madurai, fans at the Jallikattu Rotary Club offered prayers for India's success ahead of the semi-final match.
Cricket enthusiasts and coaches' perspectives:
From the cricketing community, coaches and young cricketers shared their optimism. Vikram Kumar, a coach at a training academy, highlighted India's strong bowling performance, giving an 80% win predictability. Harsh Kapoor, a young cricketer, exuded confidence, stating, "We lost the semi-finals last time. But this time, I am confident that we will win. India has played well and won all 9 matches. It will win today as well."
Sand art in Odisha:
Sudarsan Pattnaik, the renowned sand artist in Odisha, contributed to the positive vibes by creating a sand sculpture extending best wishes ahead of the World Cup semi-final.
Confident predictions:
Famous fan Basheer Chacha confidently predicted India's success, proclaiming, "India will win; they will reach the final, and Rohit Sharma will lift the World Cup."
Political Support:
Even politicians are caught up in the excitement. Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya remarked, "With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath, our team will definitely win. I am confident. Our players are playing very well. Their morale is high. My best wishes to the team. We have won all matches; we will win this one too."
As the nation unites in spirit, the countdown to the much-anticipated semi-final has begun, with fervent support echoing from every corner of India for a triumphant journey in the World Cup.
(With inputs from ANI)
