New Delhi: Players of the Indian cricket team offered prayers at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and sought divine blessings of Lord Vishnu ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Saturday.
As many as seven members of Team India visited the famous temple on Friday morning, ahead of the final Twenty20 International against the Kiwis.
The players arrived in Kerala city on January 29 and visited the temple at around 9.15 am on Friday, sources told PTI.
The group of players included India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Axar Patel, batter Rinku Singh and spinner Varun Chakravarthy. All the players were seen visiting the holy place in traditional temple attire.
One of the best things I’ve seen in recent years is how our cricketers are openly showing their religious side without shying away!!
How good it is to see our cricketers in Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple !!
This is quite heartening. When the younger generation takes inspiration… pic.twitter.com/0KxegAFmkK
— Willow Whispers (@willowwhis22170) January 30, 2026
Known for its rich history and extraordinary architecture, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of South India’s most revered Hindu shrines.
Surya teases hometown hero Sanju
Meanwhile, India skipper Surya welcomed local hero Sanju Samson upon arrival in Thiruvananthapuram. SKY, known for his witty humour, looked in a fun mood and pulled Samson’s leg, teasing the batter as the team checked out of the airport.
“Get out of the way. Move aside. Make way, please. Don’t disturb Chetta,” Surya said as he welcomed Samson in style. A sheepish-looking Samson looked embarrassed by Surya’s actions but took it in good spirits.
Make way for @IamSanjuSamson in 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 😉
🎥 Don’t miss this banter between friends Sanju Samson and Captain Surya Kumar Yadav 😄#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFirstBank | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/zBAFPmZJGk
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 30, 2026
Samson eyeing return to form on home turf
As Thiruvanantpuram T20I is India’s last assignment before the T20 World Cup 2026, Samson would be eager to get among the runs. Samson is in the midst of a horror run after four successive failures in the ongoing New Zealand series.
With Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma breathing down his neck for a place in India’s T20 World Cup playing XI, Samson will have a point to prove on his home turf on Saturday.