Tilak Verma visits Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple, says 'I prayed to Mahakal for India's victory in T20 World cup': Watch video

A video of Indian cricketer Tilak Varma offering prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain after India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph has gone viral on social media. During the visit, he sought the blessings of Lord Mahakal and expressed gratitude for the team’s success in the tournament.

The left-hand batter spent time in the temple’s Nandi hall, where he was seen praying in devotion. After completing the rituals, Varma said the visit held special significance as he had prayed for India’s victory before the tournament began.

“It feels very good visiting here. I had prayed to Lord Mahakal for the victory of the T20 World cup, and Mahakal blessed us with victory. So, I came here to offer prayers,” Tilak Varma told ANI.



He added that the team would continue to focus on consistent effort while accepting that outcomes are beyond their control. “We will continue to work hard as always. Whatever is in our hands is to put in the effort; the rest is in Mahakal's hands. Jai Shri Mahakal,” he said, according to ANI.

India secured a dominant 96-run win over New Zealand in the final to retain the T20 World Cup title. The victory made India the first side to win the tournament on home soil, the first to defend the title after their 2024 triumph, and the first to lift the trophy three times, having previously won in 2007.

In the final, New Zealand opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved costly. Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire half-century, 52 off 21 balls, including six fours and three sixes, set the tone, as he shared a 98-run opening stand with Sanju Samson. Samson later combined with Ishan Kishan, who struck 54 from 25 deliveries with four boundaries and four sixes, to power India past the 200-run mark in just 16 overs.

A late cameo from Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 26 off eight balls, helped India post 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. James Neesham was New Zealand’s most successful bowler, claiming 3/46.

Chasing a daunting 256, New Zealand lost early wickets as Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah reduced them to 72/5. Tim Seifert’s 52 off 26 balls offered brief resistance, but regular breakthroughs ensured the visitors were bowled out for 159, sealing India’s emphatic win.