05 June,2019 12:14 PM IST | | mid-day online desk
Indian fans praying
India is all set to play the first match of this edition's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup against South Africa on Wednesday and the people here offered prayers in the temple for the team's success in the match.
'Vedic Mantras' were chanted in the temple of Varanasi so that team perform well in the premier tournament and also for bowlers' lethal attack in the World Cup, which will help India to have a good start in the tournament.
"We are praying that 'God gives strength to team India so that team, under the leadership of Virat Kohli, win a one-sided match.' Not only this we prayed that India beat all the teams and win the World Cup" Acharya Pandit Rajendra Trivedi, one of the fans who offered prayers, told ANI.
Ramesh Verma, another fan, said: "We have taken blessings from Bholenath for India's success. We will win all the matches and I think we will win the World Cup for the third time. India is the strongest team with good batsmen and bowlers."
ALSO READ
Virat Kohli drops a dolly in the slips, will Labuschagne punish India?
India all out for 150 in first Test against Australia
IND vs AUS 1st Test: KL Rahul walks unhappy after dismissal, WATCH VIDEO
Champions Trophy 2025 | "We need India and Pakistan to play regularly": Younis
IND vs AUS 1st Test | "Australia Mata ki Jay", says an Australian fan
This is India's first match in the tournament while South Africa will be playing their third match. South Africa has lost both their matches at the hands of England and Bangladesh. So, they will try to turn things around in this match.
However, India is a tough contender and will be entering in the field with a 'favourite' tag on their shoulder. It will, therefore, be interesting to see whether South Africa will be able to change their fortunes from now on or India will justify their favourite tag.
Indian cricket fans on Twitter shared their excitement for the match:
India will compete with South Africa at the Rose Bowl cricket ground today.
With inputs from ANI
Catch up on all the latest IPL News and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates