India (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian-origin players of the United States cricket team took time away from the ICC T20 World Cup campaign to visit the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple on Tuesday morning. Fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar, captain Monank Patel and all-rounder Milind Kumar were among those who offered prayers at the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The American side is currently touring India for the tournament. Earlier this month, they faced a strong Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav in a group-stage clash on February 7, where India secured a 29-run victory.
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With a brief break in their schedule, several players chose to visit Tirumala, one of the country’s most visited pilgrimage centres. The cricketers participated in the VIP break darshan early in the day. As news of their visit spread, many devotees gathered near the temple complex to greet them. Some requested photographs, while others offered words of encouragement for the ongoing tournament. The players obliged with smiles, taking a few moments to interact with well-wishers despite their tight itinerary.
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Speaking briefly to reporters after completing the darshan, members of the team described the visit as their first to Tirumala. They said the experience was deeply moving and offered a sense of calm amid the pressures of international competition. Social media posts later showed the players respectfully taking part in temple rituals and quietly observing the spiritual proceedings inside the sacred premises. Temple authorities arranged for Vedic scholars to bless the visiting cricketers at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. Officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams presented them with teertham (holy water) and prasadam (laddu), following tradition. The players expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them.
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For the USA squad, many of whom share Indian heritage, the visit carried personal meaning. It was not only an opportunity to seek divine blessings but also a moment to reconnect with cultural roots while representing their adopted nation on a global stage. The United States squad includes Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel (captain), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shehan Jayasuriya, Nosthush Kenjige, Shayan Jahangir and Ehsan Adil.
