The lunar eclipse caused the Indian cricket team to postpone their evening training session by more than an hour on Tuesday, ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal match against England.
The T20 World Cup co-hosts were scheduled to train at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from 6 to 9 p.m., but they actually took the field at around 7:20 p.m. local time.
The action began after a little delay, but some members of the support crew had arrived on the field before the players and a few coaches.
In fact, just before the rest of the team took the field at 6:50 p.m., the stadium’s floodlights were turned on, but not at full power.
According to a report, the team did not want to start training during the eclipse because it is frequently linked to a “bad luck” phase, particularly prior to a crucial game like the semifinal against England.
Before games in the current edition, Indian players and support personnel have been visiting temples and praying.
India’s stunning victory over the West Indies in their final Super 8 match on Sunday guaranteed them a place in the final four.
By being the first side to win the T20 World Cup twice, the reigning champions hope to create history and also become the first side to lift the title at home.
