IPL 2025: RCB’s Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Shreyanka Patil Visit Tirumala Ahead of Crucial Clash with CSK

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What do IPL stars seek when not smashing sixes or scripting nail-biters? A touch of the divine, perhaps. Is there a secret link between spiritual solace and sporting success

RCB's temple visit sparks fresh intrigue ahead of their blockbuster showdown. Could divine blessings tilt the scales in their favour as they gear up for a high-stakes clash with the mighty Chennai Super Kings?

In a rare pause from the cricketing frenzy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Captain- Rajat Patidar, wicket-keeper–batter Jitesh Sharma and emerging all-rounder Shreyanka Patil from the women’s team paid homage at the sacred Tirumala Tirupati Temple on 30th April, taking time out from hectic IPL duties to seek divine favour ahead of their blockbuster clash with Chennai Super Kings.

Perched atop the Seshachalam Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara- an incarnation of Vishnu- the temple welcomes over 24 million pilgrims annually, drawn by its legend-steeped sanctum (Ananda Nilayam) and its status as one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. Pilgrims believe offerings here bring prosperity and peace, making it a fitting spiritual recharge for players braving the IPL marathon.

Long before Bengaluru’s trio arrived, Mumbai Indians stars took similar sojourns in 2025: Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Tilak Varma and Karn Sharma at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, seeking blessings during the Navratri festivities . Such temple breaks have become a cherished ritual, infusing belief into the high-octane T20 circus.

On-field Form: Patidar & Sharma in IPL 2025

Rajat Patidar (captain): In six outings, the Indore-born right-hander has amassed 209 runs at an average of 34.83, striking at 157.14, including a match-winning 64 off 32 against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede.

Jitesh Sharma: The veteran gloveman has contributed 90 runs in five innings, his swift 40 off 21 balls against MI underlining his finishing prowess.

Meanwhile, Shreyanka Patil - the off-spinner fresh from claiming the Purple Cap and Emerging Player accolade in WPL 2024 - continues to hone her craft. In 15 T20 outings for RCB Women, she has captured 19 wickets at an average of 18.36 and can turn the game with bat or ball.

Following a polished six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals on 27 April - where Virat Kohli’s crisp 67 and Patidar’s 51 off 32 set the tone- RCB sit top of the IPL 2025 table, having won seven of ten matches with a net run-rate of +0.521. With 14 points, they’ve become the first side to notch six consecutive away wins in a single season, underscoring their title credentials.

All roads now lead to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where RCB will lock horns with CSK on 3rd May. As the Red Army marches on, their pilgrimage to Tirupati may just prove the talisman that powers them to IPL glory.