T20 World Cup 2026: India Change Practice Timing at Wankhede Ahead of England Semifinal Due to Lunar Eclipse

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Mumbai, Mar 3: The India national cricket team altered their scheduled practice session on Tuesday (March 3) ahead of their high-stakes semifinal clash against England national cricket team after learning that a lunar eclipse would occur during their original training window.

Suryakumar Yadav & Co. were initially set to train from 6 PM to 9 PM at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, following their usual routine of evening practice two days before a match. However, with the lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) beginning at 3:20 PM and ending at 6:47 PM, team management opted to postpone the session by nearly an hour.

Ritual Beliefs Influence Decision

According to a report from The Indian Express, the change was guided by traditional Hindu beliefs, which consider certain activities during a lunar eclipse inauspicious.

"The team found out that since it is chandra grahan (lunar eclipse), one should avoid doing anything auspicious. As India are playing a semifinal against England, the team wanted to start on a positive note. Many felt we can push the practice time until 6:40 PM and avoid doing any activity during that period. The team management agreed, and practice was postponed by an hour," a the report quoted a source as saying.

The moon was expected to become visible in India from 6:26 PM, with peak visibility between 6:33 PM and 6:40 PM, influencing the revised timing.

The team bus eventually arrived at the venue an hour late. Soon after captain Suryakumar Yadav and his band arrived at the stadium, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was spotted having a long chat with the curators, while the players prepared for their drills.

Focus on Positive Energy

Throughout the tournament, India's players and support staff have been seen observing rituals and offering prayers at temples across host cities. Before previous matches, players visited temples in Kolkata and other venues, seeking blessings as they progressed through the competition.

The defending champions, who sealed their semifinal berth after defeating the West Indies cricket team in their final Super 8 fixture, are now aiming to script history by becoming the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title.

As they prepare for a crucial encounter against England on Thursday, the team management appears determined to leave no stone unturned - both on and off the field - in their quest for another global crown.