According to Dainik Jagran, the Indian dressing room turned to spirituality during the Oval Test when things got tough, and listened to a 16th century stuti. Throughout the five day series finale, the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam Stuti played.
With the series on the line and India down 1-2, the pressure was immense. India had to win to tie the series. But when the top order collapsed in the first innings and Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul got out at 38/2, the dressing room mood worsened. That’s when Raghavendra, the Indian team’s senior throwdown expert, known as Raghu, tried something different.
Dainik Jagran says he quietly played the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam on the speaker system. This moment of peace under pressure turned into a daily habit. From day one to day five, the Rudrashtakam was always playing in the Indian inner space. Players, staff and coaches were calm by the hymn’s rhythm.
“We didn’t plan it,” said one player. “But once it started, it became normal for us. It gave us a strange feeling of calm and power.”
Another player said, “We often play music before or after practice. It might be fast or religious, like Hanuman Chalisa during practice. But five days straight of Rudrashtakam in a big Test was new. I won’t say we won just because of it, but it gave us a push.”
Written by Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam is a hymn in Sanskrit praising Lord Shiva. People say it gives spiritual power, focus and protection from bad vibes. Many think chanting the Rudrashtakam with respect for seven days can get rid of big problems and enemies. It is said that Lord Rama said this stuti at Rameswaram before his last fight with Ravana, asking Shiva to bless him with success.
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This mix of spirituality with tradition worked for the Indian team and many kept listening to the hymn after the match. India had gone through a lot before the Oval Test. After losing by 5 wickets in the first Test at Leeds, they came back to win by 336 runs at Birmingham. After winning by 22 runs at Lord’s, England took control and the fourth Test at Manchester was a draw.
The Oval in London was the venue for the fifth Test which became crucial. India recovered well from their bad start. They tied the series 2-2, winning against England by 6 runs after playing five days.
The report says some players now play it daily or in their cars. “Raghu did well to play it in the dressing room,” one team member said. “It lifted our moods and made us feel closer. It reminded us to stay calm and focused.”
