God not so kind on 'God's own country'

The KCA officials visited the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda to pray for a respite from the rain, at least for Tuesday evening.

God’s own country is seeking divine intervention to prevent what seems to be an inevitable washout in its first ever T20I, which also happens to be the series decider between India and New Zealand.

There has been continuous rain since Monday and the forecast for Tuesday evening is nothing to rejoice. According to the met department, there are chances of heavy rain on Tuesday evening, which may continue until Wednesday morning, prompting the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to offer prayers.

The KCA officials visited the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda to pray for a respite from the rain, at least for Tuesday evening.

“We have no control over the weather. But we are doing everything possible in our control to get the ground ready for the match. Someone suggested that if a lotus offering is made at Koodalmanikyam temple, then it brings respite from rain. So through one of our selectors we have made the thamara mala offering in Koodalmanikyam on Tuesday. We hope the lord almighty will answer our prayers,” Jayesh George, KCA secretary told Times of India.

On the other hand, Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri offered prayers at the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple here.

Shastri offered a coconut to the 'Agrashala Ganapathy', who is believed to ward of hurdles.

The former cricketer spent an hour at the famous shrine this morning along with some BCCI officials and also offered 'butter' to Lord Hanuman for the health and well being of his family, temple sources said.