The viral clip shows Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and other players visiting Premanand ji Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, where they bowed respectfully and took his blessings. (Image Source: X.com/ANI)
A historic win for India in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 has brought an old video into the limelight. In the video, the Indian women's cricket team is seen seeking blessings from spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj.
The resurfaced clip shows Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and other players visiting Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, where they bowed respectfully and took his blessings.
Since then, people on social media have connected the video to India's recent sporting success the men's T20 World Cup win in 2024 and now that of the women as a sign of "faith meeting focus."
Although reports confirm that the video was recorded much earlier, it has triggered an appreciation for the players' humility and spiritual grounding beyond the cricket field.
In the video, Premanand Ji Maharaj could be heard encouraging the players: "Jo apna charitra pavitra rakhta hai, vyasan se door rehta hai aur utsahi hota hai, woh duniya ki kisi bhi unnat shikhar tak pahunch sakta hai."
He further added, “Yeh stri ya purush ka farq nahi karta. Aap Bharat ka naam le kar khelte ho, matlab aap haare toh Bharat haara, aur aap jeete toh Bharat jeeta."
He also advised the players to avoid bad habits and remain dedicated to the country and character. “Koi vyasan nahi, kisi ki adheenta nahi, aur pavitra acharan rakho, tabhi Bharat Mata ka yash badhega," he said.
Thousands of fans have liked and commented on the video, which has gone viral across Instagram. The fans referred to it as "a powerful reminder of staying grounded," and they praised the players for their respect toward the spiritual leader. One user said, "Faith, humility, and success, all in one frame."
Another wrote, “Beautiful to see our champions staying connected to their roots.” Several referred to the way Maharaj's words on discipline and strength were reflected in the recent World Cup win.
The Indian women's team had visited Premanand Ji Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan in March 2024.
The spiritual leader met them personally, offering guidance on patience and perseverance. He told them to chant Lord Krishna’s name while fulfilling their duties, saying it would keep them strong and concentrated. The players also visited the Banke Bihari Temple during the trip before resuming their cricket commitments.
