Following India’s historic title defense at the T20 World Cup 2026, star spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar have traded their cricket spikes for walking shoes. On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu duo was spotted at the sacred town of Tiruvannamalai, fulfilling a deeply personal spiritual vow (prarthana) by completing the 14 km Girivalam around the holy Arunachala Hill.
The Men in Blue, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, recently secured a thumping 96-run victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the nation erupted in celebration, Chakravarthy and Sundar headed south to offer gratitude for the triumph. The Girivalam is a centuries-old tradition where devotees walk clockwise around the hill, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar undertake 14 km Girivalam pilgrimage after T20 World Cup win
For the two cricketers, this wasn’t just a casual visit but the fulfillment of a promise made before the tournament began. In videos circulating on social media, the athletes were seen blending in with thousands of pilgrims, dressed in simple attire as they navigated the 14 km perimeter of the hill.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest and most significant Shiva temples in India, serves as the spiritual epicenter of this journey. Performing the Girivalam, especially after a career-defining achievement like a World Cup win, is a practice rooted in the Bhakti tradition of Tamil Nadu. Fans and locals who recognized the stars were moved by their humility, noting that despite the glitz of international cricket, the players remained connected to their cultural roots.
After completing the trek in the evening, the duo entered the inner sanctum of the temple to seek the blessings of the deity. The timing of their visit is significant, as India’s victory on March 8 has cemented a new era of dominance in the shortest format of the game, and for Chakravarthy, it marked a personal redemption on the world stage.
Here’s the video:
Indian team cricketers Varun Chakravarthy & Washington Sunder fulfilled their vow of doing Girivalam in Thiruvannamalai
Girivalam is a sacred 14-kilometre circumambulation (walking around) of the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.The hill itself is considered a… pic.twitter.com/rtEFP9Mnnr
— Sheetal Chopra (@SheetalPronamo) March 12, 2026
Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why MI vs RCB would be the biggest clash of IPL 2026
From World Cup glory to IPL 2026: What lies ahead for the spin duo?
Chakravarthy’s performance in the 2026 edition was nothing short of sensational. Finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, his mystery spin proved to be the undoing of many top-tier batting lineups. Although his wicket-taking slowed down during the high-pressure Super 8s, his foundational work in the group stages was instrumental in India’s unbeaten run.
Sundar, while playing a more supporting role in this specific campaign with appearances against the Netherlands and South Africa, remains a vital cog in India’s white-ball setup due to his all-round capabilities.
As the celebrations wind down, the focus shifts immediately to the domestic circuit. Both players are set to join their respective franchises for IPL 2026. Chakravarthy returns to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he remains a cornerstone of their bowling attack after being retained for INR 12 crore. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar will head to the Gujarat Titans (GT) camp, looking to justify his INR 3.2 crore retention with a standout season. Carrying the Prasadam and the momentum of a World Cup win, the duo looks ready to dominate the upcoming T20 summer.
Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks a player who will be ‘under most pressure’ in IPL 2026
