Lunar Eclipse Alters Team India's Practice Session, Suryakumar Yadav & Co. Change Schedule At Wankhede Stadium: Report

T20 World Cup 2026: The Indian cricket team’s practice session at the Wankhede Stadium was disrupted by superstition ahead of their high-voltage semi-final clash against England in the T20 World Cup 2026.

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Team India Forced To Change Practice Timings At Wankhede Stadium

According to a report by The Indian Express, the team management decided to reschedule their practice timings after learning that a lunar eclipse would begin at 3:20 PM IST on Tuesday, March 3.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had officially announced that the Men in Blue would train from 6 to 9 PM at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the plans were altered due to the eclipse.

As per Hindu rituals, the team considered it inauspicious to train during this period, believing it could bring bad luck. In India, the moon was expected to become visible at 6:26 PM, with peak visibility between 6:33 PM and 6:40 PM.

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“The team found out that since it is chandra grahan (lunar eclipse), one should avoid doing anything auspicious. As India is playing the semi-final against England, the team wanted to start on a positive note. Many felt that until 6:40 PM, one should avoid any activity. The team management agreed, and practice was postponed by an hour,” a BCCI source confirmed to The Indian Express.

India Advanced To Semi-Final After Beating West Indies In Super Eight

The Men in Blue confirmed their berth in the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 after beating West Indies in the Super Eight at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

India clinched a commanding five-wicket win over West Indies on Sunday, March 1.

Sanju Samson was named the 'Player of the Match' following his match-winning knock in Kolkata. He played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs from 50 balls at a strike rate of 194.00. He slammed 12 fours and four sixes during his time on the crease.

India secured the second place in the Super Eight with four points and a net run rate of +0.106. The Men in Blue have played three Super Eight matches and clinched two wins and conceded one defeat.