Cricket is not merely a sport in India; it’s a fervent passion that transcends boundaries, unites diverse communities, and ignites an unparalleled sense of national pride. Within this fervor, Indian cricketers emerge not just as athletes but as icons, often elevated to the status of deities in the hearts of millions. Their exploits on the field resonate far beyond the boundary ropes, weaving into the cultural fabric of the nation.
The global reach of cricket devotion
Indian cricketers are not merely admired; they are worshipped by legions of fans who find solace, joy, and identity in their exploits. Though, in recent years, the phenomenon of cricket worship has extended its reach beyond Indian players, thanks in large part to the global spectacle of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This premier T20 tournament has not only revolutionized the sport but also fostered a deep connection between fans and players from around the world.
Fan performs aarti for Pat Cummins
One such instance exemplifying this transcultural adoration occurred recently when Pat Cummins, the Australian pace sensation and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper, found himself the subject of fervent worship by an ardent fan. In a heartwarming display of admiration, a video went viral on social media capturing the moment when a fan performed ‘aarti’ – a Hindu ritual of reverence – to televised images of Cummins during the toss in SRH’s away game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 9th.
Here is the video:
Captain Sirr 🧡🧡✨✨
We Love you anna @patcummins30 !!#SRH #OrangeArmy @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/52MgYhJEvT— Underground (@Bharath_SRH4) April 9, 2024
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Shashank Singh & Ashutosh Sharma’s late flourish in vain as SRH beat PBKS in a thriller | IPL 2024
SRH’s Aussie heroes: David Warner’s legacy and Cummins’ ascendance
Notably, Cummins has joined a prestigious list of Australian cricketers who have earned adoration from SRH fans. David Warner, the prolific opener who captained SRH to an IPL championship victory in 2016, remains a beloved figure among the Hyderabad faithful.
Despite the conclusion of his tenure with SRH on a somewhat sour note, Warner continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Sunrisers supporters. Renowned for his engaging interactions with the crowd, Warner often delights fans by sharing videos of himself grooving to Telugu tunes and playfully mimicking popular gestures from the Tollywood film industry while on the field.