Inside India’s Dressing Room: How a 16th-Century Lord Shiva Stuti Inspired The Oval Test Win

In a high-pressure series decider at The Oval, the Indian cricket team found an unusual source of strength, a centuries-old devotional chant.

As the tension mounted in the fifth Test against England, the Shri Shiva Rudrashtakam Stuti echoed through the dressing room every day, becoming a quiet but powerful part of India’s eventual six-run victory.

With the series at 1-2 and India needing a win to draw the contest, the stakes could not have been higher. But when early wickets fell in the first innings, the atmosphere dipped.

That’s when veteran throwdown specialist Raghavendra, fondly known as Raghu, played the Rudrashtakam over the speakers. What began as a small gesture soon became a five-day ritual.

Players and support staff described the hymn as bringing a “strange mix of peace and energy”.

One squad member said, “It wasn’t something we planned, but once it started, it became part of our environment.”

Others recalled similar moments in the past when devotional music, like the Hanuman Chalisa, lifted spirits before big games.

The Rudrashtakam, composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, praises Lord Shiva and is believed to offer strength, focus, and protection from negativity.

Legend says Lord Rama himself recited it before his battle with Ravana. For the Indian team, it served as a grounding force in the middle of an intense contest.

A Series to Remember

The Oval Test was a rollercoaster. India’s early stumbles were followed by steady fightbacks, and bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish.

With England falling just short of their 181-run chase, India squared the series 2-2.