NEW DELHI: The
New Zealand cricket team had the opportunity to meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the
Dalai Lama, at his residence in McLeod Ganj. The meeting took place ahead of the Blackcaps' upcoming match against Australia at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium.
The Dalai Lama, in a Twitter post, shared a photo of his meeting with the New Zealand cricket team and their families.
The team visited the spiritual leader's residence to seek his blessings and perhaps find inspiration before their upcoming match.
The Blackcaps previously played against India at the picturesque HPCA Stadium, where they faced a formidable Indian side led by captain Virat Kohli. Despite a valiant effort by New Zealand, India emerged victorious, marking an end to their 20-year losing streak against the Kiwis in ICC events.
During the game against New Zealand, India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami claimed a five-wicket haul (5/54), while Kohli's exceptional batting performance, with an unbeaten 95 runs, guided India to a four-wicket win. India's performance was marked by its ability to handle New Zealand's formidable 273-run target with two overs to spare.
The meeting with the Dalai Lama might serve as a source of motivation and positive energy for the New Zealand cricket team as they prepare to face Australia. Such interactions with spiritual leaders can provide a sense of calm and focus for athletes, helping them perform at their best on the field.
As the Blackcaps continue their cricketing journey in the ODI World Cup, the experience of meeting the Dalai Lama might become a cherished memory for the players and their families, offering a unique blend of spirituality and sportsmanship.
(With ANI inputs)