Watch: USA players offer prayers at Tirumala Temple ahead of upcoming challenge during T20 World Cup 2026

The USA players visited Andhra Pradesh's Tirumala Temple today, February 17, to offer prayers ahead of their upcoming challenge in the T20 World Cup 2026. The players were seen seeking blessings from Lord Venkateswara as they prepared for a crucial phase in the tournament. 

In a video that went viral on social media, the team's captain, Monank Patel, with players Milind Kumar and Saurabh Netravalkar, was spotted at the temple early in the morning. The team has many Indian-origin players, and hence, they visited the temple to seek blessings. 

Watch the video here:

The USA have been performing really well in the tournament and are currently in the second position in the points table in Group A. Meanwhile, the USA players have performed well in the ICC event, and hence, are in the top two spots. They qualified for the Super 8 in the previous edition of the World Cup and have a good chance of doing it again this time. 

Can USA qualify for Super 8 in T20 World Cup 2026?

If we look at the USA team, they have started playing cricket recently, but have managed to make it to the Super 8 in the T20 World Cup 2024. The USA have emerged as a competitive force in associate cricket in recent years, registering notable performances and pushing established teams in global tournaments.

Their participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 marks another important chapter in their cricketing journey. This year too, the USA are on the verge of qualifying for the knockouts if Pakistan lose their next match against Namibia. Both Pakistan and the USA have four points now, but the latter's NRR is better.

Hence, they are in the second position of the points table, below India. They have won two out of four matches. Many players have performed for the team in times of crisis, and hence, that has helped them to be in a strong position.