WC 2015 IND vs AUS: Special prayers, ‘yagnas’ held for MS Dhoni-led Team India

Bhubaneswar: Special prayers and 'yagnas' are being held across the country for the Indian cricket team as they face Australia in the World Cup semifinal on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Supporters held 'yagnas' for the team's win in Ranchi and Chennai while special prayers were also held for the same at the Wagheshwari temple in Mumbai.

Indian pacer Mohammad Shami's family also offered prayers for the team's win. Like a racehorse trained to peak for the big race after months of preparation, Indian cricketers are confident they have timed their run to perfection at the World Cup.

Team India have already spent four months in Australia with nothing to show for their efforts. Beaten by Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, then by Australia and England in the Tri-Series, India's hopes of winning the World Cup seemed slim when the tournament started more than a month ago.

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However, after seven straight wins, India are starting to resemble the team that won the sport's greatest spectacle four years ago.

Ravindra Jadeja's sisters, Padmini and Naina, also sent their wishes to Team India. "This is his first World Cup and India have already won seven matches by now. We want Ravindra to give his 100 per cent in the semifinal. It is a collective effort so we want India to play well and get back the World Cup," Padmini told ANI.

"We are in complete support of India and want India to get back the World Cup. It was always Ravindra's dream to play for World Cup," said Naina.