Top News

PTC Web Desk: With the India–New Zealand ODI series tied at 1-1, the third and final match in Indore has become a must-win clash for Team India. However, preparations for the high-voltage encounter are not limited to on-field strategies alone. Off the field, the Indian cricket team has reportedly taken exceptional precautions over drinking water, amid growing concerns surrounding a contaminated water crisis in the city.

Despite Indore’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities, recent reports of water contamination and multiple fatalities have put authorities on alert. Against this backdrop, Team India has opted for an additional layer of safety.

According to a report in NDTV, Indian captain Shubman Gill, who is staying with the team at a five-star hotel, has brought a high-end water purification machine worth nearly Rs 3 lakh. The specialised device is capable of re-purifying even RO-filtered and packaged bottled water. It has reportedly been installed inside Gill’s personal hotel room.

As per  NDTV, the Indian team’s media manager declined to comment on the development and did not confirm whether the precaution was linked to the recent water-related deaths in Indore or was part of the captain’s routine personal health protocol.

While the hotel and the Holkar Stadium reportedly have adequate arrangements for safe drinking water, including RO systems and packaged bottles, the Indian team appears to be leaving nothing to chance.

This cautious approach is not new within the Indian dressing room. Senior batter Virat Kohli is well known for his strict fitness and hydration discipline. Kohli reportedly consumes Evian Natural Spring Water, imported from France, as part of his personal health routine.

The heightened alert comes amid disturbing developments in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, where contaminated water has claimed 23 lives so far. The state government has acknowledged 15 deaths before the High Court, while compensation has been extended to 21 affected families. Of the six patients currently admitted to the ICU, one has been shifted to a general ward, while three remain on prolonged ventilator support.

Alongside fitness and safety, faith also played a role in the team’s preparations. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir recently visited the Baglamukhi Temple in Agar Malwa district, where he participated in Vedic rituals and a havan. Star cricketer Virat Kohli and spinner Kuldeep Yadav offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, attending the revered Bhasma Aarti and spending nearly two hours in the Nandi Hall. KL Rahul also visited the Mahakal temple to seek blessings ahead of the decisive match.