As India gear up for the pivotal Manchester Test, it’s not just bat and ball doing the preparation—the team’s dressing room playlist is playing an equally significant role. The eclectic mix of devotional chants, English pop, and Punjabi hits is designed to create the right mental atmosphere, blend focus with energy, and forge a sense of unity among the players.
The playlist begins on a spiritual note with the Hanuman Chalisa, a centuries-old devotional hymn recited in praise of Lord Hanuman. This has become a regular feature of India’s team environment, with players often seen listening or humming the verses before or during warmups. It’s not about religion, insiders say—it’s about invoking calm, clarity, and confidence. It’s a moment for the team to center themselves and find internal strength before taking on the pressure of the game.
Once the tone is set, the room shifts to something more upbeat. English pop tracks take over the speakers, bringing in high tempo and global energy. These songs, often familiar anthems known to all, help lighten the mood and signal a switch from meditation to preparation. The rhythm is calculated—it elevates adrenaline and brings sharpness before the tactical meetings and field drills begin.
The final layer comes from Punjabi music, a staple in Indian sporting culture. These tracks bring joy, hype, and a sense of home for many players in the squad. They’re perfect for loosening up, dancing around, or just singing along in the background. Whether it’s post-practice or pre-match, these songs keep spirits high and strengthen bonds. Players from all backgrounds—whether from Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai or Ranchi—join in, turning the dressing room into a collective celebration of rhythm and camaraderie.
This soundscape reflects more than just musical preferences. It shows how the modern Indian cricket team blends tradition with trend, spiritual focus with contemporary energy. In high-pressure matches like the one coming up in Manchester, such rituals are part of mental conditioning—training the mind to stay relaxed, sharp, and united.
The music also serves as an emotional anchor. For players far from home and under constant scrutiny, these familiar sounds provide comfort, identity, and a shared pulse. It allows them to enter the field not just as individuals but as a tightly knit group powered by common rituals.
With the Manchester Test around the corner, this playlist is part of the team’s silent preparation. It underscores a deeper belief: winning starts not just on the field, but in the mind. And music, in its many forms, has become a crucial part of that journey.