Impact of lunar eclipse on Team India’s practice session before IND vs ENG semi-finals, plan changed

Team India practise delayed for IND vs ENG: The second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is to be played between India and England in a high-voltage match on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Team India had reached Mumbai on March 2 and its first practice session was scheduled for March 3. But during the preparations for the semi-finals, an astronomical event changed the schedule.

Due to the lunar eclipse, the practice of the Indian team could not start on time. The session, which was held under evening lights, started late, which slightly affected the preparation rhythm of the players. However, the team management took charge of the situation and made necessary changes in the practice schedule.

IND vs ENG: Practice session started late due to lunar eclipse

India’s practice session at the Wankhede Stadium was scheduled from 6 pm to 9 pm. But due to the effect of the lunar eclipse, the players were not able to take the field before 7.20 pm. The floodlights of the stadium were also switched on only after 6.50 pm and initially not all the lights were switched on.

When the entire team came on the field, only then all the lights of the stadium were fully switched on. Due to this delay, the practice session time was slightly reduced, although the players tried to make full use of the time available.

IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya arrived in a different car

While most of the players reached the stadium via bus from the team hotel, Hardik Pandya did not come by the team bus but reached the ground in his personal car. Although this did not have any significant impact on the practice programme, this matter definitely remained a topic of discussion. Some support staff members of the team had already reached the field before the players and coaching staff. Despite this, the exercise could not start on time, because the reason for the delay was related to the lunar eclipse.

IND vs ENG: How long did the lunar eclipse last?

The duration of this lunar eclipse was approximately 3 hours 27 minutes. It started at 3:21 pm and ended at 6:47 pm. Due to this time period, the evening practice schedule was affected.

IND vs ENG: India-England clash in Wankhede

The semi-final match between India and England will be played at Wankhede Stadium only. This will be India’s second match on this ground in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Earlier, it had won against America here. This will be the third match for England at Wankhede. On this ground, he has won one close match and lost one. In such a situation, the semi-final battle is expected to be very exciting.