Shubman Gill brings Rs 3 lakh water purifier amid Indore crisis
Team India arrived in Indore with a Rs 3 lakh water purification machine installed in captain Shubman Gill’s hotel room, taking extraordinary precautions ahead of the decisive third ODI against New Zealand . The move comes as Indore battles a contaminated water crisis that has claimed 23 lives in the Bhagirathpura area, with patients still on ventilator support in ICU . Despite staying at a five-star hotel with RO systems and bottled water, the BCCI is leaving nothing to chance, with the specialized device capable of re-purifying even already-treated water .
Extra layer of safety in India’s cleanest city
Team India is staying at a five-star hotel in Indore that has extensive arrangements for safe drinking water, including packaged bottles and RO filtration systems . However, NDTV learned from hotel sources that Shubman Gill brought along the specialized water purification machine worth nearly Rs 3 lakh, which can re-purify even RO-treated and packaged bottled water . The device has been installed inside Gill’s personal hotel room, though the team’s media manager declined to comment on whether this was directly linked to the recent water crisis or simply part of routine safety protocol .
The grim reality behind the precautions
The heightened alert is not without reason. In Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, contaminated water has claimed 23 lives, with the state government acknowledging 15 deaths in the High Court and providing compensation to 21 families . Of the six patients currently in ICU, one has been shifted to a general ward while three remain on ventilator support for an extended period . The tragedy has put a spotlight on water safety in a city that ironically holds the reputation of being India’s cleanest under the Swachh Bharat rankings.
Virat Kohli’s famous hydration standards
This level of caution is not entirely new to the Indian dressing room. Star batter Virat Kohli, known for his disciplined lifestyle and strict fitness regimen, is famously particular about hydration . One of Kohli’s well-known health rules is staying adequately hydrated, and he is known to drink Evian Natural Spring Water imported from France . His standards have set a benchmark for health and safety protocols within the team over the years.
Team India seeks blessings before decider
Alongside fitness and safety measures, Team India also turned to faith ahead of the crucial series decider. Head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the renowned Baglamukhi Temple in Agar Malwa district, where he participated in a havan and Vedic rituals . Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and spinner Kuldeep Yadav visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, taking part in the famous Bhasma Aarti and spending nearly two hours in the Nandi Hall . KL Rahul also offered prayers at the Mahakal temple before the match .
With the series locked at 1-1, India cannot afford any slip-ups—on or off the field. The water purification machine is just one example of how seriously the team and BCCI are taking player safety in a city dealing with a public health emergency.