Historic First, Sept. 13 -- In an unprecedented moment in international sports history, India's national song, Vande Mataram, was played and sung on the field before the national anthem during the first T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The landmark pre-match ritual follows guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which mandate playing the six-stanza rendition of the national song prior to Jana Gana Mana at official events. On the pitch, captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl, marking the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and opener Sanju Samson to the playing XI.

Indian Players Sing Vande Mataram Before National Anthem in 1st T20I

History was created at the Arun Jaitley Stad...