06 May,2009 11:10 AM IST | | Chetan R
Prabhu goes to a Shiva temple every time RCB is playing a match
While K P Appanna rolls his arm over the wicket to bundle out the opposition, his father rolls around temples praying for his and his team's success.
Royal Challengers' left arm spinner Appanna's father Kotramada Prabhu (56) rolls on the ground, all around a temple, to seek blessings for his son 'Appi' and his team.
After the RCB suffered consecutive losses in the second season of IPL, Prabhu began performing the ritual.
Appanna made his international debut on April 26 against the Delhi Daredevils.
He emerged a hero when he took Chris Gayle's wicket in the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. That wicket turned the tide for Bangalore.
RCB has also won three consecutive matches since, and are now vying for a top spot in the league.
"Appi is Shiva's devotee, which is why I'm performing rituals to that deity," Prabhu told MiD DAY.
Appanna's parents who live in a village called Kutta in Virajpet taluk.
Prabhu and his wife Rani do not come from an affluent. Nor do they have passports to fly to South Africa to be with their son in his moment of glory.
So they are doing what they think is best for him praying at the Peru Madu Ishwara temple for their son.
"The belief here is that your wishes comes true if you pray at his temple," said Prabhu. He plans to continue the ritual till the IPL ends.
After the four initial defeats, RCB won three matches in a row against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians.
"I performed urulu seve a day before RCB won against Mumbai Indians by a run," said Prabhu. "That's how it works... I will continue to pray for the team even if my son doesn't play."
Appanna touched
Appanna speaks to his parents every day on the phone and is said to have been deeply touched by their gesture, said his friend Somanna M.
"He promised to perform to his dad's expectations," Somanna said.
