The 4th ODI at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram was witnessing a batting masterclass, but local MP Shashi Tharoor believes his arrival might have accidentally jinxed the show. India’s openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, were in destructive form, building a record-breaking partnership of 162 runs. Mandhana was cruising on 80, and Verma was smashing it at 79, with both looking set for centuries. However, the moment Tharoor entered the stadium, the wickets tumbled, sparking a funny superstitious debate.

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Shashi Tharoor, who had a delayed journey from Delhi, reached the stadium during the 15th over. India was sitting pretty at 148 for no loss. But almost immediately after he took his seat, both set batters were dismissed. The Congress leader, known for his love of the game, felt he was the one who brought the "bad luck" into the stands.

He took to social media to share the incident, "Am at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram for the 4th #INDWvsSLW ODI. After a delayed flight from Delhi , I arrived in the 15th over, with India 148 for no loss. Had barely settled down when both openers fell! Guess I am out of luck — and worse that I might have brought bad luck in with me!"

The tweet instantly caught the attention of cricket fans. Many found the "jinx" theory hilarious, while others appreciated his presence at the venue.

One fan offered a cheeky piece of advice to help India recover:

"Haha, maybe just step out for a chai and let India settle again sometimes superstition is part of the fun of watching cricket!"

Another fan noted how common these feelings are among sports lovers: "Cricket superstition unlocked"

A third fan highlighted the bigger picture, the excellent playing conditions in Thiruvananthapuram compared to the smog in the north:

"It's great u r promoting girls cricket too and congratulations finally BCCI agreed to ur suggestion of hosting matches at Trivandrum @ShashiTharoor finally we will have match with great visibility and low AQI and smog levels"

While Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma missed their hundreds, the match provided plenty of entertainment, both on the field and in the stands for Shashi Tharoor.