A lot of ace cricketers are superstitious. Not only do they have exceptional bat and ball skills, but they also believe that following a few very specific superstitions will help them win matches. We won’t be upset if those beliefs are false as long as it helps them concentrate and win games.
Some of these superstitions might feel bizarre to many netizens. Cricket fans will be amused to find out some of the most unusual superstitions. These ace cricketers have stunned their fans with their habits. Check them out below.
Superstitions of ace cricketers:
1. Sachin Tendulkar and his left pad first charm:
Even the Master Blaster, for all his skill, feels lucky when he puts on his left pad before his right. Before the 2011 World Cup, which was the one competition he had always hoped to win, he also had his lucky bat fixed.
2. Virat Kohli and his favourite pair of gloves:
Our generation’s Tendulkar also once subscribed to superstition! When he first started scoring goals, he would always wear the same pair of gloves. But eventually, he most likely realised that all it took to succeed was talent and dedication. Right now, nobody knows where that pair is!
3. Yuvraj Singh and his birthday number on his jersey:
December 12th is Yuvraj Singh’s birthday, and he considers it to be his lucky number. In addition, he wears a black thread bracelet, known as a kalava.
4. R Ashwin with his lucky bag during the 2011 World Cup:
R Ashwin carried a bag that he felt was auspicious not just for him but for the whole Indian team. He only participated in two World Cup games, but he was a major factor in every game that India won.
5. Sourav Ganguly and the photo of his Guruji in his pocket:
His grace has earned him the title “God of the Offside,” and he was a firm believer in pocketing good fortune. Whenever he was on the pitch, he always made sure his guru’s photo was in his pocket. He also thought it was lucky to wear Maalas and rings.
6. Virendra Sehwag and his numberless jersey:
While he was wearing the number 44 jersey, things weren’t going too well for him. He therefore chose to wear a numberless shirt after speaking with a numerologist, and ever since, the bowlers have hardly had the opportunity to see the back of that jersey.
7. MS Dhoni with his lucky number on the back:
If fortune has been on Mahi’s side, then he has the number 7 to thank for being an incredible captain. He wears that number on his jersey because July 7th is his birthday.
8. Zaheer Khan’s lucky handkerchief:
In every important match, the Indian pacer with the left arm would make it a point to have a lucky yellow handkerchief with him. He has had a prosperous career in addition to performing some incredible spells for India. That handkerchief was very helpful!
9. Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul Totka:
Anil Kumble once tied the world record for most wickets taken in an innings while playing against Pakistan. He took a wicket during that match each time he gave Sachin his cap and jumper before he bowled.
10. Mohinder Amarnath and his lucky ‘fielding’ handkerchief:
Unquestionably, Amarnath is an Indian cricket legend. He always made sure to have his fortunate red handkerchief in his pocket when he was playing. During the 1983 World Cup, he excelled and took the final wicket to help India win the trophy.
11. Mohammad Azharuddin and his black Tabeez:
Usually, a ball thrown towards his legs landed at the fence. In addition, he excelled in the field and consistently wore a black Tabeez. But he believed that letting it hang out of his jersey would improve his luck whenever he batted.
12. Rahul Dravid and his right thigh pad first rule:
One of the most technical batsmen in cricket history is The Wall. But the secret to his unbeatable defence was that he never tried out a new bat before a series and always put on his right thigh pad first before taking the pitch.
13. Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth’s walk on the right side:
The reputation of Kris Srikkanth was his prolific scoring. When he entered the bat, he made sure to walk to the right of his partner. India was having trouble against Pakistan in the 1986–1987 Test series finale. Gavaskar asked Srikkanth if he could bat from the right side of the field during his final game. Even though India lost, Gavaskar had one of his greatest innings.
14. Kapil Dev’s glorious World Cup century supported by ‘statued’ Indian Players:
India was trailing Zimbabwe 17–5 in the 1983 World Cup quarterfinal when the captain took the pitch and began to play with assurance. Man Singh, the manager of Team India, then asked the players not to get up from their seats. Yes, not even to use the loo. Kapil finished with a score of 175 not out, which ultimately contributed to India’s victory.
15. Sanath Jayasuriya with his checking his kit before each ball:
In cricket history, he is renowned for hitting one of the fastest fifties and hundreds. Throughout the first fifteen overs, he was the one who began slogging bowlers left, right, and centre. Despite his skill, he would always check his pockets, gloves, helmet and pads before taking a shot.
16. Micheal Clarke and his music obsession:
The Australian mastermind has taken many hits that have made him more well-known. He feels that it is lucky for him to listen to loud music before batting because it improves his concentration.
17. Mahela Jayawardene and his favourite bat:
One of the greatest batsmen Sri Lanka has ever produced, he has also come through for his team and won numerous games on his own for the Lankans. He is known to kiss his bat frequently while batting, which is the source of his superstition.
18. Steve Waugh’s lucky red handkerchief:
He is regarded as a real gentleman and one of the greatest captains in sports history. Both as a player and as captain, he has frequently delivered for his group. His grandmother had given him a red handkerchief, which he always carried in his pocket. He feels fortunate to have it!
19. Teams glued to a certain position:
When Kapil Dev began taking advantage of the bowlers in the 1983 World Cup match against Zimbabwe, players were forbidden from shifting positions in hopes of winning. This prevented Kris Srikkanth, who was standing outside the changing room on a chilly, windy day, from leaving his spot for the next two hours—not even to answer nature’s call. A similar thing happened when Kaif and Yuvraj began playing well in 2002.
20. Supernatural magic of left foot and shoe:
Dale Steyn always puts his left foot on the pitch first when he steps onto it. While Brett Lee used to always put on his left shoe first, this is his symbolic action, which he believes to be fortunate for himself. The secret to landing on the fortunate left side is only known by god.
Superstition is prevalent in all sports and has been shown to boost ace cricketers’ self-confidence. Only they know how much they depend on it, but their performances always leave us wondering if chance really does play a role!
So, this was all about the ace cricketers and their superstitions. Also read, Top 10 MOST hated cricketers of All-Time in the world!
