Cricket may be a game of numbers, stats, and skill—but for many players, it’s also a game of rituals, lucky charms, and weird habits. From wearing a certain glove first to never changing socks during a winning streak, superstition is alive and well on the pitch.
Here are the Top 5 strangest (and real!) superstitions followed by top cricketers:
🧤 1. Sachin Tendulkar’s Left Pad First Ritual
The Master Blaster had one of the most methodical routines in cricket—and always wore his left pad first before heading out to bat.
He once admitted that breaking this habit made him feel “off” mentally, no matter how well he was playing.
🗣️ “It gave me a sense of balance, calm… even if it had no logic.”
👕 2. Steve Waugh’s Red Handkerchief
Australian legend Steve Waugh always carried a red rag or handkerchief in his pocket—given to him by his late grandfather.
He believed it brought him luck, and it became a quiet symbol of his success and mental focus during matches.
🩸 Superstition or sentimental anchor? Maybe both.
🧦 3. Virat Kohli’s Lucky Accessories
Virat Kohli has been spotted wearing a black thread on his wrist and a kada (metal bracelet)—both believed to be for good luck and protection.
He also used to wear the same pair of gloves when in form, only switching when he felt the “touch” was gone.
💬 “Some things just feel right. You don’t mess with them.”
💇 4. Ravi Shastri’s No-Haircut During a Series Rule
During his playing days, Shastri believed getting a haircut mid-series would break his rhythm. He reportedly stuck to this rule throughout long tours—even if it meant looking shaggy by the end!
🩰 5. Kieron Pollard’s Odd Shoe Habit
The West Indian powerhouse Kieron Pollard wears his left shoe first, then taps the ground three times before walking to the crease.
It’s subtle, but cameras have caught him repeating this almost every game—T20, ODI, or franchise league.
👟 Small habit, big comfort zone.
🎯 Bonus Weird Habits
- Anil Kumble refused to talk to anyone just before bowling his first over.
- Mohammad Hafeez once refused to bat at a different number, citing “vibes.”
- David Warner always taps his bat on the pitch a certain number of times between deliveries.
- MS Dhoni never celebrates milestones mid-innings—not even centuries.
🔍 Why So Superstitious?
For elite athletes, mental comfort and control are everything. Superstitions give players:
- A sense of routine
- A mental edge
- A feeling that they’ve done everything “right” before going into battle
And sometimes, they just work.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Cricketers may be professionals, but deep down, they’re human—and humans love rituals. Whether it’s lucky pads, untouchable shirts, or sacred silence, these quirks add flavor to the sport we love.
💬 TL;DR:
- Sachin: Left pad first
- Steve Waugh: Red rag
- Kohli: Black thread & bracelet
- Shastri: No haircuts during series
- Pollard: Left shoe first, triple tap
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