Sachin Tendulkar: The Left Pad Rule
The Master Blaster, arguably the greatest batsman of his generation, was famously superstitious about his gear. Before every single innings, Sachin Tendulkar would meticulously put on his left pad first. This ritual was an unshakeable part of his pre-match
routine throughout his 24-year career, a small act he believed brought him luck and focus at the crease. Beyond his pads, he was also known to get his favourite bats repaired rather than discard them. It wasn't just him; his wife Anjali reportedly stayed in the same spot while he was batting, creating a bubble of superstition that enveloped the entire nation.
Steve Waugh: The Red Handkerchief
Known for his 'tough as nails' attitude, legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh had a softer, more superstitious side. He always carried a red handkerchief in his pocket while playing. This was no ordinary piece of cloth; it was a gift from his grandmother and became his most trusted good luck charm. Waugh admitted to feeling uneasy without it on match days, and the red rag became as much a part of his iconic on-field presence as his gritty determination. The handkerchief became so famous that replicas were handed out to fans at his final Test match.
Rahul Dravid: The Right Thigh Pad First
In a perfect contrast to his long-time teammate Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul 'The Wall' Dravid had his own padding-up ritual. He would always put on his right thigh pad first before walking out to bat. For a player celebrated for his textbook technique and immense concentration, this small habit was a crucial part of his mental preparation. Dravid also had a rule about not using a brand new bat at the beginning of a series, preferring the comfort and familiarity of a trusted blade.
Virat Kohli: From Gloves to 'Kada'
Modern-day great Virat Kohli has also had his share of superstitious beliefs. During a particularly rich vein of form, he insisted on using the same pair of gloves that he felt were bringing him runs. While he eventually moved on from that specific habit for comfort, his attachment to certain items remained. For years, a significant superstition has been the 'kada' (a traditional bracelet) he has worn since 2012, along with black wristbands, which have become a familiar sight as he dominates bowlers worldwide.
Sourav Ganguly: Rings and a Guru's Photo
The 'Prince of Kolkata', who famously transformed the Indian team's attitude, was a deeply spiritual and superstitious man. Sourav Ganguly was known for wearing multiple rings on his fingers while playing and would always carry a photograph of his guru in his pocket for good luck. Some reports even suggest that during his captaincy, he would avoid shaving during Test matches as part of his ritualistic beliefs. These practices were his way of seeking fortune and focus on the field.
MS Dhoni: The Number 7 Connection
While many assume MS Dhoni's iconic number 7 jersey is a superstition, the man himself has clarified it's more personal than magical. He chose the number for a simple reason: his birthday is July 7th (7/7). However, the narrative around the number grew, with fans and commentators noting that his birth year was 1981 (8-1=7). Though he states he is not very superstitious about it, the number 7 has become synonymous with his brand of calm, successful leadership, and many of his personal vehicles also bear the number.
