Sachin Tendulkar’s Left Pad First
Arguably the most famous superstition in cricket belongs to the Master Blaster himself. Throughout his storied 24-year career, Sachin Tendulkar would always put on his left leg pad before his right one. He considered this a strict pre-match ritual that
helped him get into his mental zone before walking out to bat. This habit became so well-known that fans and commentators would often look for it as part of his preparation. Tendulkar has downplayed it as more of a habit than a superstition, but it remained a constant feature of his routine from his debut to his final match. It’s a simple act, but for a player who carried the weight of a billion expectations, this small piece of consistency was a crucial psychological anchor.
Virender Sehwag’s On-Field Concert
While most batters are consumed by intense focus, Virender Sehwag had a famously relaxed approach: he would sing. The explosive opener was well-known for humming or whistling Bollywood songs while facing down the world's fastest bowlers. Teammates and opponents alike have shared stories of Sehwag’s musical interludes at the crease. Former captain Sourav Ganguly recalled Sehwag whistling nonchalantly before a high-stakes run chase. This habit wasn't just a quirk; it was a mental strategy. Sehwag himself has said that singing helped him stay calm, clear his mind of pressure, and stick to his simple philosophy: see the ball, hit the ball. On several occasions, he was even caught on camera hitting a six while in the middle of a classic Kishore Kumar or Atif Aslam song.
Lasith Malinga and the Kiss of Respect
Before every single delivery, Sri Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga performed a signature ritual: he would gently kiss the cricket ball. With his unique, slinging action and a fearsome reputation for bowling toe-crushing yorkers, this moment of tenderness provided a stark contrast. Malinga explained in an interview that this habit, which he maintained from the very beginning of his career, was a sign of respect for the ball and for his profession. For him, cricket was his job and life, and the ball was his primary tool. This small gesture became an iconic part of his run-up, a personal moment of focus before unleashing mayhem on the batsman.
Steve Smith's Theatrical Tics
Watching Steve Smith bat is like watching a theatre performance filled with elaborate rituals. The Australian maestro is famous for a whole series of fidgets and tics he performs before facing each ball. These include adjusting multiple pieces of his gear, tapping his pads, and a very pronounced shuffle across the crease. While some might find it distracting, for Smith, it is a crucial part of his process. He has other superstitions too, such as changing his batting gloves every 20-30 minutes and having his shoelaces taped to his socks because the sight of the laces bothered him. Though his technique is considered unconventional, these repetitive movements help him get his body and mind perfectly aligned, allowing him to judge the ball with incredible precision.
Virat Kohli's Equipment Superstitions
Modern-day icon Virat Kohli also has his share of beliefs, many of which are tied to his equipment. During an Instagram session with football manager Pep Guardiola, Kohli admitted he has a superstition about batting in white shoes, saying they help him get into his performance zone. In the past, he was also known to be superstitious about his gloves. When in a rich vein of form, he would continue using the same pair of gloves, even if they were worn out, believing they held his luck and rhythm. While he may have moved past some of these habits, they highlight the deep psychological connection players can form with their gear, turning simple items into powerful talismans for success.
