Beyond the incredible talent and historic victories, what makes a cricket legend truly iconic? Sometimes, it's the small, unshakeable habits and superstitions that reveal the personality behind the player. These are the routines they swore by.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Left Pad First
For the
Master Blaster, every monumental innings began with a simple, deliberate action: putting on his left pad before his right. This wasn't just a random choice; it was a non-negotiable part of his pre-game ritual, a habit he maintained throughout his storied career. Tendulkar believed this specific sequence brought him luck and helped him find his mental focus before walking out to the crease. It became so well-known that fans and teammates alike associated the habit with the legend himself. His dedication to this ritual was so intense that he also famously had his favourite bat repaired multiple times rather than switch to a new one, believing it held the key to his runs. This habit gives a small glimpse into the meticulous mindset of a player who carried the hopes of a billion people every time he batted.
Sourav Ganguly: The Guru in His Pocket
Sourav Ganguly, the 'Prince of Kolkata', was known for his aggressive captaincy that transformed the Indian team. But on the field, he carried a source of calm and guidance with him at all times. Ganguly made it a point to keep a photograph of his guru in his pocket during matches. This habit was a personal source of strength for the skipper, a quiet ritual amidst the roar of the crowd. It was his way of staying grounded and focused, especially during the high-pressure situations that came with leading the national side out of a tumultuous period. Along with the photograph, Ganguly was also known for wearing rings and other spiritual items, showing a deep reliance on personal faith to navigate his celebrated career.
Rahul Dravid: The Right Thigh Pad Ritual
Known as 'The Wall' for his impeccable defence and unwavering concentration, Rahul Dravid's habits were as disciplined as his batting. Before facing a single ball, Dravid had a strict routine: he always put on his right thigh pad first. He has mentioned that this habit started due to the cold conditions in England, where getting hit on the thigh was particularly painful, but it soon became an essential part of his mental preparation. This small act was a switch that helped him get into the zone. Another one of his quirks was a reluctance to use a new bat in a new series, preferring to stick with what was familiar and trusted. For a player defined by precision and process, these habits were the building blocks of his legendary focus.
Anil Kumble: The Sachin Connection
Anil Kumble’s most famous habit is tied to one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. During his record-breaking 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999, a unique superstition was born. Every time Kumble was about to bowl an over, he would hand his cap and sweater to Sachin Tendulkar, who would then pass them to the umpire. As the wickets kept tumbling, this routine became a fixed, unchangeable part of the process. What started by chance became a powerful superstition that the whole team, led by Tendulkar, believed in. It wasn’t just Kumble’s habit; it became a shared ritual on a day when history was made, forever linking his greatest achievement to this specific routine.
MS Dhoni: The Habit of Calmness
While many legends have superstitions, MS Dhoni's most defining habit was a state of mind: his extraordinary calmness under pressure. 'Captain Cool' made a conscious practice of controlling his emotions, no matter the situation. Dhoni explained that getting angry doesn't help, especially with millions watching, and he always tried to understand the reason for a mistake rather than react to it. While he did have his own quirks, like a preference for the number 7 jersey (his birth date is July 7), his most powerful routine was his mental resilience. This cultivated habit of staying composed allowed him to make sharp, instinctive decisions that won India countless matches, including World Cups, turning his temperament into his greatest on-field weapon.
Virender Sehwag: The Numberless Jersey
Virender Sehwag, one of cricket's most destructive opening batsmen, was known for his fearless approach. For a portion of his career, this fearlessness was backed by a unique superstition. After wearing jersey number 44 for some time, he was advised by a numerologist to play without any number on his back at all. He famously sported a plain, numberless jersey, a rare sight in modern cricket. The belief was that this would bring him better luck, and for a player who scored two Test triple centuries, it’s hard to argue with the results. While he eventually moved on from this, the image of Sehwag smashing boundaries with no number on his back remains an iconic part of his legacy.
