Cricket and chewing gum are inseparable. Imagine your favorite cricketer chewing through a century or a five-wicket haul. Chewing gum is more than just a habit; it keeps them hydrated, focused, and relaxed under pressure. Wondering which chewing gum cricketers use? Well, let’s explore. But first, let’s see how chewing gum works its magic.
Why do cricketers chew gum?
Chewing gum is a soft, flavorful confection you chew but don’t swallow. It has benefits galore for cricketers.
1. Ease Stress and Anxiety
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The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggests that chewing gum can reduce feelings of anxiety. How? Well, it activates certain parts of your brain, like the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate stress.
According to another study, chewing increases blood oxygen levels in key areas (prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus) linked to learning and memory. That allows your brain to deal with stress hormones effectively.
The bottom line: Cricketers who chew gum can stay focused and in control, and make better decisions in high-pressure situations. Who knew something as simple as chewing gum could boost cricketers’ performance?
2. Stay Hydrated and Poised for Performance
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Research tells us that hydration is key for staying sharp and focused. When players stay hydrated, they’re less likely to feel tired, lose concentration, or run out of steam. Guess what? Chewing gum helps with it in more ways than one.
Increased Salivation:
Chewing gum makes saliva glands work overtime. More chewing means more saliva, containing water, electrolytes, and enzymes. It helps cricketers avoid dry mouths and throats in the hot, humid conditions of the Indian Subcontinent.
Thirst Sensation:
Cricketers often play in scorching weather, where they lose fluids rapidly. Chewing gum reminds them to keep sipping water, preventing dehydration and keeping them at the top of their game.
3. Instant Energy Boost
For good or bad, chewing gum comes loaded with sugar. When players chew it, the gum releases sugar into their bodies, which quickly converts into glucose. Their body doesn’t have to work too hard to process glucose, which goes straight into the bloodstream for quick energy. Think of it as a power-up for your cells because it releases high-energy molecules called ATP. The instant energy boost helps cricketers perform at their best when it matters the most.
4. Helps Find Their Groove
Cricket is all about rhythm. When a cricketer finds his rhythm, his performance peaks. Whether the player is facing express pace or tricky spin, a bowler bowling his wits out, or a fielder under a skier, rhythm matters. Think of Virender Sehwag, who sang in his mind to find his groove against top bowlers. Again, chewing gum comes to the cricketers’ rescue, not specifically for Sehwag though. Wondering how? Well, research reveals that chewing gum kicks your brain into high gear. It relays messages faster to different body parts, resulting in better hand-eye coordination and rhythm.
5. Inspiring Confidence
From Steve Wagh and Mohinder Amarnath carrying red handkerchiefs onto the field to Sachin Tendulkar wearing his left pad first, superstitions have always been a part of cricket folklore. Some cricketers even use chewing gum as a part of their pre-game ritual, believing it brings them luck. Scientifically, superstitions boost players’ confidence and make them feel more in control. And sometimes, when their performance dazzles us, we can’t help but wonder if there’s a sprinkle of luck involved! It’s a placebo effect, where beliefs influence performance, even without a scientific basis.
6. It’s Legal
No ICC law restricts cricketers from using chewing gum. Its legal status may not be the prime reason why cricketers use chewing gum, but it is a key contributing factor nonetheless. But it’s a different story if cricketers use it to tamper with the ball—like what happened with Faf du Plessis. The glucose in chewing gum helps shine the ball, which might give seam and swing bowlers an unfair advantage. So, it’s labeled “ball tampering” and can land practitioners in trouble.
Which Chewing Gum Brands Cricketers Use? Preferences & Controversies
While chewing gum is an advantage for cricketers, not all chew it. High-caliber players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Rohit Sharma rely on their skills, focus, and resilience rather than psychogenic aids. However, when it comes to chewing gum used by cricketers, nothing much is known. It boils down to preference and availability. Barring a few, not many players stick to a particular chewing gum brand.
Vivian Richards: Wrigley’s Chewing Gum
Imagine Vivian Richards, the iconic cricketer, strolling onto the field with that unmistakable swagger. What made him stand out? Well, apart from his jaw-dropping shots, there was that ever-present chewing gum, usually Wrigleys. It was a statement. With every stride, Richards seemed to say, “I’ve got this under control.” And oh, how he did! Chewing gum became part of his legend, accentuating his style and confidence in a way only Sir Viv Richards could pull off.
Conversing with Shane Watson, Viv opined, “You have 11 men out there and the umpires — you felt outnumbered. And that (chewing gum) was my little piece. It made me sort of look cool, calmed me down, it gave me sort of a rhythm. That was a companion for me at the time. I made sure every time I walked out there I had chewing gum in my mouth. It got a bit stale if you are batting long enough but it was all good.” Who can dare to disagree with the King?
Krishnamachari (Kris) Srikkanth: Big Fun
Kris strode onto the pitch with his signature swagger, a piece of chewing gum in his mouth. It wasn’t just about the gum; it was about the attitude it symbolized. The way he chewed gum with gusto reflected his bold and aggressive style of play and the desire to dominate. With every explosive shot he played, the gum seemed to bounce along with him, adding to his aura. Kris preferred Big Fun, the bubble gum brand that handed out free collectible cricket cards with cricketers’ profiles during the 1987 ICC World Cup. All 90’s kids have grown up chewing it.
Kapil Dev: Big Fun
Adjudged the Indian Cricketer of the Century ahead of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil is an icon with an enduring legacy. Whether it’s hitting the ball out of the park, bowling those deadly swingers, or marshaling resources as a skipper, Kapil was always in control. The way he chewed Big Fun speaks for his indomitable spirit and unwavering focus associated with champions. After all, he wasn’t just a player but a symbol of hope, resilience, and excellence, an inspiration for a whole generation. Leading his team to the 1983 World Cup title, he changed Indian cricket for good.
Aaron Finch
Meet Aaron Finch, the former Australian white-ball captain and poster boy for bubble gum. You’ll catch him with gum in his mouth, whether he was smashing boundaries or taking stunning catches. It’s his trademark and a style statement. Finch’s love for gum is so strong that he doesn’t mind splurging on it. Answering a fan, he stated, “Well, we are lucky that in most changing rooms that we are going to, there is some supply (of chewing gum). When we travel with the Australian team we always take a big amount so that’s nice. I’ve got plenty here with me for the IPL. I am not sure when it started or how it started but, I think it was a nervous thing when I first started and it has just become a habit.”
Ben Stokes: Wrigley’s Extra Gum
Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Ben made his way to England as a kid, and the rest is history. The English cricket sensation has made his mark with his explosive batting, fiery bowling, and those jaw-dropping catches. Stokes is all about going big or going home. He’s not afraid to take on any challenge, especially in those nail-biting moments. Remember his epic performance in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final? Besides skills and a never-say-die attitude, Wrigley’s Extra keeps him calm, composed, and on his toes, ready for whatever comes his way.
Steve Smith: Orbit
Steve Smith, the Aussie cricket legend, has had quite the rollercoaster ride in the game. From spinning balls to smashing centuries, he’s done it all. Starting as a leg-spinner, he quickly switched gears to become a batting sensation. His style? Totally out of the box. And yup, he’s a gum chewer too who likes to chomp away on Orbit, Australia’s leading chewing gum brand. Perhaps, it keeps him cool and collected when the pressure’s on, and pushes him into the groove against quality bowlers. After all, there has to be some explanation for his weird yet impactful batting style.
Virat Kohli
Perhaps the best batsman of his generation, Virat has a reputation for an aggressive batting style, a complete array of strokes, and a never-give-up attitude. Born and raised in Delhi, Kohli has been smashing records, chasing down totals, and occasionally courting controversies. He is often seen chewing gum on and off the field. We don’t know the exact brand he chews, but given his flamboyance, Mastika Gold is our wild guess. Enveloped in edible 22-karat gold foil, it’s the World’s Most Expensive Chewing Gum brand. Interestingly, Kohli was caught on camera casually chewing gum during the Indian national anthem at Eden Gardens before the first Test against Sri Lanka. Controversial, right?
Faf Du Plessis
Faf du Plessis, the former South African captain, has a penchant for chewing gum and chewing-gum-related controversies. Known for his stellar fielding, reliable batting, and decent leadership skills, Faf has breached the ball-tampering law twice. He used his chewing gum to shine the ball each time for an unfair advantage over the batting teams. But what chewing gum does this cricketer chew? Well, it’s as big an enigma as his personality. Any guesses?
Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne is known as much for his long and crucial innings as for his love for chewing gum. You hardly catch him without a piece of gum in his mouth when he’s out there on the field. He did something unprecedented during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s only to draw strong emotions. The cameras caught him dropping his gum on the ground while adjusting his gloves. And guess what? Without missing a beat, he just picked it up and popped it back in his mouth! Love it or hate it, Labuschagne’s gum-chewing antics are now a part of the cricketing folklore.
Conclusion
Cricketers and chewing gum go hand in hand. Beyond skill and strategy, the thing they chew helps them do wonders on the field. But which chewing gum do cricketers use? Well, it depends on the cricketers’ preferences, availability, and other factors. Plus, we have limited info on cricketers’ chewing gum brands; they prefer to keep it under wraps. Yet, we know why they chew it. So, if you like the content, stay tuned to Worldlywiser.com – the only stop for valuable info.
FAQs:
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Which chewing gum brands do cricketers eat?
Cricketers often keep their chewing gum brand preferences private, so specific details are scarce.
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Is there any brand known to be popular among cricketers?
While some brands might be more commonly seen, there isn’t a specific brand universally known to be popular among cricketers.
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Do cricketers endorse chewing gum brands?
Some cricketers may endorse chewing gum brands, but this doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal preference.
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Why do cricketers choose to chew gum during matches?
Cricketers often chew gum to help maintain focus, stay relaxed, and keep their mouths moist during matches.
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Does chewing gum provide any performance benefits for cricketers?
Chewing gum may help cricketers stay focused and relaxed, which boosts their performance on the field.
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Do cricketers have any specific rituals or superstitions related to chewing gum?
Some cricketers may have personal rituals or superstitions related to chewing gum, but these vary from player to player.
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Is there any scientific evidence supporting the use of chewing gum for cricketers?
While there may not be specific scientific studies on cricketers and chewing gum, research on gum’s effects on focus and relaxation could indirectly apply to cricket.
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A wordsmith, avid traveler, rationalist, brand loyalist, sports-freak, and an independent researcher, Rohit has authored 18000 writeups for some of the leading online and offline publications in the past 10 years. He digs into information, weaves narratives, and distills complex subjects into engaging content.