Off-field cricket quirks

As a sports loving (or sports watching) nation, our one-ness with the game is unique in any way you see it. Starting from buying new TVs to arguing over fantasy teams and quoting (questionable) match statistics to decimating the living room over an LBW-- our love of sports has to be seen to be believed!

And that's not even the half-way stop mark.  Whether it's pre-game, mid-game or post-game or even during off-season, nothing comes close to the seriously funny quirks that happen only in front of the television screens during cricket season!

THE LUCKY ARRIVAL

There is always this one family member or friend, who upon entering the room, brings along a bowled out or three consecutive boundaries.

This certain breed has the good fortune of bulking up during games on snacks and other goodies wherever they go. Now if only their luck could work on other things as well!

THE HARBINGER OF ALL WOES

The lucky arrival's exact polar opposite is this woeful type. The opposition scores a hefty 40 runs in mere four overs, or heaven forbid, the home team simply keels over from losing four wickets in a row -- all because a particular person just merely passed by the TV room. The unlucky soul has nowhere to go during the game season. Unwelcome and stuck in his or her solitary confinement, they are prone to sending out #IHateSports on twitter as the team rolls to victory.

TO SIT OR TO STAND

Ever had that bizarre predicament that every odd minute you stand up at home, something phenomenal happens on the field? That difficult, set batsman, who was stuck in for the last twenty overs, suddenly gets run out the minute you stood up. One-time deal or true miracle of standing? Well for the sake of the game, keep standing!

BLAME IT ON THE SCREEN

Back when the colour TV was just gaining popularity, the black and white ruled as king. Neighbours crowded around the new marvel and it was a common saying at that time -- "Seeing in colour is bad luck when you are not at the field."

This translated into the 21st century version as "That curved screen is not helping" or "I'm telling you, the 45-inch screen changed the last over!" Pretty soon, the VR headsets will be too lucky (or unlucky) for being too real!

Once upon a time, the number 111 struck a certain air of glee or disappointment both on and off field. Certain individuals even did ritualistic anti-bad luck jigs to ward off the cursed number. With so many high-lows in the game, the players need the best of good luck charms to not get blind-sided. As spectators, gear up (or down) in front of your TV or mobile, support your team – and don't forget to enjoy the game!