While many other sports have gained popularity over the past decade, cricket continues to dominate the hearts and mind of Indians across generations, including Gen Z. Come summer, and the nation becomes divided when the Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing. In a format which enables miracles to happen every week, even the most rational fans can turn superstitious and adapt highly personalised match day rituals. Passionate cricket fans, no matter which team they support or player they worship, don their lucky jerseys, keep their fingers crossed as they sit glued to their seats every night. As match days transform living rooms into altars of hope, we delve into the heartfelt and at times hilarious superstitions that Gen Z fans have adapted to make sure their beloved teams win. After all, in the high-stakes drama of the IPL, can you really afford to take any chances?
That match, that incredible comeback, cemented my unwavering faith in MI and my slightly bizarre pre-game rituals
“Okay, so it`s not even funny how serious I get,” confesses social media manager Sayeed Masood Ahmed. The 23-year-old is a devout fan of Mumbai Indians (MI) and never forgets to don his favourite jersey. “What I love about MI is their never-say-die attitude. They can be down and out, but they always find a way to fight back. For every match, I must wear this specific blue jersey – it`s faded and probably smells a bit, but it`s my lucky charm. It`s been with me through so many nail-biting victories,” he shares. When asked about match-day rituals beyond the jersey, Ahmed reveals an unexpected one, “I must eat exactly three jalebis before the first ball. Don`t ask me why three, it just has to be three. It’s a sweet start to what I hope will be a sweet victory.”
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He has been following the snack ritual for roughly four years, and recalls a nail-biting finish, “I remember this one match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a couple of seasons ago. It was the final over, we needed 11 runs with just two wickets in hand. I had my lucky jersey on, of course, and had religiously devoured my three jalebis. I was practically glued to my seat. Then, Jasprit Bumrah, of all people, came in and smashed a six off the second ball! The entire room erupted. The tension was still thick, but there was a glimmer of hope. With one run needed off the last ball, Bumrah somehow managed to flick it for a boundary. I was jumping up and down and hugging anyone within reach. That match, that incredible comeback, cemented my unwavering faith in MI and my slightly bizarre pre-game rituals. Come on, MI!”
They`re not just any socks, mind you. It`s a strategic sock situation!
“Being a Kannadiga through and through, my blood runs red and gold for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Being a fan of RCB, I can tell you none of the rituals ever seem to work but I have my methods,” admits Tushar K B, producer at a media organisation.
He lives in Bengaluru, the heart of RCB fandom, and has come up with several superstitious beliefs. “If we hit a four or six, or snag a crucial wicket, you won`t catch me moving an inch from my spot! It`s like I`m physically anchoring the good luck. And bathroom breaks? Absolutely out of the question until the final ball is bowled – hydration be damned,” he says emphatically.
The 23-year-old also has a pair of lucky booties which are worn in the direst of situations, “They`re not just any socks, mind you. It`s a strategic sock situation! If RCB is bowling, it`s a lone soldier on one foot, channelling all the focus. But when we`re batting, it`s double the sock power, both feet locked and loaded, sending all the positive vibes for a massive score! It might sound crazy, but when it comes to the dynamic points table, you`ve got to cling to whatever brings a sliver of hope, right?”
Cricket may be played by 11 on the field, but for fans like me, it’s always been a team sport
“It might seem cliched but cricket for me is more than just a game. When India takes the field, it feels like a thrilling celebration of the talent we have, and the love fans feel. I`ve got this one jersey I always wear, and if India`s winning, I won`t even budge from my spot. Superstitious? Maybe a little. But it feels like my way of being right there with the team,” shares student Chhavi Aggarwal.
Who does the Delhi-native support every summer? “When it comes to the IPL, there’s no debate. It’s always CSK. Why? One word: Dhoni,” she says animatedly. The almost mythical reverence of star players including Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to fuel this fandom and evoke unwavering support across the county. Aggarwal adds, “Supporting CSK feels like rooting for values I believe in—resilience, loyalty and grace under pressure. Honestly, just being able to watch Dhoni play feels like a privilege.
The 22-year-old shares her pre-match ritual that she swears by, “Cricket may be played by 11 on the field, but for fans like me, it’s always been a team sport—one where emotions, prayers and traditions play their part. Before high-stakes games, I often find myself lighting a diya or whispering a quiet prayer. It’s not just about the game on screen—it`s about the energy, the belief and the hope we fans pour in. Every six, every wicket, every tense last-over moment—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that I willingly ride every single time.”
