Cricket is a game of fine margins, where victory and defeat can be decided by mere millimeters. Whether you’re a professional or a casual player, everyone seeks those small improvements that can enhance their performance.
1. Chewing gum helps players stay calm and focused.
Chewing gum has been scientifically shown to help players stay calm under pressure. In cricket, where maintaining composure is essential—whether it’s a batsman facing a 150KPH bowler or a fielder awaiting a catch—remaining relaxed can enhance performance. Recent research examining the effects of chewing gum on sustained attention found that prolonged gum chewing positively impacts cognitive focus.
2. Chewing gum aids in maintaining hydration.
Standing in a field all day can be challenging and often leads to dehydration, especially in hot countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Staying hydrated in these humid conditions is crucial for players.
While chewing gum doesn’t directly increase water content in the body, it stimulates saliva production, making players feel thirstier. This increased thirst encourages them to drink more water, helping them stay hydrated more effectively than they might otherwise.
3. Chewing gum can boost players’ energy levels.
Most chewing gum contains sugar, which gradually converts to glucose when chewed, releasing energy into the body. This glucose boost helps players maintain high energy levels, enabling them to perform at their best for extended periods without fatigue—a crucial advantage, especially during long fielding sessions in cricket.
4. Chewing gum helps players stay focused.
Cricket is often played over extended periods, ranging from 3-4 hours to as long as 5 days. During prolonged activities, the brain can lose focus, leading to lapses in concentration—similar to what happens when you start to daydream.
5. Chewing Gum Helps Batsmen Get into a Rhythm
West Indian legend Viv Richards famously declined to wear a helmet or gum shield while batting. He believed chewing gum was essential for getting into a rhythm at the crease, which he felt was crucial for his performance.
Viv Richards mentioned that his rhythm helped him get his feet moving at the start of his innings. He also noted that chewing gum kept him feeling cool at the crease. If it’s good enough for Viv, who are we to argue?
6. Chewing Gum Increases Reflex Speed
Scientific research suggests that chewing gum positively impacts stress, alertness, cognition, and reaction time.
By enhancing brain activity, chewing gum allows messages to travel to different body parts more quickly. This improvement can boost a batsman’s reaction time against fast bowlers or enhance a fielder’s ability to catch swiftly approaching balls. In a sport defined by fine margins, the difference between success and failure can be less than a tenth of a second. Therefore, having quicker reaction times is essential for performing at the highest level.
7. Cricketers Chew Gum to Imitate the Greats of the Game
Many iconic cricketers are known for chewing gum on the field, inspiring younger players to emulate their heroes. Fearless leaders like Viv Richards and Ricky Ponting frequently chewed gum, making it a recognizable part of their personas.
Given that many fans idolize these players, it’s natural for aspiring cricketers to mimic their actions. As a result, both past legends and contemporary stars are often seen chewing gum, reflecting their admiration for the greats of the game.
#Is Chewing Gum Legal While Playing Cricket?
Shining the ball with chewing gum can be considered applying an “artificial substance,” which is against cricket’s laws. If caught violating these rules, the fielding team incurs a 5-run penalty.
In 2016, South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis was fined 100% of his match fee in a Test match against Australia for using gum and sweets to artificially alter the ball’s condition. Several other players have also admitted to using gum to gain an advantage for the fielding team.
The sugar in the gum creates glucose, making it easier to shine the ball, which can enhance swing—something bowlers like England’s Jimmy Anderson love, while batsmen despise.
#What Brand of Chewing Gum Do Players Use?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Variety | No specific brand is mandated; players choose based on personal preference. |
| Popular Choices | – Ben Stokes: Wrigley’s ‘Extra Gum’ (UK favorite) – Steve Smith: ‘Orbit’ (Australian favorite) |
| Restrictions | There are no restrictions on the type of gum players can chew; it’s all about long-lasting flavor. |
| Notable Brand History | – Big Fun: Most famous cricket-associated brand in India. – Gave away free sports cards before the 1987 Cricket World Cup featuring stats and pictures of famous players. |
| Collector’s Items | Sought-after cards included those of Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, and Viv Richards, which became instant collector’s items. |
| Official Partnerships | Wrigley’s became an official partner of the Big Bash League in Australia, enhancing their connection to cricket. |