During the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, former Bangladesh captain Shakib-ul-Hasan once again became a talking point—not for his performance on the field, but for a quirky and unexpected action that caught the eyes of the fans and commentators alike. On the second day of the match, as Shakib came out to bat, cameras caught him engaging in an unusual habit: chewing on the strap of his helmet. This peculiar moment went viral, leaving many viewers curious and questioning the reasoning behind his behavior.
The Moment That Sparked Curiosity
In a match where Bangladesh struggled against a formidable Indian team, it was Shakib’s unconventional behavior that sparked discussions on social media. As the veteran cricketer took his stance at the crease, he was seen chewing on the strap of his helmet—a gesture that, while not unheard of, is certainly rare at the highest level of professional cricket. Fans immediately began to speculate about the reason for this habit, and even the on-air commentators expressed their surprise at witnessing this unusual action.
Dinesh Karthik Reveals the Reason Behind the Habit
Fortunately, former Indian cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik had some inside knowledge to share. According to Karthik, Shakib’s teammate Tamim Iqbal had previously explained the reasoning behind this unique habit. Karthik revealed that Shakib bites on the helmet strap to help keep his head perfectly aligned while batting. Specifically, it helps him prevent his head from turning to the left when facing the bowling, which allows him to maintain focus and balance. By chewing the strap, Shakib ensures that his helmet remains straight, helping him face deliveries with more precision.
This explanation sheds light on what might initially seem like a quirky or even distracting behavior. Instead, it underscores Shakib’s commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to his physical needs in high-pressure situations.
A History of Vision Problems
Shakib-ul-Hasan’s habit of using the helmet strap as an aid for his concentration may also be linked to underlying vision problems. Earlier in 2024, Shakib consulted an ophthalmologist in London to address issues with his eyesight. While the details of his condition were not widely publicized, it’s clear that vision-related challenges have affected his gameplay in recent years.
For a cricketer of Shakib’s caliber, maintaining optimal focus and balance at the crease is crucial. His choice to chew the helmet strap may be one of several adjustments he has made to compensate for his vision issues. This adaptability highlights Shakib’s dedication to staying at the top of his game, even in the face of physical setbacks.
Previous Instances of Shakib’s Quirky Behavior
This isn’t the first time Shakib-ul-Hasan has exhibited unusual behavior during a cricket match. Earlier in 2023, during the Global T20 Canada, Shakib was seen wearing his team jersey while batting, another instance that caught the attention of fans and commentators. These moments, while seemingly trivial, offer a glimpse into the personal rituals and habits that help cricketers cope with the intense pressure of international matches.
Shakib’s actions, whether it’s wearing a jersey while batting or chewing on a helmet strap, are examples of the lengths to which professional athletes go to ensure their performance is not hindered by external factors. These quirks, far from being distractions, serve as tools that help them navigate the complexities of the game.
Bangladesh’s Struggles in the Match
Unfortunately for Bangladesh, Shakib’s unique habit wasn’t enough to turn the tide in their favor during the Chennai Test. India posted an imposing first-innings total of 376, putting Bangladesh under immense pressure. The Bangladeshi batsmen struggled to find their footing, with the team collapsing for just 149 runs in their first innings. Shakib, like many of his teammates, was unable to make a significant contribution with the bat, leaving Bangladesh in a perilous position.
India’s strong performance with both bat and ball left Bangladesh with an uphill battle as they looked to recover in the remainder of the match. Despite Shakib’s best efforts, including his quirky helmet-chewing habit, the team faced an overwhelming challenge against one of the world’s best cricketing sides.
A Quirky Habit With Purpose
Shakib-ul-Hasan’s helmet strap-chewing may have raised eyebrows, but it serves a very practical purpose for the cricketer. In the high-pressure environment of Test cricket, even the smallest of habits can make a difference in a player’s performance. For Shakib, this quirky behavior is a way to ensure that he maintains focus and balance while facing some of the world’s best bowlers.
As fans, these moments remind us that top-level athletes are constantly finding ways to adapt to their circumstances, whether it’s through quirky habits or more conventional means. Shakib-ul-Hasan’s ability to adjust and remain competitive despite vision problems speaks volumes about his resilience and commitment to his sport.
In a match where Bangladesh has struggled to make an impact, Shakib’s helmet-chewing may seem like a small detail, but it’s emblematic of the larger mental and physical strategies that define elite-level cricket. As the Test series continues, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye out for more unique moments from one of the game’s most charismatic players.
