Game for superstition

When it comes to the Cricket World Cup, the Capital is ready to go to any length to make sure India wins. Even if it means sitting in the same position throughout the match, holding back cough, and well, going to pee again and again!

“In the last T20 World Cup, India was losing to Pakistan. When I went to the loo, Pakistan’s wicket fell. So I decided to keep frequenting the loo, and every time I went, a wicket fell!” laughs model Amanpreet Wahi, who plans to use her ‘loo charm’ again at the Cup matches, starting today.

“When India is batting, I don’t ever cough, as I feel it’s a bad omen and that the batsman may go off the field. I cough only during commercial breaks,” says Bijoy Shankar Roy, a student. Anshul Duggal, 27, says, “I believe that till the time I keep sipping on a cold drink, India plays well. So I end up finishing crates of cold drinks. Anything for my team India.” For Ramneek Khanna, 24, it’s the posture that can make or break a match. “I sit on the left side of my bed while watching the match. Everytime I sit somewhere else, India loses,” she says.

“As far as superstition does not hamper the fun, it’s okay. But when it starts posing health hazards, it’s a reason for worry,” says psychiatrist Jitendra Nagpal.

Stars and cricket superstition
* Amitabh Bachchan does not watch live telecast of cricket matches for the fear that India will lose
* Sachin Tendulkar’s family believes that if they see him playing live, he might go off the field
* Aamir Khan says he doesn’t call Sachin during tournaments, as he thinks it brings him bad luck