In India, cricket goes beyond being a mere sport. It's more of a cultural phenomenon, almost like a religion, with cricketers held in high regard akin to gods. Regardless of age or personal interest, everyone in India is well-acquainted with the game. It's hardly surprising that nearly every child in the country aspires to become a cricketer when they grow up. This inclination has gained momentum in recent years, especially following the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It prompted Indian parents to place a higher emphasis on sports over academics.
The growing interest in cricket has amped up the competition. It makes the path to becoming a professional cricketer a genuine challenge. Now, it requires not only unwavering dedication, passion, and mental toughness but also a keen eye for detail. Every step, from picking the right bat to choosing gloves, shoes, and a helmet, demands thoughtful consideration and proper maintenance.
Paying special attention to glove selection, whether for batting or keeping, is crucial. Why? Because nobody wants to face a 140kph ball without adequate hand protection.
Choosing cricket hand gloves might seem like a walk in the park. But the reality is different due to the plethora of options. To simplify the process, here's an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect pair.
Navigating the World of Cricket Hand Gloves
Picking a Brand:
It's common to favor brands endorsed by our favorite players. However, the truth is that top brands now offer similar levels of comfort and protection. Opting for any reputable brand (except local ones) and following the recommended steps ensures you find the perfect batting gloves.
Right or Left-Handed:
Figuring out your dominant side is the first crucial step in finding the right gear. Cricket hand gloves labeled RH or LH simplify the process for both right and left-handed players. Even just checking the placement of the big thumb does the same.
Finding the Right Size:
Imagine playing with gloves that are too small or too big – it's a hassle. Size becomes the most critical factor when choosing new batting gloves. Check the provided table before making a purchase to ensure you get the right size based on the length of your hand.
Category | Glove Size |
Small Junior | 16.5 cm |
Junior | 17.5 cm |
Youth | 19 cm |
Adult | 21 cm |
Large Adult | 22.5 cm |
Selecting the Right Type:
Vendors typically offer two types of batting gloves: Sausage Finger and Split-Finger. The former is great for bouncy pitches, providing extra finger protection. The latter, on the other hand, suits wristy players who need flexibility against spin bowlers.
After going through these steps, the only decision left is to set a budget for your gloves. Once that's sorted, you're ready to grab your new pair of batting gloves.
Navigating Wicket-Keeping Glove Choices
Checking Sizes:
Similar to batting gloves, wicket-keeping glove sizes vary among brands. Falling for the notion that one size fits all can result in poorly fitting gloves. A detailed table categorizing glove sizes based on age provides helpful guidance in navigating this aspect.
Category | WK Glove Size |
Small Boys | 16.5 cm |
Boys | 17.5 cm |
Youth | 19.0 cm |
Small Men | 20.0 cm |
Normal Men | 21.0 cm |
Big Men | 22.5 cm |
Selecting Material:
Distinguishing high-quality gloves from their lower-quality counterparts involves choosing from various materials, each with unique attributes. Understanding the fundamental properties of materials becomes crucial in this selection process. Such properties include standard leather, calf leather, sheep leather, kangaroo leather, rubber, and cotton.
Considerations like loose or tight fits, balancing flexibility and protection, and the eventual shift towards softer, more comfortable gloves as one advances in their cricketing career should shape the final choice.
Additionally, incorporating inners beneath wicket-keeping gloves adds an extra layer of protection and comfort. These inners are predominantly made of cotton with added padding for enhanced safeguarding.
These steps shed light on the nuanced process of choosing cricket gloves, whether for batting or wicket-keeping.
How to Maintain Your Cricket Hand Gloves?
Ensuring the longevity of your cricketing equipment is crucial if you aim for prolonged use. Even renowned cricketers prefer not to frequently change their gear due to the challenge of finding the perfect equipment. This is especially true for gloves, where durability is paramount.
Here are some steps to extend the lifespan of both batting and wicket-keeping gloves:
Invest in High-Quality Hand Gloves:
The foundation of preserving your gloves lies in acquiring superior-quality batting gloves. The choice of build-material significantly influences their durability. Whether you play at the national, state, or district level, compromising on quality is not an option.
The market offers various glove types that differ primarily in the type of leather used, with occasional use of cotton, albeit rarely.
Always Bring More Than One Pair of Batting Hand Gloves
Seasoned batsmen love showcasing their variety of batting gloves. We don't usually witness this display as much in one-day cricket, in test matches, especially during long innings. But they take pride in it. For instance, during a marathon knock, someone like Steve Smith might use up to twelve pairs of batting gloves in a test match.
While budding cricketers might not amass a large collection like international players, having spare pairs of cricket hand gloves is handy, and the more, the better.
The strategy of swapping gloves during the game, leaving the used wet pair to dry, is a technique even adopted by international cricketers. You can follow the same approach to extend the lifespan of your batting gloves.
Wear Inner Gloves with Both Batting and Keeping gloves
When engrossed in the game, it's easy to neglect the condition of gloves. However, gloves are highly vulnerable to sweat during play, leading to wetness that affects concentration and shortens their lifespan.
Therefore, it's crucial to wear another pair of gloves called inners under the main batting gloves. This is a practical way to maintain your gloves during play. Inners act as insulation between the hands and gloves. They prevent excessive wetness, ensuring better concentration, optimal performance, and an improved lifespan.
Ultimately, the choice to wear inners under batting gloves is a personal one. However, using inner gloves with wicket-keeping gloves is mandatory. While keeping, the decision revolves around the type of inner gloves to wear rather than whether to wear them or not.
Don't Toss Your Gloves Directly into the Kit Bag After the Game
It's essential to avoid throwing your gloves straight into the kit bag after a match, especially if they've gotten wet, even with the use of inners. Doing so can harm the leather and make the gloves stiff and uncomfortable. Instead, let them dry in a warm space before tucking them back into your kit bag.
Regular Cleaning
Besides keeping your gloves dry, keeping them clean is crucial for a longer lifespan. Gloves can become a haven for dirt, and if left unattended, it can cause friction against the batting grip. Make it a habit to clean them every week or two.
To clean your gloves, steer clear of water and oil-based cleansers, as they can harm the leather. Use a dry leather brush to get rid of dirt or a dry cloth for visible outer dirt. For a thorough cleaning, opt for a leather cleanser and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Conclusion
In the heat of batting concentration, even the smallest discomfort can throw you off. In relevance, taking care of your bat, protecting your gloves, and keeping your cricket shoes in great shape are key to boosting overall performance. To sum it up, considering your cricket gear as a trusted companion in your pursuit of excellence on the field highlights the significance of these careful measures.
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