On this International Left-Handers Day, Sachin Tendulkar sent warm wishes to all his cricket colleagues with a special video he shared on this day, in which he is seen batting and bowling left-handed. Sharing this funny moment on his social media handles, the right-handed cricket legend celebrated the special skillset of left-handers in a world majorly designed for right-handers.
August 13 is celebrated as World Left-Handers Day in memory of those who have learned the skills of using their left hand in many facets of life, often facing challenges in a right-hand-dominant world. Tendulkar, or the “Master Blaster,” has been ambidextrous.
The greatness of cricketing was played with his right hand, but Tendulkar writes and eats with his left. He revealed in a delightful turn of events that he was originally a left-hander in his young age but switched to batting right-handed because the cricket kit he had inherited from his elder brother happened to be for a right-handed player.
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That adaptability became a charming part of his legend. “This one is for my left handed friends…Happy #InternationalLeftHandersDay!” Sachin captioned his post that resonated with fans and cricketers alike.
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Whereas only about 7 to 10 percent of the world’s population is left-handed, cricket has furnished an increasing number of left-hand cricketers. Currently, around 20 percent of the game’s players are left-handers, which also reflects the acceptance and success that southpaws experience in the game. Legendary players like Brian Lara, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Yuvraj Singh, and Chris Gayle have not only proved great in this game but have also inspired many a budding cricketer to rise and play, unashamedly left-handed.
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Historically, there is always suppression of left-handedness in many cultures, viewed as taboos to use the left hand for activities such as eating or handling money. The world is slowly becoming more inclusive, and the place of left-handers and their special abilities is slowly being realized. In some remote areas of the world, though, those old taboos seem to subsist, indicating how much longer until left-handers are fully accepted.
