Inked over… and over again

Jasmine Singh

We bet while watching some nail biting innings at the ongoing IPL season, some of you (this some is largely complied of the female fans) wouldn’t have missed all kinds of tattoos on the cricketers, from various teams. In fact, you’d actually not find many cricketers who haven’t got themselves inked.

Here’s a look at which player wears what tattoo, and if you’re a great fan, you might just get inspired to get one for yourself!

Virat Kohli

It might not be known to many but India’s favourite cricketer, Virat Kohli is a tattoo addict? This could be a revelation for many!

The poster boy of the cricket team has four tattoos- His zodiac sign, Scorpio, which rests on his upper right arm. On the same forearm, he has another tattoo that symbolises faith in Chinese. On his left biceps, there’s a tattoo of a Japanese Samurai warrior, with a sword raised, which in fact is pretty popular among the cricket fans. Shares Mickey Malani, co- founder Body Canvas Tattoos and Piercings “Cricketers are true motivators and real-life idols for many in a country like India, where cricket is followed with such enthusiasm. Having tattoos similar to cricketers is a way of expressing their source of inspiration and a motivation of following their dreams relentlessly.”

Shikhar Dhawan

He is the next cricketing star to wear tattoos with style. Shikhar has a ‘Carpe Diem’ tattoo on the back of his left bicep, a tribal design on his right shoulder and another one on his back. And this isn’t it, he has a tattoo of a bird on his left calf as well.

Sanjam Singh, a tattoo artist from Zirakpur is never surprised when sports fans approach him for tattoos just the kinds their favourite stars have. ”It is either cricket or football that people are crazy about. I have made portraits of Messi’s and MS Dhoni on many people. I was least surprised when a girl asked me to tattoo Yuvraj Singh’s picture on her nape.”

Umesh Yadav

This cricketer cannot get enough of tattoos. In terms of tattoos, looks like he is on top of the game. Umesh has five tattoos on his left hand, running all the way from his shoulder. A tattoo of Lord Shiva, one of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and one of Virgin Mary. Yet another one with blessed child written in ink, is what makes Umesh stand out.

Chris Gayle

This cricketer is all style, and creates a dozen of them, whether it is with his hair or tattoos. So much so, the tattoos on Chris Gayle’s arms have inspired many cricketing fans to get inked.

Suresh Raina

Of the many cricketers, it is said that Suresh Raina is the one who has kept his tattoos pretty understated. He has the word ‘Believe’ inked in a flowy font.

MS Dhoni

Speaking of tattoos, how can ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni be far behind, Dhoni has a snazzy bike inked on his right arm (inked by Mickey Malani).

Ben stokes

It is the flower tattoo on cricketer Ben Stokes’ arm that draws immediate attention. An extensive tattoo on the other arm cannot be missed out, but the delicate flower sure states a lot.

The fan way 

Cricket season invites fans to come up with new ways to express their love for the sport. And this time, they are saying it with tattoos. As tattoo artist Harry shares, “Cricketing tattoos are pretty in, both temporary as well as permanent. The idea is to choose the right design, which will help a fan make the right statement about their love for cricket! Fans are getting their favourite cricketer’s name inked (which is obviously not unique!), even funky designs of cricket bat and ball or a copy of the tattoo of their favourite cricketer are making rounds.”

Cricketers are true motivators and real-life idols for many in a country like India, where cricket is followed with such enthusiasm. Having tattoos similar to cricketers is a way of expressing their source of inspiration and a motivation of following their dreams relentlessly —  Mickey Malani