After T20 World Cup win, fans appreciate Ritika Sajdeh for always ‘sitting with fingers crossed for 140 crore people’; what this gesture means

In the world of cricket, where every run and wicket can spark intense emotions among millions of fans, a simple gesture from the stands has captured hearts across India. 

Ritika Sajdeh, wife of cricketer and captain of the Indian national team, Rohit Sharma, is a familiar sight at matches, often seen sitting with her fingers crossed.

After the team’s historic triumph, Sajdeh shared an emotional post on Instagram praising her husband for his hard work and expressing sadness upon him announcing his T20I retirement. She wrote, “Ro, I know what this has meant to you. This format, this cup, these men, this journey and this entire process of getting what you’ve always dreamed of. I know how hard these last few months have been for you. I know the toll it’s taken on your heart, mind, and body but watching you achieve your dream was incredibly emotional and inspiring.”

 

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A post shared by Ritika Sajdeh (@ritssajdeh)

Many fans and followers were quick to point out how she had been a pillar of strength for her husband. The seemingly small act of keeping her fingers crossed has resonated deeply with Indian cricket enthusiasts, who have taken to social media to express their gratitude. Fans thanked her for what they perceive as her unwavering support and her role in channeling the collective hopes of “140 crore people”.

In an episode of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ that went viral recently, Sharma had also mentioned, “Bechari pure match mein fingers cross karke baithi rehti hai.” (Poor girl sits with crossed fingers for the whole match)

But, what is the significance of crossing your fingers at times of uncertainty?

Father Robinson Rodrigues, PRO, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, explains, “People often associate the gesture of keeping fingers crossed with the Cross of Christ and protection against misfortune. It is said to have originated with this sense in 16th Century England. But for us Catholics the Sign of the Cross is the true act of invoking divine protection against all misfortunes and evil. Sign of the Cross is an expression of our faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Concurring, Marlo Philip, WelcomeHome Church, adds that There is no specific verse in the Bible that mentions crossing fingers. The Bible does not mention this act in any way. “Early Christians used the gesture to implore for the protection of the Holy Cross. To cross one’s fingers is a hand gesture commonly used to wish for luck.”

Making a cross with fingers was originally a silent prayer or a calling of divine protection and victory, Philip notes. “The use of cross fingers has therefore evolved from these earlier Christian practices into a widespread symbol of hope and optimism among many cultures today.”

Fans and followers were quick to point out how Ritika Sajdeh had been a pillar of strength for her Rohit Sharma (Source: Freepik)

Psychological reasons behind keeping fingers crossed and how it might influence a person’s mindset

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals and Mindtalk, says, “Crossing one’s fingers is a gesture deeply ingrained in various cultures, often associated with wishing for good luck. However, its psychological significance goes beyond mere superstition. This action serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress and uncertainty.” 

When faced with situations outside our control, she says, crossing fingers can create an illusion of influence, providing a temporary sense of relief and agency. This behaviour stems from our inherent need for predictability and order in a world filled with randomness. “By engaging in this symbolic act, we tap into our evolutionary desire to impose structure and exert control over uncontrollable events.”

A form of non-verbal communication and emotional support 

Nonverbal cues are a powerful tool in human communication, and crossed fingers are a prime example, Cadabam explains. “This gesture transcends language barriers, conveying complex emotions in a simple, universally understood way. It signals hope, encouragement, and solidarity, strengthening social bonds between individuals.” 

She elaborates, “In the case of Ritika Sajdeh crossing her fingers for her husband, cricketer Rohit Sharma, it’s not merely a personal expression of hope. It’s a public display of unwavering support, fostering a sense of shared emotion and connection between the couple, their team, and their fans. This nonverbal communication reinforces the social fabric, reminding us of our interconnectedness and shared experiences.”

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