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[The Palmist]

Not many characters in world cricket annoy me from thousands of miles away but he manages it!

Even more so than Sreesanth?

[WalkingWicket37]

Can you even buy buckle pads nowadays?!  Not that anyone who remembers wearing them would want to, I recall the top straps almost slicing your legs in half...

I can remember (years ago) when I was at school and they announced cricket team trials on the day.
As my parents were at work they couldn't drop my kit to me, so I had to use the schools bag.

The pads had buckles and weighed a ton, literally the most uncomfortable thing I've even worn as the fit was either too loose and flappy or too tight!

[The Palmist]

Two hundreds in a test against Aussies so must be working for him, all the best to him. I agree he comes across as a bit arrogant but he backs himself up with runs and skills so fair play to him.

Teams from sub continent have been bullied/mistreated [exaggerating a bit here] in the past by Aussies, English, SA so it is good to see that the young Indians are not prepared to put up with any carp and can give as good as they get.

[jamielsn15]

I can remember (years ago) when I was at school and they announced cricket team trials on the day.
As my parents were at work they couldn't drop my kit to me, so I had to use the schools bag.

The pads had buckles and weighed a ton, literally the most uncomfortable thing I've even worn as the fit was either too loose and flappy or too tight!

Exactly that!  The top hat would flap about and the straps were effectively razor wire with buckles - you have to have experienced it to appreciate just how comfortable pads are nowadays.  My first pair of velcro strap pads were a pair of DFs with the removable front leg thigh pad.  They were like a gift from the Gods!

[smilley792]

Whatever happened to the velcro'd in top hats for the leading leg?

[WalkingWicket37]

Whatever happened to the velcro'd in top hats for the leading leg?

I think a pair of Puma pads a teammate had still had that not too long ago (they were stormtrooper pads) but that's the only time I've seen it recently.
A few of the "old guard" still have that on their old pads (but none have buckles!)

[fromthehip]

I'am sure my old df magnum pads used to have that

[IWTUK]

I'am sure my old df magnum pads used to have that

I had a pair of Fearnley '405' pads with the velcro leading leg top hat insert. 405 after Hick's 405* knock back in 1988 I seem to recall. First pair of velcro strapped pads I owned; and they felt like nirvana compared to leather straps and buckles prior to those! I thought I was the bees-knees with those on and my DF Magnum bat!

[InternalTraining]

Virat's pads look modern. Could they be custom-made pads just for him? Also, it seems that they're very snug. He could've used Aero or the new Moon Walker pads if he wanted a snug fit.

[Rob580]

He could've used the new Moon Walker pads if he wanted a snug fit.

Yeah, if he wanted to look like a right plonker!

[InternalTraining]

^ You'd pooh pooh a modern looking helmet that could save lives. That attitude is what's keeping cricket behind other sports. Outdated helmets, out dated pads....sheesh.

[WalkingWicket37]

^ You'd pooh pooh a modern looking helmet that could save lives. That attitude is what's keeping cricket behind other sports. Outdated helmets, out dated pads....sheesh.

You can hardly compare pads to helmets.
Helmets protect your head, and although they may look funky sometimes, the design will (as you said) potentially save lives.
Pads cover your legs which, last time I checked, are not such a high risk area to get hit as your head. The new style pads will look ridiculous and not offer any significant improvement on a less plonkerish looking traditional pair.

[InternalTraining]

Yes, you are right. But that is a general attitude towards gear that does not conform to conventional look. Or style.

Aero P1 pads are the lightest and thinnest pad (in terms of profile) that I've ever used. So much easier to run and they are better than traditional shaped pads in every way. But you know why people don't wear them? They look funny.

[Kez]

Even more so than Sreesanth?

Sreesanth was alway good value for a laugh though.
Kohli is arrogant and annoying, Sreesanth was balmy and a bit dippy.

[Rob580]

^ You'd pooh pooh a modern looking helmet that could save lives. That attitude is what's keeping cricket behind other sports. Outdated helmets, out dated pads....sheesh.

Nope, wrong again i'm afraid. I love the look of the Ayrtek, and the new Masuri is slowly growing on me. Most pads offer more than adequate protection, and these days most pads are reasonably light, hence the only differentiating factor for most people is how they look.

Whilst it's not a fashion parade, no one wants to look a spaceman on the village green....sheesh.