With soaring temperatures, this summer Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan decide to Break the Beard  

Changing the game on and off the field this IPL season, cricketers are taking #BreakTheBeard to a new level. This season has witnessed a lot of close finishes on the field and Indian cricketers have not shied away from making some close shaves off the field by changing their beard styles. Known to be the trendsetters in the country, the #BreakTheBeard boys have their grooming game on point with their sharp, well stylised facial hair dedicating the new looks to their fans.

Taking the trend forward, Shikhar Dhawan revealed his Gabbar look when he met with one of his biggest fan. His new look instantly grabbed attention of fans across the country. Following on from Shikhar Dhawan; Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson and the Pandya brothers Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya made fashion statements by sporting unique beard styles.

Shikhar Dhawan dedicated his new look to his fans taking an inspiration from them. He said, “It’s a new IPL season and a new look helps create a fresh mindset and approach towards the game. My #BreakTheBeard has been dedicated to all my fans out there who have always followed me and I was overwhelmed with the love and appreciation I received for my new look.’’ Appreciating Shikhar Dhawan’s look change Ravindra Jadeja commented,“Kya Kamaal look hain, Gabru Gabbar”.

A couple of days later, the original #BreakTheBeard boy and style icon Ravindra Jadeja decided to go for a look change. He says, “I have always experimented with my beard styles to keep it sharp and well-groomed and over time all my fans have loved these styles. Being back at CSK made me want to do something new for our loyal fans and this look change is dedicated to them. I would urge all of them to get rid of the facial fuzz and get a sharp beard style with cleaner sides.”

#BreakTheBeard also went international when New Zealand and Sunrisers Hyderabad captain did the look change and followed his team member Shikhar Dhawan. Kane Williamson styled his Kiwi beard to get a suave look, taking the beard game international. Sounding impressed with Shikhar’s Punjabi style, Kane Williamson said, “With Indian cricketers doing #BreakTheBeard especially Shikhar, it inspired me to style my beard and go for a well-groomed look. With Indian summers, it becomes difficult to play on the field, so this is also my way to beat the heat. This trend has now gone global from India all the way to New Zealand with people back home appreciating my new look.”

For India’s most stylish all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, #BreakTheBeard is an integral part of his routine before he takes to the field“So many people watch IPL, hence it is important to look good on screen and have a strong grooming game. This is why, I travel with a Gillette ProGlide Styler and the Mach 3 razor to help maintain a sharp stylised look always.”

Krunal Pandya who has had an impressive start to this season has got a striking #BreakTheBeard look change, Krunal mentions “My #BreakTheBeard is dedicated to all the Mumbai Indian fans for supporting me and the team so enthusiastically over the years. From all the look changes, I loved Hardik’s #BreakTheBeard style. It is very important to always look sharp and well-groomed on an off the field”

If the big boys can look stylish then how can the young guns Manish Pandey and Rishabh Pant be left behind? All pepped up to follow the orange army, Manish Pandey said “Shikhar and Kane have always set examples on the field and with their #BreakTheBeard look change they have set examples off field too. Their sharp looks have inspired me to do #BreakTheBeard and up my grooming game.”

Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Daredevils wicket keeper said “It always feels good to have some fun off the field and experiment with new facial hair styles. There are so many different well stylised sharp beard options available out there, so why look like everyone else, rather have your individual style.”

So, get your razor out this summer; get rid of the fuzz and experiment with sharp styles. Time be inspired by your favourite cricketer’s look and get your own #BreakTheBeard style.