Pickleball Fever Hits Indian Cricket: Pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the attention of athletes globally, including prominent Indian cricketers. Known for its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, the sport’s popularity is rising in India. As pickleball continues to carve a niche, several Indian cricket stars have embraced the game during their breaks. Here’s a look at three memorable instances when Indian cricketers took pickleball.
Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw Play Pickleball
During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league stage, Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw traded their cricket gear for pickleball paddles. The Mumbai-based cricketers, joined by teammates Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Hardik Tamore, Sairaj Patil, and Suryansh Shedge, enjoyed a session of pickleball in Hyderabad. While leading India’s T20I side, Suryakumar found time to explore this burgeoning sport, showing its growing appeal among cricketers.
Sanju Samson Teams Up with UAE’s Chirag Suri
Sanju Samson, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, took a break to play pickleball with UAE cricketer Chirag Suri. Suri shared a video of their game, highlighting Samson’s skill and enthusiasm for the sport. As Samson solidifies his role in India’s T20I lineup, his affinity for pickleball shows its increasing influence on players seeking recreational outlets.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan’s Pickleball Prep
Ahead of the prestigious Irani Cup in October, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan engaged in pickleball to unwind. Gaikwad, leading the Rest of India team against Ranji champions Mumbai, found the sport a refreshing change of pace. Both players, currently outside India’s senior squad, have embraced alternative sports like pickleball, reflecting a broader trend among cricketers.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fever Hits Indian Cricket
Pickleball’s rising popularity in India has reached cricket stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. From casual games with teammates to friendly matches with international players, Indian cricketers are discovering the sport as a recreational outlet. Their participation shows pickleball’s potential to become a widely-followed sport in the country.