Mumbai, July 28 (UNI) Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar revealed he would’ve traded the cricket bat for the pickleball paddle when asked to pick a sport he would have excelled in if not for cricket.
During a live broadcast on Sony Sports Network during the 4th Test between India and England, Gavaskar said, “Pickleball for sure. I have a little stake in a pickleball team,” referring to his franchise Dilli Dillwale in the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
In a fun twist, Cheteshwar Pujara, also on the panel, jumped in and asked, “Can you hire me in one of your teams?”
Gavaskar was quick with his reply, “Anytime. You make up your mind. Yesterday you were signed by Manchester United. Now you want to be signed by our team. We’ll give you a contract. Don’t worry. If Manchester United can give him a contract, then even I can give him one.”
The playful exchange has left fans wondering if is Pujara is set to be an unlikely entrant in the Dilli Dillwale squad for WPBL Season 2.
The former India captain co-owns the Delhi franchise with his son Rohan Gavaskar along with global investment firm Terra Invest and Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group.
WPBL Season 2 is scheduled to be played between January 24 and February 8, 2026 at the Jio World Garden in Mumbai.
