Discover the Surge of Pickleball in India: Transforming Tennis Courts into World-Class Leagues

“Pickleball could be the next cricket in India. Just like cricket, it can be played in every home.”

Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma, a rising star in the world of pickleball, sees a bright future for the sport in India. From the streets of Dhanbad to the grand CCI Stadium in Mumbai, Sonu is now playing for the Chennai Super Champs in the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL).

“When I started in 2016-17, pickleball was hardly known. A few players taped tennis courts and gave it a try. But after COVID-19, people became more health-conscious. From 2021 onward, the sport has really taken off. Now, every neighborhood has a pickleball court,” he shared.

According to the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the number of registered players has skyrocketed from about 10,000 in 2021 to nearly 60,000 in 2024. This growth shows just how popular the sport has become.

Many players reminisce about the early days. Mayur Patil, captain of the Mumbai Pickle Power team, recalls making their own paddles because they were expensive. “Back then, we used to go to the carpenter for paddles that weighed four times more than what we use today. We even played with a simple sponge ball because we loved the game,” he explained.

Mayur’s journey began in Chopda, Maharashtra, where Bhupendra Pol, the head coach of AIPA, introduced him to pickleball. Since then, many young players have found success under Pol’s guidance.

The boom of pickleball shifted from casual play to a professional sport, especially after the Bainbridge Cup came to India in 2022, thanks to Arvind Prabhoo, AIPA’s president. Vrushali Thakare, a player with the Bengaluru Jawans, said, “After the Bainbridge Cup, we knew pickleball could grow. It became a possible career for us.”

She mentioned how her family’s support grew as they recognized the opportunities in pickleball. “I used to play cricket and badminton, but now I’m focused on pickleball,” she said. It’s clear that many athletes need time to adjust when switching from other racquet sports. For example, Vrushali noted that pickleball relies more on lateral movements, unlike badminton, which requires a lot of wrist work.

Even tennis stars face challenges. Isha Lakhani, a former national tennis champion, has also had to adapt. “Unlearning tennis to embrace pickleball is tough. My body is used to a different movement,” she explained. The shift from diagonal to sideways movement takes time and effort.

While some think pickleball is easy to play, Kuldip, a player for Hyderabad Superstars, argues it’s much more demanding at a competitive level. “You need to be fit to handle the lateral movements, or you’ll find yourself cramping up quickly,” he said.

The ongoing WPBL is a crucial moment for pickleball in India. Competing against top players from around the globe will surely help Indian athletes refine their skills. Vanshik Kapadia from Pune United believes that this league will generate a lot of excitement around pickleball in India. “It’s being televised everywhere, and that will create a huge buzz,” he said.

Playing at an international level provides immense exposure for Indian players. Mayur emphasized, “Competing against American players and those from Australia and Asia will help us grow. We’re just starting out, but we’ll catch up soon.” He adds, “Coming from a small town, the WPBL is my chance to shine and show that Indians can excel in pickleball.”