From Anushka Sharma’s Insta reel to Coimbatore’s packed weekend courts, one question echoes across India’s metros and mohallas: What even is pickleball—and why is everyone playing it? The rising buzz around Pickleball in India is turning it into more than just a trend.
Until recently, it was just another American backyard sport. But in 2025, pickleball in India has gone mainstream—with corporates building office courts, celebrities turning up to play, and everyday Indians picking up paddles in what’s being called the “green-court gold rush.”
Let’s break it down: the hype, the rules, the stars, and how to jump in.
Why Is Pickleball Suddenly Everywhere?
It started with a few clips. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, mid-IPL downtime, rallying on a pickleball court with RCB teammates. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, sweaty and smiling, sharing a reel of her post-shoot workout—“pickleball is my new therapy.”
But it didn’t stop there.
Karan Johar and Janhvi Kapoor were spotted playing at a Mumbai turf; HR teams at PepsiCo and Myntra now run monthly pickleball leagues. Even smaller cities like Coimbatore and Indore have built over 100 courts in the past year.
“This isn’t a fad—it’s India’s version of yoga meets badminton,” says Nishant Goyal, founder of a Delhi pickleball academy. “People don’t come to win. They come to move, laugh, and connect.”
What Is Pickleball?
Think tennis, but smaller. Badminton, but with no smashes. Table tennis, but on your feet.
Played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a compact court, the game is:
- Easy to pick up in one session
- Less physically taxing than tennis
- Surprisingly addictive
It’s played 2 vs 2 or 1 vs 1, with underhand serves and a “kitchen” (non-volley zone) rule that rewards strategy over brute strength.
Fun fact: It’s called “pickleball” because the inventors in the 1960s named it after their dog, Pickles. Quirky? Yes. But unforgettable.
Where Is Pickleball Catching Fire in India?
Coimbatore – Over 100+ courts built in 10 months
Mumbai & Navi Mumbai – Bollywood’s playground + turf businesses embracing the sport
Gurgaon – Startups, IT parks, and gyms like CultFit adding pickleball zones
Bhopal & Indore – State-level championships like Ace Cup and PWR India Masters
Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi – Tourist cities now offer drop-in courts in resorts and beach clubs
Indian Stars of the Court
- Armaan Bhatia – Rising national player, PWR Asia Top 10
- Aditi Matta (Bhopal) – Women’s champ in Ace Cup 2024
- Mayur Patil – Silver at English Open; leading Maharashtra’s charge
- Utkarsh Dubey (Indore) – Doubles ace; known for his tricky net dinks
How to Get Started: Play & Shop
Equipment Needed:
- Paddle (₹800–₹3,500) – Brands: Franklin, JOOLA, Decathlon
- Ball (₹150–₹250 each) – Lightweight plastic
- Shoes – Court shoes or non-marking trainers
Where to Buy Pickleball Gear in India:
- Decathlon India – Starter packs
- JOOLA.in – Premium sets
- Amazon India – Mixed kits with bags and nets
- SCS Sports – Pro-level gear
Where to Play:
- Use Turf Town App or local fitness clubs
- Join community groups on Instagram or WhatsApp via All India Pickleball Association
Monetization Angle: More Than a Sport
If you’re a:
- Sports gear seller → Huge demand for paddle kits
- Fitness trainer → Add it as a group class
- Content creator → Build “How to play pickleball” YouTube series
- Startup → Open pay-and-play courts with coaching
Pickleball has the scale to be both hobby and hustle.
FAQs
Why is pickleball trending in India?
Celebrities, corporates, and communities are driving awareness. It’s fun, social, and easy to learn—perfect for India’s fitness shift.
How is pickleball different from tennis or badminton?
It uses a smaller court, simpler rules, and emphasizes positioning and rallies over power or stamina.
Who are the best Indian pickleball players right now?
Armaan Bhatia, Aditi Matta, Mayur Patil, and Utkarsh Dubey are national names in tournaments.
Where can I play pickleball in India?
Major cities have courts in gyms, parks, and turfs. Search on Turf Town or check local Insta communities.
Is pickleball expensive to start?
Not at all. A starter paddle + ball combo can cost under ₹1,500, and many courts offer free tryouts.
Also read: Tennis etiquette you should know before stepping on the court.
