Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant added a special spark to the World Pickleball League (WPBL) on Monday evening as his presence lit up the atmosphere at Jio World Garden during Mumbai Pickle Power’s fixture against Rajasthan Titans.
Pant, who is the co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power, was seen enthusiastically cheering from the stands alongside more than 150 children and supporters, transforming the venue into a vibrant spectacle during the second season of the World Pickleball League. His warm interactions with young fans, including signing autographs and posing for pictures, made the evening a memorable one for many attending the match.
On the court, Mumbai Pickle Power faced a challenging contest against Rajasthan Titans, managing to secure a win only in the men’s singles category. Max Green registered a narrow 22–19 victory over Jack Foster to earn Mumbai their lone point of the tie.
The mixed doubles encounter saw a closely fought battle, with Amanda Hendry and Trinh Linh Giang pushing the Rajasthan pair hard before Brandon and Glauka Carvajal Lane eventually clinched the match 15–11. Despite the spirited efforts, Rajasthan Titans dominated the overall fixture.
While the results did not swing in Mumbai’s favour, Pant’s presence on the sidelines provided a major morale boost to the team and its supporters. Mumbai Pickle Power, who have built a strong and organic fan base over the last few seasons, witnessed an evident surge in enthusiasm as Pant joined the franchise faithful during the game.
Mumbai Pickle Power will next face Pune United on February 5, while Rajasthan Titans are set to take on Bengaluru Jawans in their upcoming fixture.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Pickle Power 1–4 Rajasthan Titans
As the WPBL continues to blend competitive sport with celebrity-driven fan engagement, moments like these underline the league’s growing appeal among younger audiences and families alike.
