Table of Contents
In a delightful crossover of two sporting worlds, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra showcased his admiration for Indian cricket by sharing his top picks in a fun segment ahead of the NC Classic javelin event in Bengaluru. Known for his humility and love for all sports, Neeraj seamlessly blended his track-and-field insights with cricketing admiration, offering fans a unique perspective on their favourite cricketers and venues.
Neeraj Chopra’s top 3 favourite Indian batters and bowlers
While speaking to Star Sports, ahead of the prestigious NC Classic, Neeraj was asked to name his top three favourite Indian batters and bowlers, and his answers reflected both nostalgia and admiration for modern-day greats. Among batters, he picked Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, three names that have shaped Indian cricket across different eras. While, Kohli is known for his intense approach, unmatched consistency, and ability to chase down seemingly impossible targets with precision and passion, Tendulkar’s legendary status as the ‘God of Cricket,’ inspired millions through elegance, patience, and flawless technique. Completing his list, Neeraj chose Rohit, kmown for his effortless timing, grace under pressure, and ability to convert centuries into double hundreds, particularly in the white-ball formats.
On the bowling front, Neeraj Chopra’s admiration extended to three of India’s finest pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kapil Dev. Bumrah stands out with his unorthodox action, deadly yorkers, and calmness under pressure, making him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket today. Siraj, known for his emotional energy and hardworking spirit, which has turned him into a match-winner in all formats. Lastly, Neeraj paid tribute to Kapil, who is a revolutionary figure in Indian cricket who not only led India to its first World Cup triumph in 1983 but also established a culture of fast bowling in a country traditionally known for spin.
Neeraj Chopra picks his favourite cricket stadiums in India
As an athlete who’s performed on global platforms, Neeraj also named his three favorite cricket stadiums in India, starting with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a capacity of over 1.3 lakh spectators, it is the world’s largest stadium and an architectural marvel. Its scale, state-of-the-art facilities, and electrifying match-day atmosphere make it a standout venue. Next on his list was Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, a ground rich in cricketing history, known for hosting iconic moments and producing memorable finishes. Its central location and passionate Delhi crowd make every match an event. Lastly, he picked the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a ground he has a personal connection with as it will host the NC Classic. Known for its batting-friendly surface and enthusiastic home crowd, it’s also a multi-purpose venue that fosters both cricket and athletics, a perfect pick for someone like Neeraj who bridges two sporting worlds.
Also READ: Brett Lee delivers top-class reaction to Neeraj Chopra’s viral javelin compliment
Neeraj shares what fast bowlers can learn from Athletic
Neeraj Chopra, when asked about key skills, shared three fundamentals that apply not just in javelin but could be essential for cricketers, especially fast bowlers. The first is fast running (fast dodna), which is critical for generating momentum, whether you’re sprinting down the javelin runway or charging in as a pacer. Second, he mentioned throwing ability (throw karna), a shared skill between javelin throwers and bowlers, where wrist snap, arm speed, and body coordination decide distance or pace. Lastly, Neeraj highlighted blocking strength (block), the ability to plant and hold your position with force. In fast bowling, the front-foot block at delivery stride is crucial for transferring momentum into the ball, much like how javelin throwers brace themselves before release. According to Neeraj, the stronger the block, the more power and control a bowler, or athlete, can generate.
Also READ: Australia’s Nathan Lyon reveals two ultimate goals he wants to achieve before retirement
