Player's Speak
It’s not just about me anymore | By Mayur Patil
From crafting his game with a carpenter-made paddle in a small town to leading India on the international stage, Mayur Patil’s journey is one of an unbreakable passion for pickleball.

Mayur Patil (Photo credit: WPBL)
I used to think there was only one way to play pickleball.
When I started, my paddle wasn’t the high-tech stuff you see now – it was made by a carpenter. It was heavy, clunky, and far from ideal for the game.
But it didn’t matter because I was hooked. I didn’t care about the weight; I cared about the game.
And even with a smiley ball and a homemade paddle, I played for hours. It felt like the start of something bigger.
I come from a small town called Chopda, Maharashtra. There wasn’t much support for pickleball, and my friends and I made do with what we had.
We didn’t have proper paddles, and the balls we used weren’t the real ones, but a smiley ball instead. It wasn’t easy, especially with the financial struggles we faced.
I had to save up for tournaments, skipping meals to get the money I needed. At the time, traveling for competitions was a huge challenge.
But we did it. I did it. There’s something about that early struggle that made me even more determined.
I didn’t let the lack of resources stop me, and I think that’s what kept me going. But after a few years, I took a break.
It wasn’t easy stepping away from a sport I loved so much, but I needed to.
And that break? It gave me the clarity I needed. I realized pickleball wasn’t just a hobby—it was my future.
The turning point
Coming back to pickleball in 2022, I knew I was ready. But that comeback wasn’t a straight path either.
I had to fight for my place in the Bainbridge Cup – the World Cup of Pickleball.
I wasn’t on a team at first, but I called the organisers and said, “Let me in.”
They said no at first, but I didn’t give up. I knew I had the skill and I had the heart.
Eventually, they let me play. And even though I didn’t win, I knew that was the moment everything changed for me.
That was the beginning of my rise. From there, everything started falling into place. I got into the second team of India and that was when I realised all my hard work had finally paid off.
But the real turning point came when I was asked to join the first team of India.
That moment, I couldn’t contain my emotions. I cried.
It wasn’t about the title or the jersey. It was about all the years of sacrifice, the struggle, and the hard work. It all led up to that one moment.
Today, as the captain of Team India, I lead with everything I have. I know what it’s like to start from nothing and work my way up.
I know what it means to fight for your spot and to never give up.
I take that experience with me every time I step onto the court.
Every time I look at my team, I remember where I started, and I lead with that same passion.
The rise of Pickleball in India
It’s not just about me anymore. Pickleball in India is growing, and I’m excited to be part of that growth.
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is a massive opportunity for Indian players.
It’s one of a kind in India and according to top international players like Jack Foster and Brandon Lane, it’s already bigger than the PPA and MLP.
“Bro, we haven’t seen this kind of stuff. It’s a lot better than PPA, it’s a lot better than MLP,” they say.
And I believe it. I think the WPBL will only continue to grow, and next year, you’ll see the top international players, the best of the best, competing in India.
That’s huge for the sport here. The league is an amazing platform for Indian players to show what we’ve got.
I truly believe this is the stage where we can show the world that India is a force in pickleball. I am grateful that I could represent Mumbai Pickle Power, the city that I call home now.
The support from our loyal Mumbai fans was incredible.
Our campaign was good and I believe we could have won the semi-finals as well, but there is always a next time.
I am sure this season, we will inspire others.
“Don’t just watch the game, get out there and play it,” I say to anyone who’ll listen.
Pickleball is so much fun, and once you try it, you’re hooked.Grab your paddle, take your family, friends, or anyone you know, and just play.
Now, when I look at the future, I see a lot of people doubting us.
But I’m confident in what India can achieve. We’re already making waves, and I know that in the next five years, pickleball in India will be on the same level as the top countries.
In terms of tournaments, prize money, sponsorships, and viewership, India will be right up there. We’re already seeing the growth in places like Mumbai, where pickleball is everywhere.
Looking back at my journey, I know all the struggles were worth it.
From playing with a carpenter-made paddle to being the captain of the Indian team, I’ve come a long way.
But what matters most is that I’m here now, and I’m not stopping.
This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s next.
And who knows? Maybe one day, another kid from Chopda will pick up a paddle and feel that same love for the game.
As told to Aswathy Santhosh