Virat Kohli: The Emotional Connection
For a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, Virat Kohli's music choices are deeply personal and emotional. He has often spoken about his fondness for Punjabi music, and one song, in particular, has become a pre-match essential: 'Winning Speech' by
Karan Aujla. Kohli revealed that the song resonates with his own life journey, especially the shared experience of losing a father at a young age. He has said he listens to it many times before heading out to play, as it connects with his struggles and resilience. While Punjabi music remains a staple, he has also surprised fans by revealing a love for A.R. Rahman and Sid Sriram’s Tamil hit 'Nee Singam Dhan', proving his playlist is as diverse as his shot selection.
KL Rahul: A Mix of Hip-Hop and Serenity
KL Rahul's pre-game playlist is a fascinating journey in itself, designed to get him into the perfect mental space. It begins on a spiritual note with the Punjabi prayer 'Ik Onkaar', a track he listens to on the way to the stadium to centre himself. From there, his playlist takes a sharp turn into the world of hip-hop. He flips to old-school Eminem, citing tracks like 'Soldier' as a source of focus. His love for rap extends to the Indian scene as well, with songs like 'Apna Time Aayega' from Gully Boy making his list. Rahul has explained that his playlist is a carefully curated mix, starting with high-energy tracks and gradually moving to softer, calmer music like Alt-J or The Chainsmokers, helping him feel both pumped up and composed before a game.
Hardik Pandya: From Party Beats to Spiritual Chants
Hardik Pandya's public persona is one of high energy and flashy confidence, and his musical tastes have often reflected that, with a known preference for Western music and high-energy tracks. However, his playlist has seen a significant evolution. In recent times, Pandya has surprised many by revealing that his most-played track is the 'Hanuman Chalisa'. This shift towards a more spiritual and reflective choice provides a fascinating contrast to his explosive on-field character. It suggests a deeper, more composed mindset that he carries into big games, using a spiritual chant to find his focus and strength, a departure from the high-tempo rap many might associate with him.
Shubman Gill: The Punjabi Music Aficionado
It comes as no surprise that the prince of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill, has a playlist dominated by Punjabi music. Hailing from Punjab, Gill has a deep appreciation for the genre that powers his workouts and pre-game mindset. He has expressed admiration for artists like Karan Aujla, praising his viral hits. As a child, one of his first entertainment memories was Jazzy B's iconic track 'Dil Luteya', a song that he remembers fondly. His affinity for Punjabi beats, from classic bhangra to modern hits, is well-documented and forms the soundtrack to his stylish and aggressive approach to the game.
Suresh Raina: The Performer On and Off the Field
Suresh Raina's love for music is no secret; he's as comfortable with a microphone as he is with a bat. The former India all-rounder hasn't just listened to music but has also performed it, famously singing Kishore Kumar classics like 'Yeh Shaam Mastaani' to lighten the mood in the dressing room. He even recorded a Bollywood song, 'Tu Mili Sab Mila', for the film Meeruthiya Gangsters. His taste is eclectic, and in a nod to his Chennai Super Kings family, he has also sung lines from the popular Tamil song 'Munbe Vaa'. For Raina, music is not just a passive ritual but an active form of expression and team bonding.
