Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli: Know More About Nana Patekar's Cricket Connection

Nana Patekar’s sudden death at 75 has brought back memories of an actor whose life extended far beyond the screen. Known for his intense performances, Patekar also carried a deep love for cricket from his childhood.

He played as an off-spinner at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and crossed paths with youngsters who later became prominent cricketers. From idolising Sunil Gavaskar to passionately following Virat Kohli, cricket remained an important part of his life. His sporting side offers a fascinating glimpse into the man behind the celebrated actor.

Where Did Nana Patekar Play Cricket?

Nana Patekar cricket connection dates back to his childhood in Mumbai. In interviews, Patekar recalled playing cricket at the iconic Shivaji Park when he was around 13 years old. He bowled off-spin and used to practise alongside players who were developing their own cricketing careers.

Financial difficulties meant Patekar could not afford formal cricket coaching. Instead, he would go to Shivaji Park and bowl to players during their net sessions. The ground was already a breeding ground for Mumbai cricket talent, with several future India stars developing their skills there.

Nana Patekar also shared the field with Sandeep Patil, who was younger than him and eventually became one of the best batsmen in India. But Nana's cricket journey did not last. He recalled that a finger injury contributed to him leaving the sport, while his family's financial circumstances also meant he needed to focus on earning a living.

Who Was Nana Patekar Cricket Idol?

For Nana Patekar, Shivaji Park was also connected to one of his biggest cricketing inspirations, Sunil Gavaskar. Patekar had watched Gavaskar play and was fascinated by his technique, concentration and ability to handle some of the best bowlers in the world.
In a later interview, Patekar described Gavaskar as his acting idol, explaining that the legendary batter taught him the value of concentration through his cricket. He particularly admired Gavaskar's composure at the crease and his ability to focus solely on the ball rather than the bowler.
Patekar also said that he and Gavaskar continued to meet occasionally over the years, showing that his admiration eventually developed into a personal connection.

Nana Patekar And His Love For Virat Kohli

Decades after his childhood cricket days, Nana Patekar's passion for the game remained strong. His attention shifted to the modern generation, with Virat Kohli becoming one of his favourite players.
The actor once revealed just how emotionally invested he was in Kohli's performances. If the former India captain was dismissed early, Patekar joked that it could ruin his mood so badly that he would lose his appetite or stop watching the match.
That affection for Kohli showed that Nana Patekar's relationship with cricket had never really disappeared. From bowling at Shivaji Park as a teenager to passionately following India's biggest stars decades later, cricket remained a constant thread in his life.