Indian Cricketers Swing for Home Runs at Mumbai MLBX Event

Indian cricketers traded their bats for baseball gear at a special event in Mumbai on October 24, as Major League Baseball introduced its MLBX format to the country. The 3x3 match was held at the Mumbai Football Arena and drew attention from fans and players alike.

MLBX is a mixed 3-on-3 competition built around power hitting, athletic defence and fast-paced play. The format first featured during MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia and has since been staged in 15 venues across America, as well as in London, Seoul and Mexico City.

Suryakumar Yadav was among the cricketers who participated. He said that the sport has real scale and that the atmosphere he saw in Philadelphia and New York was something India could match. “As a sport, it is a very big game,” he said. “The atmosphere there was fantastic, and we want to bring it to Mumbai. I am confident that as more people understand this game, it will grow even bigger.”

He explained that success depends on physical strength. Players need a strong core and powerful arms, and must be fit from the upper body to the lower body. “Nothing comes easily,” he noted.

Radha Yadav said the sport suited Indian fans who enjoy big hits. She described the fielding as intense, saying the ball moves so quickly that it is hard to track. She added that the main goal of the game is a home run.

Shardul Thakur said the stands were full and that young fans waiting to collect balls were equally excited. He noted that consistent hitting is difficult and that the technique is different from cricket. The cricketers learned the basics from baseball players, who shared tips and explained the sport.

Deepak Chahar, who was playing baseball for the first time, said he enjoyed how far the ball travels. He noted that the sport is affordable for Indians, since it requires only a ball and a bat. He compared it to gully cricket, though he pointed out that in baseball, runs are scored by moving around bases rather than along a single pitch.

Jitesh Sharma thanked the baseball players who made him feel comfortable and taught him to swing the bat. He said he enjoys learning new sports and believes Indians could excel in baseball, represent India, or even play in Major League Baseball, given that cricket is so popular in the country.