Kate Middleton’s Game With Cricket Stars Resurfaces After Prince William’s Surprise Sporty Moment
Kate Middleton's showed off her sporty skills in 2016 against Sachin Tendulkar.
After Prince William brought the Mall to a standstill by taking part in a star-studded cricket match, one couldn’t help but look back at when Kate Middleton pulled a similar stunt almost a decade ago. During their 2016 India tour, the then-Duchess of Cambridge made the daring decision to play against cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai. The moment has been etched forever in memories as an exciting convergence of cricket and British royalty.
Dressed in a flowy, colorful tunic dress and heels, Middleton confidently stood at the stumps with a cricket bat to face Tendulkar’s bowling at Oval Maidan. The former was in a relatively safer spot as the World Cup winner was a batter. Former Indian cricket star Dilip Vengsarkar played wicket-keeper for the thrilling moment. The then-Duchess firmly held her own in the presence of such greats and successfully hit the ball far as well. However, William had joined the young kids for fielding while his wife batted. And perhaps much to her chagrin, he even tried to catch her hit. The pair also signed cricket bats during the visit.
The Princess of Wales, in her 15 years of rather sporty tenure, has unwittingly flaunted a different kind of skill set that royal fans are always bowled over by: her impeccable ability to play any sport, wearing heels and difficult outfits. During her match in Mumbai, she once again proved that cricket stars may be able to play the sport better than she can, but perhaps only she can do so in heels.
The royals have taken part in cricket many times, during royal events or even just for fun. The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are both sporty, seem to be instilling a love of sport in their three kids as well. In all their birthday videos this year, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were seen playing cricket on the beach, showing off their batting and bowling actions. Wonder what they have to say about their father’s cricketing skills.
The sport is one of the most common links between India and the UK. And playing a match with top Indian and British cricket stars outside Buckingham Palace was a move no one could have anticipated from William. It was truly a surprising moment in the run-up to the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai later this year. Tendulkar is one of the presenters at the event, along with Indian film stars.
The speculation is rife that Middleton will join her husband in Mumbai. If she does, royal fans will hope for another cricket match between her and Tendulkar.
