Actors you didn’t know wanted to be cricketers; Number 3 will shock you

Before lighting up our screens, some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars once dreamed of playing for Team India. From serious training to representing their state or school, these celebs were on track to become professional cricketers. But destiny had other plans, and the entertainment world couldn't be more thankful.

Long before his chart-topping hits and Bollywood debut, Harrdy Sandhu was on his way to becoming a professional cricketer. He played as a fast bowler for Punjab’s under-19 team and even trained at the National Cricket Academy. Unfortunately, a severe elbow injury cut his cricket career short. That heartbreak turned into a new path—music. Today, he’s a successful singer and actor but cricket still holds a special place in his heart.

Saqib Saleem was deeply into cricket before the movies came calling. He played for Delhi at the state level and spent his teenage years training seriously. Cricket wasn’t just a hobby, but it was a real career path he was pursuing. His father backed him wholeheartedly but fate had other plans. Saqib’s love for the game continues and he’s even portrayed a cricketer on screen in 'Dishoom' and in the sports drama '83.'

Not many know that Riteish Deshmukh had a serious interest in cricket while growing up. He played for his school team and continued to follow the sport passionately. Though he chose architecture and then acting as his career path, his love for cricket has remained steady. He often participates in celebrity cricket leagues and brings the same energy and team spirit to the screen that he once brought to the pitch.

With cricket in his blood, Angad Bedi almost followed in the footsteps of his legendary father, Bishan Singh Bedi. He played for Delhi’s under-19 team and was considered a serious contender for the national circuit. But the acting bug bit him and he took a sharp turn towards the world of cinema. Angad’s sporting background makes him a natural fit for intense and action-packed roles, especially ones related to sports.