Padel Is Booming in India: What to Carry for Your First Match
New courts are opening and first-timers are picking up a racket. Here is a practical padel first-match checklist for India: racket, balls, bag and grip, with ₹ prices.
Padel first match kit in India: what to carry on court
Padel courts are opening in more Indian cities, and many players walk in for a first game with nothing but curiosity. Most clubs rent rackets and sell balls, but renting every time adds up, and a racket you own feels familiar. This checklist covers what a beginner actually needs for a first match, with ₹ prices from the InstaSport catalogue.
Which padel racket should a first-timer buy?
Padel rackets have no strings; they use a perforated solid face with a foam or composite core. Beginners usually do best with a round or hybrid shape, which gives a bigger sweet spot and more control than a diamond shape built for power. On the shelf, the Puma Nova Padel Pro CTR, Puma Nova Pro HYB and Puma Nova Padel Pro WMN are each listed at ₹6,499. Our beginner racket guide and padel racket primer go through shapes and weights in more detail.
Do you need your own padel balls?
Often the club provides a can for the court, but owning a fresh can helps, since padel balls lose pressure quickly once opened. Options include the Tecnifibre Team at ₹499, Babolat Court at ₹499, and Head Pro+ at ₹547. See our padel ball comparison for the full set.
Bag, grip and clothing
- Bag: a padel kitbag such as the Babolat Court S bag (₹6,299) carries the racket, balls, towel and water.
- Overgrip: a fresh overgrip improves comfort and absorbs sweat. The Bullpadel Hesacore overgrip is listed at ₹2,079.
- Shoes: court shoes with a non-marking sole are important; ask your club what surface it uses. The Puma Nova Elite Padel Shoes are ₹10,799.
- Clothing: light breathable kit, a cap if the court is outdoors, and a spare shirt.
Tips for your first game
Padel is played in doubles, so you will need three other players, and the walls are part of the game: let the ball bounce off the back glass before you hit it. Wear the racket leash if your club asks for one, and warm up the shoulders and wrists for five minutes before you start. If you find you enjoy it, the next upgrade is a racket matched to your style.
Shop the gear
- Puma Nova Padel Pro CTR Padel Racket — ₹6,499
- Tecnifibre Team Padel Ball — ₹499
- Babolat Court S Padel Bag (Blue) — ₹6,299
- Bullpadel Hesacore Overgrip — ₹2,079
- Puma Nova Elite Padel Shoes — ₹10,799
Related reading
- Best Padel Rackets for Beginners in India
- How to Choose a Padel Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
- Padel Balls in India Compared: Dunlop, Babolat, Head, Tecnifibre, Brisk and Volt
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a padel racket for my first game?
No, most clubs rent rackets. Buying one makes sense once you plan to play regularly.
Is a padel racket the same as a tennis racket?
No. Padel rackets are solid and perforated with no strings, and they are shorter than tennis rackets.
How many players are on a padel court?
Padel is usually played as doubles, with two players per side.
