Why Padel Is Booming in India and the Gear You Need to Start
Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport in India's metros. Here is why it has taken off, and the simple gear you need to play your first game.
Why padel is booming in India
Padel has gone from unheard-of to unmissable in Indian cities in just a couple of years. Courts are opening across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, social-media feeds are full of weekend games, and clubs report waiting lists for peak slots. The reason is simple: padel is the most beginner-friendly racket sport going. It is played in doubles on a small, enclosed court with walls you are allowed to use, so rallies last longer, the learning curve is gentle, and a complete newcomer can have a genuinely fun game within a single session. Add India's growing appetite for social, low-impact fitness and you have a sport perfectly built for the moment.
How to start playing padel
You start by finding a court, not by buying kit. Most padel venues rent rackets and run 60-minute beginner classes, so you can try a few sessions before spending a rupee. Once you are hooked — and most people are — investing in your own gear makes every game better and cheaper in the long run.
The gear you actually need
Padel keeps the shopping list short: a racket, court shoes, and the right balls. Here is what matters.
1. A padel racket
This is the one purchase that changes how you play. Padel rackets are solid with a perforated face and a wrist strap — no strings. For beginners, a round or teardrop shape gives the biggest sweet spot and the most control, and a mid-weight frame around 360–370g balances power and manoeuvrability. A great-value entry frame is the Puls8 Spark Padel Racket (~₹5,850), forgiving enough to learn on without draining your wallet. Ready to invest in a racket you will not outgrow in a month? The Babolat Air Origin Padel Racket (~₹10,399) offers a friendly blend of control and pop from a trusted name. Committed players chasing a lighter, more responsive carbon feel can step up to the LOK Carbon Flow Gen 2 Padel Racket (~₹21,769).
2. Court shoes
Padel is all stop-start movement and lateral lunges, so grip and side-to-side support matter. Shoes with a herringbone or omni sole pattern hold the court and protect your ankles. Running shoes do not cut it here — their flat, soft soles slide on padel surfaces.
3. Balls and a cover
Padel balls look like tennis balls but have lower internal pressure for a softer, lower bounce suited to the enclosed court — they are not interchangeable with tennis balls. And because rackets get knocked around in transit, a simple SCS Padel Cover Bag (~₹399) keeps your frame protected for very little money.
A simple starter kit
| Gear | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SCS Padel Cover Bag | ~₹399 | Protecting your racket |
| Puls8 Spark Padel Racket | ~₹5,850 | First-timers on a budget |
| Babolat Air Origin | ~₹10,399 | Beginners who play weekly |
| LOK Carbon Flow Gen 2 | ~₹21,769 | Committed improvers |
Should you switch from tennis?
You do not have to choose. Padel rewards touch and positioning over raw power, so tennis players often pick it up quickly, while complete beginners love that they are not stuck feeding balls for months before a real rally. Book a court, borrow a racket, and see for yourself why padel is the sport everyone in your city suddenly seems to be playing.
Shop the gear
- Puls8 Spark Padel Racket — ~₹5,850
- Babolat Air Origin Padel Racket — ~₹10,399
- LOK Carbon Flow Gen 2 Padel Racket — ~₹21,769
- SCS Padel Cover Bag — ~₹399
Related reading
- Pickleball Is Booming in India: The Gear You Need to Get Started
- How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
Frequently asked questions
Why is padel becoming so popular in India?
Padel is doubles-based, played on a small enclosed court with usable walls, so rallies last longer and beginners can enjoy a real game within one session. That social, low-impact, easy-to-learn format has made it the fastest-growing racket sport in Indian metros.
What gear do I need to start playing padel?
Just three things: a beginner-friendly padel racket (round or teardrop shape, around 360–370g), court shoes with a herringbone or omni sole for grip and lateral support, and padel balls. A racket cover is a cheap, worthwhile add-on.
Can I use a tennis racket or tennis balls for padel?
No. Padel rackets are solid with no strings, and padel balls have lower pressure for a softer bounce suited to the enclosed court. Tennis gear will not perform correctly and is not interchangeable.