Suniel Shetty's Emotional Connection to Cricket: Why He Prefers Highlights Over Live Matches

Suniel Shetty, the beloved actor known for his roles in Bollywood, shares his emotional connection to cricket and the stress he feels while watching his son-in-law, KL Rahul, play. In a candid conversation on the podcast 'Baatein Dil Se,' he reveals why he prefers highlights over live matches and reflects on his admiration for Rahul's talent. Suniel also discusses the importance of family bonds, emphasizing that he considers Rahul as his own son. This article delves into Suniel's journey from a sports enthusiast to a supportive father-in-law, showcasing the deep connections within his family.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 04:02 IST

Suniel Shetty's Cricket Journey and Family Ties

Suniel Shetty, known for his role in Welcome to the Jungle, fondly referred to as Anna, was a passionate sports lover during his younger days, representing his school in various athletic events, including cricket. Today, he channels his cricket enthusiasm through his son-in-law, KL Rahul. In a recent episode of the podcast Baatein Dil Se, hosted by Navika Kumar, Suniel opened up about the anxiety he feels while watching Rahul, the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, play live in Test matches. He prefers to catch up on the action through highlights instead.

Why Suniel Shetty Avoids Live Matches

During his conversation with Navika Kumar on Baatein Dil Se, Suniel revealed that he chose not to pursue cricket in his youth due to the politics surrounding the sport. He remarked, "I might have had the talent, but the politics were overwhelming. Now, with the IPL, the game has completely changed." Despite his past interest, he now finds it too stressful to watch Rahul play live. He admitted, "I get so anxious that I avoid watching. I prefer highlights because the stress is too much. When I don’t watch, he seems to perform better. I’ve stopped attending matches; otherwise, I would be there cheering him on. My anxiety affects me, so I keep my distance."

Suniel reminisced about a particular match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where he and his wife Mana were seated in the front row. He recalled turning to speak to her just as Rahul was dismissed on the first ball. After that moment, he chose to stay inside until the match ended, even though he was still caught on camera.

Suniel Shetty's Belief in Manifestation

As he approaches his 65th birthday, Suniel shared that he never gives Rahul any sporting advice. Reflecting on their connection, he noted, "Rahul played in Karnataka, just a few kilometers from my birthplace. I admired his talent and style, being a fan of legends like Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. My roots are tied to exceptional cricketers, and I truly manifested him into our family."

Suniel also emphasized the importance of treating children from outside the family, like Rahul, as their own. He expressed, "You can see the bond between Mana and Rahul; it’s magical. My relationship with Rahul is special; I never call him my son-in-law. I genuinely consider him my son." Rahul and Suniel's daughter, Athiya Shetty, tied the knot on January 23, 2023, at their family farmhouse in Khandala after four years of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Evaarah, on March 24, 2025.