5 things Indian cricketers do when they aren’t playing cricket

Being an Indian cricketer leads to a demanding life on the field, but what they do during breaks and off-seasons is equally fascinating. Away from the boundary ropes, they fill their days with a wide range of activities that keep them sharp, connected, and commercially active.

From spending quality time with loved ones to fulfilling brand commitments, the routines of Indian cricketers away from cricket reveal a great deal about the modern professional athlete.

Here are 5 things cricketers do when they are not playing:

1. Quality time with family

Spending time with family is one of the most cherished activities for Indian cricketers during breaks. The relentless schedule of international cricket, domestic tournaments, and the IPL means extended time at home is rare and precious.

Players use these windows to be present with spouses, children and parents, often sharing moments on social media that fans warmly receive. The balance between a demanding career and personal life is something every cricketer actively works to maintain, and holidays at home serve as an important reset before the next assignment.

2. Fitness, skill work and injury recovery

Staying fit is non-negotiable for Indian cricketers, even when there is no match on the horizon. During breaks, players follow structured gym, cardio and agility programmes to maintain peak physical condition. Alongside fitness, skill work continues at local nets or at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where players refine their techniques under expert supervision. Injury recovery is also a significant part of this period, with players working alongside physiotherapists to address wear and tear accumulated over a long season.

3. International travel and holidays

When not representing India on the pitch, many cricketers travel to popular international destinations such as Europe, London, and Dubai. These trips serve both as leisure and as a mental break from the pressures of professional sport.

Vacations allow players to recharge and return to training with renewed focus. Social media posts from these trips often generate significant engagement, reflecting just how closely fans follow their favourite players even during the off-season.

4. Brand endorsements and commercial shoots

Brand endorsements and commercial shoots form a major part of a cricketer’s off-field calendar. According to various reports, Virat Kohli commands INR 7 to 10 crore per endorsement deal, while players such as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah each earn in the range of ₹1.5 crore to ₹4 crore per deal.

Kohli was also ranked India’s most valuable celebrity in 2026 by TAM Media Research, with his lifestyle brand One8 adding to his commercial portfolio. Beyond individual endorsements, cricketers also participate in promotional shoots for their IPL franchises, attend product launches, and appear on magazine covers.

5. Media work and punditry

Several Indian cricketers transition into media and punditry roles when they are not playing. Senior players join broadcasting networks such as Star Sports or JioCinema to provide expert analysis during live matches. Some write columns for sports publications or host analytical shows, offering insights that only those who have played at the highest level can provide.

Former captain Sourav Ganguly signed a ₹125 crore, four-year deal with Star Jalsha in July 2026 to host television programmes, illustrating how post-playing media careers can be highly lucrative. This trend of cricketers building a presence in sports media continues to grow.