Agility and strong legs make for talented kabaddi players and New Zealand cricketers have picked from among them the ones the most suited for the sport.
Pacer Trent Boult, wicketkeeper Tom Latham and all-rounder Mitchell Santner were hugely impressed with kabaddi during their recent World Cup assignment in India. Latham even saw similarities between kabaddi and rugby — the most popular sport in New Zealand with the All Blacks enjoying cult status back home.
During their World Cup run till the semi-finals in India this time, Boult, Santner and Latham showed interest when they were shown highlights from the Pro Kabaddi League, one of the most popular franchise leagues in the country.
The trio believe teammates Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Southee would excel in the game of “raiders” and “defenders”.
Boult backed Mitchell and Southee to try their hand in the sport, saying the duo are strongly built for the rigours of a tough sport like kabaddi.
“I’ve watched it a couple of times. I think you need strong legs for the sport. I would put up Daryl Mitchell and Tim Southee’s names for this game,” he said.
As for Latham, he picked Phillips.
“It looks like a pretty physical game. It looks similar to rugby, with guys teaming up to stop one guy getting across the line. I would nominate Glenn Phillips for this sport. He’s a powerful pocket rocket,” Latham said.
Phillips also got Santner’s vote to play kabaddi, due to his agility.
“I’ve probably got the squirminess for the sport, but not the strength. You need to be agile and strong for kabaddi. Lockie Ferguson might play well. He has a strong core and big legs.”
PTI