Indian Cricketers Choose Jungle Safari for Pre-Series Relaxation
Members of the Indian men's cricket team selected an unusual method to unwind before international cricket action. They embarked on a jungle safari near Nagpur ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand. The players arrived early in the city for the opening match scheduled at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on January 21.
Players Enjoy Nature Escape
India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav led the group that included Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi. These cricketers visited Pench Tiger Reserve as they reached Nagpur before the rest of the squad. The team decided to take a brief break from their training routines. They wanted to relax, recharge, and spend quality time together before the intensity of international cricket resumed.
The players traveled through the forest reserve in open jeeps. They soaked in the natural surroundings and shared light moments away from stadium spotlights and practice nets. Social media footage and pictures, notably shared by Sanju Samson, captured the cricketers enjoying their trail safari.
Safari Activities and Wildlife Sightings
Forest department officials confirmed the players went on a safari where they spotted leopards. However, they did not encounter any tigers during their excursion. The cricketers interacted with other visitors, posed for photographs, and waved at people who recognized them in the jungle.
Wildlife photographer Rituraj Rahi Jaiswal, associated with Pench reserve, presented Suryakumar Yadav with a special calendar. This calendar featured a collection of images showcasing tigers and leopards that Jaiswal had photographed in the forest.
Camping and Bonfire Moments
The players broke off for refreshments during their safari adventure. Later, they gathered around a bonfire at their accommodation. Images show the cricketers walking along forest trails at night and camping under the open sky before returning to the city.
The team arrived in Seoni late Saturday night and stayed at a local resort according to Pench Tiger Reserve Field Director J Deva Prasad. They left for Nagpur around noon on Monday after completing their morning jungle safari.
Familiar Territory for Some
This visit was not Suryakumar Yadav's first experience at Pench Tiger Reserve. Officials revealed the India captain had previously visited the reserve in February 2025. The forest has attracted many celebrities over the years, including batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who explored the reserve with his family in March 2023.
About Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench Tiger Reserve straddles the border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with core forest areas in both states. The reserve provides habitat for various wildlife including:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Sloth bears
- Endemic bird species
The reserve takes its name from the Pench River that flows between it and neighboring Kanha National Park.
Visiting Information for Pench
The official safari season runs from October through June each year. Different periods offer unique experiences for visitors:
- March to May: Best for spotting tigers and leopards as animals gather near waterholes
- October to February: Features cooler temperatures and green vegetation, ideal for bird watchers
The park remains closed during monsoon season from July to September.
Travel Options to Pench
Visitors can reach Pench Tiger Reserve through multiple transportation methods:
By air: Nagpur serves as the nearest airport, located approximately 90-100 kilometers from the reserve. This airport maintains good connectivity with other Indian cities.
By rail: Nagpur also functions as the closest major railway station. From there, taxis are available for the 2-3 hour drive to Pench.
By road: The reserve maintains good road connections with various cities and towns including Nagpur and Seoni. Well-maintained highways lead to both the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra gates of the reserve.
