Cricket is not just a game, it’s a feeling. And if there’s anyone who perfectly embodies that, it's Ananya Panday at the Indian Sports Honours 2024. On November 9, the star-studded evening in Mumbai celebrated the greatest of India’s athletes, but it was the Call Me Bae actress’ cheeky charm and quick-witted answers during the rapid-fire round that truly made everyone sit up and say, “Now that’s a cricket fan!”
From picking Virat Kohli as the king of charisma to imagining Shubman Gill as the next Hrithik Roshan, Ananya’s answers were as fun as they were spot-on. You could almost hear her enthusiasm through the screen, and that’s what makes her so lovable! So, let’s break down the best bits from her rapid-fire session—because she absolutely knocked it out of the park!

Q: Which athlete, according to you, has the best personality?
Ananya’s reply: "I think Virat Kohli."
Well, well, well, no surprises here. Virat Kohli is basically a walking, talking personality. He's got that perfect blend of intensity, leadership, and, let's be honest, a touch of charm that makes him impossible to ignore.
Q: Who do you think is the fashion icon?
Ananya’s reply: "I was going to say Naomi Osaka. I think she’s just really cool."
Ananya’s got a sharp eye for style. While most would have picked Bollywood’s fashionistas, she goes international with Naomi Osaka. The tennis champ brings that cool factor that’s both fierce and relaxed—perfectly balanced, just like Ananya’s own vibe.
Q: Which Indian athlete has the best social media presence?
Ananya’s reply: "I really like Sania Mirza’s social media because she shares a lot of stuff from her personal life with her son. I find it really cute, personal, and relatable."
Sania Mirza’s Instagram is the real deal—full of heart, family moments, and glimpses of life off the court. Ananya nails it here by calling out what makes Sania’s feed so special: authenticity.
Q: Which athlete has the best hairstyle?
Ananya’s reply: "I think Mahi Sir has really gone through some fun ones."
Ah, MS Dhoni’s hair journey—it’s the stuff of legend. Ananya’s answer? A cheeky nod to the man who's never afraid to try something new—even when it comes to his hair.
Q: Who would you cast as a villain in a cricket-themed Bollywood movie?
Ananya’s reply: "Maybe an Australian, like Chris Hemsworth."
Okay, now we’re getting into the fun stuff! Ananya imagines Chris Hemsworth as the villain in a Bollywood cricket drama, and honestly, it makes sense. The man’s got the looks, the brawn, and an accent that could send any hero into a tailspin. Picture this: Thor in a cricket-themed movie—who wouldn’t watch that?
Q: Who do you think would be the best dancer in Bollywood?
Ananya’s reply: "Virat Kohli. I’ve seen some moves. He actually has a lot of secret moves."
Wait, what? Virat Kohli dancing? Move over, Hrithik Roshan—looks like Virat might be hiding some secret talent! Ananya spills the tea here, claiming that Virat has moves that could make Bollywood’s best break into a sweat.
Q: If you could combine two Bollywood stars and a cricketer for a film, who would they be?
Ananya’s reply: "I would say Rahul Dravid as I find him really cool and really classy... Salman and Shahrukh, so yeah, that’s perfect."
Here’s the dream team: Rahul Dravid, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. Talk about a perfect storm of cool, class, and charisma.
Q: If you had to remake Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham with a cricketer in Hrithik Roshan’s character, who would you cast?
Ananya’s reply: "Maybe Shubman Gill."
Ananya might just have a career in casting! She picks Shubman Gill for Hrithik Roshan’s role in a Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham remake, and we’re here for it. Shubman has that youthful charm and quiet elegance, which would totally work for the role of Rohan. And let’s be real—he’d be a heartthrob in any Bollywood film!