Cricket
Cricket
5 must-listens on KL Rahul’s pre-match playlist
The India opener discusses the songs that help him get pumped up and in the zone before a cricket match.
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It would be really tough for me to name just five songs that I listen to before a match.
I have a full playlist and it keeps going back and forth starting with Punjabi, then there are some English hip-hop and rap songs, I also listen to some Hindi rap songs, and mostly I finish it off with some pop music.
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Many people would not expect this pre-match playlist, and they might think it is a weird mix of music, but it’s what I like to listen to before a match because it helps me stay focussed.
I listen to a few tracks by Eminem in the beginning because I grew up with his music. I love the hip-hop songs from the Creed movies and from Gully Boy. I also listen to some Alt-J and The Chainsmokers. So yeah, it’s a complete mix of songs.
Mostly the music towards the end is quieter and softer so I can stay calm for the game.
Here are five picks for my pre-match playlist.
“Ik Onkaar” – a prayer song
Not a lot of people would know this but the first song on my pre-match playlist is always this prayer. It is a Punjabi prayer, much like the Gayarti Mantra, which is said before journeys. So I start my journey to the cricket stadium by listening to this song.
“Soldier” by Eminem
After the prayer song I do a complete flip with my playlist and listen to Eminem. I like his older songs mostly, so I listen to a few of them. These were songs we all grew up listening to and they always help me stay focused.
“F.I.G.H.T.” from the movie Creed II
I like the songs from the boxing movies Creed and Creed II. This is a hip-hop song by Mike Will Made It. It helps me get pumped me up for the game because it has some phrases, like "get beaten down", "get back up", "no matter how much you break me, I will come back", and things like that. They help me get motivated.
“Apna Time Aayega” from the movie Gully Boy
This song is a current favourite of almost everyone around the country and recently found its way to my playlist, this is one song I really enjoy listening to since I enjoy hip-hop music and Indian rap is finally getting its recognition.
“Taro” by Alt-J
The last couple songs just before I get ready for the match will probably be Alt-J songs. I’m usually really pumped up for the game at this point so I just need something to help me feel calm just before I step onto the field. Alt-J really does that for me.
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