ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Skyesports announces 2024 CS 2 roadmap with six global IPs and $1 million prize pool

    Skyesports announces 2024 CS 2 roadmap with six global IPs and $1 million prize pool

    Mumbai:  Skyesports, South Asia’s leading esports tournament organiser, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 roadmap for Counter-Strike 2, one of the most competitive games worldwide. Next year, the company has revealed six global IPs for the game with a cumulative prize pool of $1 million. These events will feature a mix of international and Indian teams and will happen as LAN events in the country and internationally.

    Skyesports’ commitment to Counter-Strike 2 comes after it hosted India’s first-ever franchised esports league with a prize pool of more than $240,000, the Skyesports Masters, earlier this year with an on-ground final in Bangalore, India. After the positive reception and success of the league, Skyesports has announced a deeper roadmap for the year.

    Commenting on the newly unveiled roadmap Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy, said, “Since the release of Counter-Strike 2 earlier this year, the game is getting more popular than ever, presenting us with exciting opportunities to invest in the space. Our 2024 roadmap has been planned with a focus on fostering talent, global expansion, and ensuring sustainability for participating teams. We have five global IPs planned, offering a total prize pool of $1 million, all happening in person. Notably, three of these tournaments will take place in India, showcasing global esports talent and introducing the electrifying world of Counter-Strike esports to a broader audience.”

    To kick off the roadmap, the Skyesports Grand Slam will happen from March 14 to 18 with a $50,000 prize pool.  Next up, the franchised esports league, the Skyesports Masters is set to make a return with a huge $350,000 prize pool in May 2024. Following the high-stakes action in the franchised league, Skyesports will bring back the longest-running homegrown esports IP in India, the Skyesports Championship, for an electrifying sixth edition in July 2024 with $150,000 on the line.

    Besides Indian teams, these tournaments will feature international organisations and will happen as an on-ground live event in India, bringing global talent to the country. Skyesports will be unveiling the exact venues at a later date.

    Following these tournaments, Skyesports will host the $150,000 Skyesports Souvenir in Colombo, Sri Lanka with teams from India, Europe, and North America.

    In October 2024, Skyesports is set to introduce a new and ambitious global esports IP, the Skyesports Global Tour. For its inaugural edition, the tournament will take place in Bangkok, Thailand with a $250,000 prize pool. Embodying a truly global esports IP, the tournament will feature qualifiers taking place in India, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

    To close off the year, the Skyesports India vs Pakistan Series is set to take place in December 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This epic showdown will pit the best teams from each country in an epic showdown for the bragging rights and a share of the $50,000 prize pool. 

    Additionally, the roadmap will happen in continuation with top teams from the previous IP getting invited to the next tournament. This has been done to ensure that top teams have more stability to focus on elevating talent instead of playing through the qualifiers each time.

    Adding on the 2024 roadmap, Skyesports head of global business partnerships Sashank Bhandaru said, “As we move towards a truly global esports calendar for Counter-Strike 2 with tournaments throughout the year, we are looking forward to partnering with our existing anchor brands and working closely with new ones. Our roadmap has been planned to pave the way for long-term associations, bringing stability and investment to the Counter-Strike scene in India and beyond.”

    Besides these five global esports IPs, Skyesports will also support grassroots-level collegiate and cafe events for Counter-Strike 2 in India with monetary and infrastructural support.

    The summary of the Skyesports Counter-Strike 2 Roadmap in 2024 is as follows:

    1.   Skyesports Grand Slam: March 14 to 18 ($50,000) – India

    2.   Skyesports Masters 2024: May 13 to 19 ($350,000) – India

    3.   Skyesports Championship 6.0: July 4 to 7 ($150,000) – India

    4.   Skyesports Souvenir: Sept. 13 to 15 ($150,000) – Colombo, Sri Lanka

    5.   Skyesports Global Tour: Oct. 25 to 27 ($250,000) – Bangkok, Thailand

    6.   India vs Pakistan Series: Dec. 20 to 22 ($50,000) – Abu Dhabi, UAE

  • Sony BBC Earth transforms the festive season into a Metaverse wonderland for kids!

    Sony BBC Earth transforms the festive season into a Metaverse wonderland for kids!

    Mumbai: In a heartwarming gesture, Sony BBC Earth is unwrapping joy for kids with an exclusive Metaverse experience! This enchanting experience commenced with the channel presenting the less fortunate children with a chance to explore the world beyond their dreams.

    To make the Metaverse universe come alive, Sony BBC Earth collaborated with virtual reality experts and curated two captivating virtual worlds. The channel invited young minds to step into both worlds – the Polar region, dazzling with Aurora lights and surrounded by whimsical beings like penguins, seals, and polar bears, and the tropical rainforest teeming with lush canopies housing exotic creatures such as the Toucan, Cheetah, Crocodile, and Jackal. The experience made the children of the Udaan India Foundation wonder about the boundless possibilities in the AI space. Along with the Metaverse, the students also enjoyed the trivia session and fun games.

    This immersive initiative induced a strong sense of imagination and understanding of nature and its beings, making it a memorable experience for the younger generation. Sony BBC Earth aims to create more such experiences by extending the Metaverse experience to more children in schools and other centres.

    Comments

    Udaan Indian Foundation programs manager Pankti Lalaji shared,

    “Children are curious by nature, and technology amazes them to a great extent. We are grateful to Sony BBC Earth for showcasing the power of AI and providing an immersive experience to the kids of our foundation. The Metaverse experience was new and exciting for them and they got to learn so much from it.”

    Hitesh Vishwakarma, a class 8 student of Udaan India Foundation shared,

    “When I stepped into the Polar region, it was like magic. The lights in the sky were twinkling stars, and it felt like I was on a holiday to Antarctica. I am so happy that I got a chance to have a walkthrough in the snow and see the seals and penguins come alive.”

  • Star Sports garners 28 per cent viewership growth in first 24 PKL matches

    Star Sports garners 28 per cent viewership growth in first 24 PKL matches

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has notched up significant viewership figures building on a strong start at the opening weekend, solidifying its status as the second most popular sport in the country. According to BARC, Star Sports reached an astounding 158 million viewers in the first 24 matches of the tournament, marking an impressive growth of 20 per cent compared to the previous season. The watch time during this period increased by 25% to 12.8 billion minutes compared to the last edition. The broadcaster also witnessed a remarkable growth of 28 per cent in TVR compared to season 9, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm among fans for the high-octane action that Pro Kabaddi League delivers.

    A Star Sports spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to witness the overwhelming response and would like to thank fans for their continued love for the sport. Pro Kabaddi League holds a special place in the hearts of millions, and the increasing viewership numbers are a testament to the league’s popularity. The fast-paced matches and nail-biting endings have kept fans on the edge of their seats.”

    The Pro Kabaddi League has become a cultural phenomenon in India, showcasing the indigenous sport at its best and providing a platform for athletes to shine on the national stage. Star Sports Network remains committed to delivering unparalleled sports entertainment, and these remarkable viewership figures demonstrate the unwavering support and passion of the Indian audience for Pro Kabaddi.

    Reach and Watch-time Data for 2+U+R (TV + OOH)

    Ratings on India Urban M15+ AB 

  • Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to launch on Astro

    Rewind Networks’ HITS NOW to launch on Astro

    Mumbai: Starting 10 January 2024, the captivating HITS NOW channel will be available to Astro viewers on Channel 702. HITS NOW is the latest addition to Astro’s lineup of Rewind Network’s offerings alongside the existing hits and hit movies channels available on their service.

    All Astro customers will be able to enjoy a free preview of HITS NOW from 10th January to 31st March 2024, giving viewers a chance to catch iconic shows like The 75 Primetime Emmy Awards, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy Team and the new season of American Idol. After the free preview, HITS NOW will be available in the Variety and Entertainment packs at no extra cost to customers subscribing to these packs.

    The collaboration between Astro and Rewind Networks is the latest endeavour in their longstanding partnership. Both parties are committed to providing high-value entertainment to Malaysian viewers and enriching the Malaysian TV  landscape. HITS NOW, celebrated for its award-winning and branded programmes, has garnered a strong following since its launch across multiple territories in Asia in February 2023.  

    Astro director content Agnes Rozario, said, “We are delighted to enhance our customers’ entertainment options with high-quality shows, coming express from the US to HITS NOW. From reality talent competitions, dramas and comedies,  entertaining talk shows and gameshows, and compelling crime and investigation series, HITS NOW offers the most talked about shows from the US that customers will be able to watch anytime and anywhere. We are confident that the addition of  HITS NOW on Astro will be a hit with our customers who now have the best of local shows, sports and movies.”

    “We are beyond excited with the launch of HITS NOW on Astro,” said Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “We truly value our partnership with Astro, who have carried our channels from the earliest days. From iconic award shows like  The Emmys to award-winning drama series, beloved talent shows, popular reality shows and innovative game shows – we  are confident that HITS NOW will resonate strongly with Astro’s viewers and become a go-to entertainment destination  and channel of choice for their daily viewing.”

    HITS NOW, the newest channel service from Rewind Networks, is the one-stop curated destination for top-rated reality, variety, drama, game and entertainment news shows from the US, with titles such as The 75th Primetime Emmy  Awards, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy Team, and Celebrity Family Feud airing on the channel from January 2024.  Together with its sister channels, HITS and HITS MOVIES, the three channels deliver quality curated content to over 13  countries and 24 million households across Asia.

    HITS NOW will broadcast the prestigious 75 Primetime Emmy Awards Live starting at 8 am (GMT+8) on 16 January with an encore performance at 8 pm (GMT+8) that same night.

    The HITS NOW lineup will feature the ultimate in breathtaking entertainment with exhilarating, branded reality and talent shows like American Idol 2024, Survivor, America’s Got Talent: Fantasy Team, Shark Tank, Hell’s Kitchen, and Britain’s Got  Talent all express from the US. It will also debut brand new reality series like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, The  Traitor and Race To Survive: Alaska; stunning drama series like the successful Fire Country, Sullivan’s Crossing and So  Help Me, Todd as well as Alert: Missing Persons Unit.

    Game show junkies can play along with Password, Barmageddon,  Supermarket Sweep, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Celebrity Family Feud. Those craving light-hearted fare can kick back with heartwarming comedies Lopez vs Lopez, Young Rock, The Goldbergs and Ghosts. The network has got viewers covered for everything Hollywood with the long-running news show – Entertainment Tonight, and true crime aficionados can follow real-life cases with Fear Thy Neighbor, Fear Thy Roommate, Killer Couples and Murder for Hire.

  • Udit Sharma joins One Impression as CBO

    Udit Sharma joins One Impression as CBO

    Mumbai: One Impression, India’s leading influencer marketing platform, welcomes Udit Sharma as its chief business officer (CBO). In his professional capacity, Udit will spearhead the company’s revenue growth, new region expansion, team building, and strategic partnerships.

    Prior to joining One Impression, Udit held the position of ShareChat chief revenue office (CRO) homegrown social media company.  

    Talking about his new role, Udit Sharma said “Last couple of years have seen a truly remarkable growth in the consumption of content created by millions of influencers. This has resulted in strong creator-follower connections and has opened up potentially new avenues for brands to engage with their TG. However, given its unique challenges, Influencer Marketing still has some way to go before becoming a key marketing element for brands. So, when I came across One Impression, I was truly impressed with its core product that solves all those issues and puts brands back in control. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining One Impression in its mission to simplify Influencer Marketing for all businesses, big and small.”

    One Impression founder Apaskh Gupta shared, “We believe brands around the world have demonstrated the power of creator content & influencer marketing. We are now at an inflection point for the industry and we are about to witness the true power of influencer marketing for businesses around the world. As influencers continue to become increasingly more meaningful in the lifecycle of a business, there is an immediate need for a technology platform to remove all inefficiencies associated with the channel. One Impression has built a world-class platform that solves problems at every step of the process and enables brands & creators to collaborate seamlessly. We are truly excited to have Udit join us in this journey. We believe his experience & knowledge in building large-scale platforms will help us take the One Impression platform to the world.”

    Udit Sharma brings a wealth of experience to One Impression, having previously served as Disney+ Hotstar Sr. vice president (VP) & head of sales. Over his five-year tenure, he led large clients (LCS), small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), and agency businesses, contributing significantly to the streaming platform’s growth.

    With a diverse background spanning industries such as media, mobile payments/fintech, and consumer electronics, Udit’s professional journey includes roles at Freecharge, Zomato, Oxigen Services, and Samsung Electronics.

    One Impression is thrilled about this collaboration with Udit Sharma. The combination of Udit Sharma’s extensive industry expertise and the platform’s innovative approach to influencer marketing is expected to result in a powerful partnership. Together, they aim to achieve remarkable success in the dynamic field of influencer marketing.

  • News18 Tamil Nadu became sole channel for comprehensive coverage of the unfolding flood crisis

    News18 Tamil Nadu became sole channel for comprehensive coverage of the unfolding flood crisis

    Mumbai:  News18 Tamil Nadu emerged as a source of timely and humanitarian journalism in the aftermath of the recent floods that stormed through Thoothukudi and Thirunelveli. As the flood crisis unfolded over 500 stranded passengers in Srivaikundam faced grave conditions exacerbated by rising rains beginning on Monday.

    News18 Tamil Nadu took the lead as the sole channel to commence comprehensive coverage of the unfolding crisis, swiftly informing the government of the dire situation.

    News18 Tamil Nadu’s dedicated reporter, Vetri played a pivotal role in highlighting this humanitarian crisis. Overcoming road blockages and flood damage, Vetri reached the location at 11 am. His live stream showcased the distressing conditions faced by those stranded, including infants and pregnant women lacking proper food and water.

    Local villagers banded together to supply essential necessities to the stranded passengers demonstrating amazing community spirit. Expressing coverage, News18 Tamil Nadu felt extremely proud of being the first channel to highlight this tragic scenario and bring it to the attention of the respective governments.

    In the face of adversity, News18 Tamil Nadu remains unwavering in its commitment as a responsible news outlet. 

  • Gen Z Superstar Kartik Aaryan: Sony Sports Network’s Football brand ambassador

    Gen Z Superstar Kartik Aaryan: Sony Sports Network’s Football brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, the premier destination for football in India, has joined hands with Bollywood’s Gen Z superstar and youth icon – Kartik Aaryan, who is known to be a die-hard football fan, to become their brand ambassador for football. During his partnership with Sony Sports Network, Kartik will be seen promoting Live football action on Sony Sports Network around the year with 900 matches from marquee football tournaments and leagues which include UEFA EURO 2024, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Nations League, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Durand Cup and Roshn Saudi League amongst others.

    Kartik Aaryan who has enthralled audiences with stellar performances on the silver screen is also known for his enthusiasm and fandom for the game of football. His love for the game began at an early age and he is a dedicated Real Madrid fan, the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

    Comments:

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – Sports Business  Rajesh Kaul:

    “It gives us immense pleasure to announce Kartik Aaryan as the Brand Ambassador of football on Sony Sports Network. Kartik is a true star on the silver screen and a passionate voice for football which resonates very well with audiences.  We aim to connect with the Indian youth and create a deeper engagement with our ever-growing football viewers through Kartik Aaryan for our diverse portfolio of football offerings that includes the live telecast of over 900 football matches and positions Sony Sports Network as the premier destination for football.”

    Kartik Aaryan, Bollywood actor & brand ambassador for Football on Sony Sports Network:

    “I have been an ardent football fan since I was a child and I feel privileged to partner with Sony Sports Network for promoting a sport that is so close to my heart. Sony Sports Network will be home to some of the best footballing action for the year ahead from UEFA EURO 2024 to UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga and more. I am excited about the football broadcast calendar which will showcase the best players and teams from across the world. I’m really looking forward to watching my favourite footballers play on the ground and meet them. I can’t wait to share the adrenaline rush in the stadium with other football fanatics and live the madness!”

    Armed with the vision of reaching out to a wider stratum of Indian audiences and bringing them closer to the game, Sony Sports Network has launched the first film from the ‘Your Home of Football’ campaign which will be followed by four additional films in the coming weeks. The films featuring Kartik Aaryan will showcase the broadcaster’s repertoire of football offerings along with the actor’s deep love for the game.

    Film: Every Football Fan is Different

    The film is an ode to the fans of the various football properties on Sony Sports Network, highlighting the broadcaster’s depth of football content. In the film, Kartik is seen essaying the role of the different types of fans for different leagues and tournaments while donning their team jerseys. All with one common link between all the offerings: establishing that there is only one destination for all these football fans and that is Sony Sports Network.

    Fans can watch the LIVE coverage of the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Bundesliga, Roshn Saudi League, UEFA EURO 2024, Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Nations League, Durand Cup and more on Sony Sports Network.

  • News18 to present latest edition of ‘L’Aspiration Summit’ in Chandigarh

    News18 to present latest edition of ‘L’Aspiration Summit’ in Chandigarh

    Mumbai: News18 Network is going to present the latest edition of L’Aspiration Summit – a unique initiative launched by News18 Network last year that is focused on understanding and tracking the trends defining the world of luxury today. The Summit is scheduled to be held on 22 December 2023 at The Marriott, Chandigarh.

    The L ’Aspiration Summit will feature various discussions on the emerging opportunities, and how in a world brimming with opportunities the aspirations of a young nation are changing. Renowned speakers from diverse backgrounds – royalty, designers, lifestyle experts, models, actors and renowned chefs – will come together to provide a rare glimpse into a world that most can only dream of.

    The guests for the Summit will include Anirudh Singh who is the erstwhile Prince of Bharatpur, Priyamvada Singh who traces her regal lineage to the Bhilwara region and is famed for being a heritage restorer, artist and collector Shan Bhatnagar, Mallyka Dundlod  who traces her lineage to the royals from the Shekhawati region and is also the founder of A Baisa’s Adventure, actor and model Jonita Doda, designers Mumtaz Khan and Aditi Rastogi, Siddharth Daspan from the House of Daspans, Aaliya Babi from the royal family of Balasinor amongst others.

    Tune-In to News18 Punjab Haryana for an exclusive experience and look at the world of luxury on 22 Dec 2023 from 5 pm onwards.

  • POGO’s showdown: Little Singham vs. Chhota Bheem – ‘Aag Aur Paani Ki Takkar’

    POGO’s showdown: Little Singham vs. Chhota Bheem – ‘Aag Aur Paani Ki Takkar’

    Mumbai: Get ready for an electrifying television experience to welcome the new year! POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel is set to bring together two iconic forces, Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, together in the much-anticipated exclusive movie ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar’. Premiering on Sunday, December 31 at 1 pm in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Marathi, this blockbuster event promises an exhilarating adventure that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

    The gripping narrative unfolds when the iconic super villains from two universes, Kirmada and Kaal join forces and connive to set a clash between Firey Little Singham and Calm as water, but powerful Chhota Bheem which triggers a monumental chain reaction, plunging the two worlds into peril. The stakes escalate, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance, as the Supercop v/s Superhero face off sets for a clash of Titans of the Toonworld.

    Warner Bros. Discovery head of kids cluster – South Asia Uttam Pal Singh said, “As storytellers, we are thrilled to bring together two beloved icons, Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, in exhilarating crossover movies of the year ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar’. This movie is a coming together of best minds and artists from the world of animation with Reliance Animation, Rohit Shetty Picturez and Green Gold Animation along with POGO promising fans a never before experience fronted by iconic Titans of Toonworld and a historic event in the Kids genre.”

    This exclusive movie promises an immersive experience filled with suspense, action, and unanticipated plot twists that will captivate audiences of all ages.

    “We are incredibly happy to be collaborating with the might of the animation industry Green Gold Animation for the first time and are filled with pride to further our long-standing association with Warner Bros. Discovery for another exciting milestone in storytelling. This movie is a blend of thrill, unexpected events and the power of heroism. Integrating the two completely different universes has been a really exciting process of this association which will win the hearts of our young audiences across the country”, shared, Reliance Animation CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare.

    Talking about this epic crossover, Green Gold Animation and Creator of Chhota Bheem founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “We are extremely excited to take the fans of Chhota Bheem on a first-of-its-kind voyage showcasing the ultimate clash of the animated worlds of Little Singham and the characters of Dholakpur. These adored titans will be seen on the Indian television for the first-time providing fans with an experience full of suspense, action, and unexpected turns as they fight for their beliefs. With POGO and Reliance Animation, we are excited for the young fans to experience Bheem’s newest battle that will redefine sacrifice and heroism.”

    Stay tuned for this thrilling crossover event, ‘Aag aur Paani ki Takkar,’ premiering on Sunday, December 31 at 1 pm only on POGO.

    You can watch the promo of the new Maha Blockbuster Chhota Bheem VS Little Singham here

     

  • Du Plessis: RCB bolsters bowling at IPL 2024 auction to improve home performance

    Du Plessis: RCB bolsters bowling at IPL 2024 auction to improve home performance

    Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made strategic acquisitions to successfully achieve optimal team balance at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 player auction in Dubai on Tuesday.  

    As RCB executed well-thought-out six bids to shape a strong squad for the upcoming season, skipper Faf du Plessis highlighted that it was a busy time for him and the think tank as they invested a lot of time in developing a comprehensive plan which helped to enter the auction with much more clarity. He said the team’s focus was to pick the players who will perform well at home.

    With a strong nucleus already present in the top order with players like Du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar, and having acquired services of all-rounder Cameron Green, who adds excellent depth to the batting, RCB’s focussed approach in the auction saw them securing more strength in the bowling department.

    West Indian aggressive paceman Alzarri Joseph (Rs 11.50 Cr) became the first buy for RCB at the auction. The 27-year-old holds the record for the best-ever bowling figures in the IPL of 6-12 and can be a quality option in death overs. They further added more speed to their attack by picking up New Zealand’s fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Rs 2 Cr) and England’s Tom Curran (Rs 1.50 Cr).

    RCB also added Indian left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (Rs 5 Cr) and spin all-rounder Swapnil Singh (Rs 20 lacs) to ensure variation in the bowling attack. They bought talented young wicketkeeper Saurav Chauhan (Rs 20 lacs) from Gujarat to complete a 25-member squad. Chauhan made the headlines in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when he smashed 18-ball 61.

    Talking about the auction and the selection of players, RCB chairman Prathmesh Mishra said: “RCB is committed to playing a fearless brand of cricket which ranks us among the top global franchises. With the expertise of Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, we aim to foster a bold and dynamic performance culture in the team. The strategic purchases at the auction reflect their meticulous planning and approach. With the strong batting line-up already present, we have now balanced our team with the addition of all-rounders and great bowling options to add fire to the pace unit. Overall, we’ve successfully built a formidable team poised to bring glory in the upcoming season.”

    “After the last season, we felt like we needed to improve at home. One of the things that we did really well was to succeed away from Chinnaswamy. So, we went away and put our heads together and what that look like to be better at home and how can we get better, in what ways can we improve? It’s definitely the auction and the process of the last two months has been solely around planning to be better at home and the type of bowlers and batsmen that will be successful at home,” commented Du Plessis.

    “We spent a lot of time talking about RCB and where we wanted to take the franchise. I think it’s always really important that you do your homework and make sure you look at every area and talk it through. And I feel like our relation, the three of us [head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat], obviously with the help of a lot of the team, Freddie [Wilde] the analyst and [Adam] Griffith the bowling coach, Malolan Rangarajan, (Head of Scouting) and even Rajesh V Menon (VP and Head of RCB), I feel like we are very well-connected leadership group,” he added.

    Head coach Flower is confident about the bowling attack and hopes they play an important role and also said they have a dangerous batting line-up.

    “It’s really a strong top four with Virat [Kohli] and Faf [du Plessis], [Rajat] Patidar and [Glenn] Maxwell. Cameron Green who gives us that power somewhere in that top five. We haven’t decided exactly where he’s going to bat yet, but he gives us that power option somewhere in the top five that is going to be very dangerous. Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack and him being fit and firing is going to be very important. We’ve got some skilful young Indian bowlers there who are going to be growing with us through the season and hopefully playing a really important part for us,” the head coach commented.

    RCB Full Squad for IPL 2024:

    Retained Players: Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (from SRH), Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (from MI).

    New Buys: Alzarri Joseph (Rs 11.50 crore), Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore), Tom Curran (Rs 1.5 crore), Lockie Ferguson (Rs 2 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Saurav Chauhan (Rs 20 lakh).