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Tag: Hardik Pandya

  • Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    MUMBAI: The toast of cricket talk shows is back, and it’s serving fresh stories with a side of wit. Oaktree Sports has announced the return of Breakfast with Champions for its much-awaited ninth season, hosted by the ever-charming Gaurav Kapur.

    Presented by Pop UPI and styled by Peter England, the new season premieres this October exclusively on Youtube, promising more laughter, locker-room confessions and heart behind the hustle.

    From Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Gavaskar, the show has already dished out some of the sport’s most unguarded conversations. This season, it’s going beyond the boundary, with cricketing stars joined by champions from other arenas, starting with Abhishek Sharma.

    “Every season of Breakfast with Champions has grown in scale and soul,” said Oaktree Sports founder Gaurav Kapur. “What began as casual chats has become a celebration of the human side of sport.”

    Pop UPI founder Bhargav Errangi added, “Just like our Popcoins reward loyalty, Breakfast with Champions rewards its audience with authenticity. It’s all about consistency and excellence, just like champions themselves.”

    Adding polish to the table, Peter England steps in as wardrobe partner with its sleek Gentlemen’s league collection, while brand strategy firm Next Narrative ensures the storytelling remains top-tier.

    With a power-packed guest list, sharp humour and plenty of heart, Breakfast with Champions – Season 9 is all set to remind fans why mornings with Gaurav Kapur are the most entertaining meal in sport.

  • Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    MUMBAI: When the lights stay on and the game never stops, you know someone’s powering the innings behind the scenes. Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, a leader in India’s electrical and automation space, has rolled out its latest campaign Powering a Non-Stop India with the star power of Mumbai Indians’ trio, captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.

    As the Principal Partner of Mumbai Indians, the brand isn’t just about logo placement on jerseys. The campaign spotlights how Lauritz Knudsen keeps India moving from hospitals running 24/7 and factories working round the clock, to homes that never miss a beat. The film runs seamlessly through these everyday scenarios, reflecting the company’s promise of reliability and resilience.

    Backed by creative muscle from Saatchi & Saatchi India, the campaign goes beyond advertising bravado. “Empowering bold and future-ready operations is at the heart of what we do,” said Schneider Electric vice president of marketing for Greater India Rajat Abbi emphasising Lauritz Knudsen’s role in driving a relentless India forward. Saatchi’s Chief Creative Officer Rohit Malkani added, “When you have three cricketing giants and a brand that never stops, the film itself had to move nonstop.”

    With India’s love for cricket as its amplifier and a message rooted in everyday resilience, the campaign blends entertainment with utility. Live across multiple platforms, it plugs Lauritz Knudsen’s story straight into households, reminding viewers that while the stars may play on the field, it’s reliable power that keeps the country’s innings going.

    Would you like me to also suggest a crisper alternate headline option without the cricket pun, in case you want to emphasise the “non-stop India” theme more strongly?

  • Comscore report: Influencers now spark 36 per cent of global social media engagement — and India’s creator economy is on fire

    Comscore report: Influencers now spark 36 per cent of global social media engagement — and India’s creator economy is on fire

    MUMBAI: Move over, legacy media. In today’s scroll-happy world, social influencers are the new empire builders — and India is leading the charge. According to The Social Influencers  Report: India Edition 2025 by Comscore, content creators are now responsible for a staggering 36 per cent of all user engagement across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok worldwide.

    And in a market where 1.4 billion people live online-first lives, the stakes — and returns — are massive. Whether it’s a viral reel from a beauty guru, a fiery political post, or a behind-the-scenes cricketer vlog, influencers are driving India’s digital heartbeat — and shaping brand strategy, platform growth, and content monetisation at scale.

    India’s top influencers? They are politicians and cricketers — with engagement numbers that rival primetime TV.  The data reveals some headline-stealing names. Prime minister Narendra Modi continues to dominate social media, generating 5.4 million monthly actions on Facebook and a further 10.8 million on X — more than many entertainment networks combined.

    Meanwhile, stars like KL Rahul, Rashmika Mandanna, and Hardik Pandya are keeping fans hooked across Instagram and YouTube. Beauty creator Parul Garg smashed viewership charts with 441.2 million views, proving that makeup and relatability are a power combo.

    Forget followers — engagement is the only currency that counts.  The report makes one thing clear: follower counts are yesterday’s news.

    “That influencer with 500K followers might be getting ghosted by their own audience,” says Comscore. “It’s engagement — likes, comments, shares — that reflects real influence.”

    The advice to brands? Dump the vanity metrics. Invest in creators who spark emotional responses, drive interactions, and know how to move the needle.

    Timing is everything: the best posting windows for Indian influencers to help you to ride the engagement wave. Know when your audience is listening. The report maps out the sweet spots across platforms:

    * Instagram: Mon–Wed mornings (10–11 am) and daily evenings (4–7 pm)
    * Facebook: Late mornings and afternoons, especially early in the week
    * X (formerly Twitter): 8–9 am daily and post-9 pm Mon–Tues
    Fridays and Saturdays? Surprisingly flat. Sunday evenings, on the other hand, are primed for attention.

    Virtual influencers are here — and they’re outperforming humans. The AI influencers are no longer gimmicks — they’re headline acts. Digital avatars like Lil Miquela, Aitana López, and Brazil’s Lu do Magalu are rewriting the rules of influence. These virtual personalities:don’t age, cancel, or misbehave; post consistently across markets and  adapt voice, tone, and look for hyper-local relevance.

    They’ve fronted campaigns with brands from Calvin Klein to LiquidIV, clocking millions of views without ever stepping into a makeup chair or selfie booth.

    Bonus: no diva demands, PR disasters, or DM leaks.

    The biggest takeaway? If you’re still treating influencer marketing like a side hustle, you’ve already lost.

    “Creators aren’t just content providers,” says the report. “They’re media buyers, storytellers, and brand equity multipliers rolled into one.”

    Brands must integrate influencer strategy across all touchpoints — from digital to social to streaming — or risk being drowned out by competitors who do.

    Final word: in the creator economy, fast movers win — the rest scroll behind. The competition is brutal. The smartest brands are already locking in creators with proven audience trust, emotional resonance, and multichannel command. And if you’re still running single-platform strategies in 2025? “You’re flying blind,” warns Comscore. “Your audience is watching TikToks, scrolling Insta, and doomscrolling X — often in the same hour. Get the full footprint or get forgotten.”

  • Dream11’s star-studded campaign yields record concurrency on IPL 2025 Day one

    Dream11’s star-studded campaign yields record concurrency on IPL 2025 Day one

    MUMBAI: Dream11 has kicked off the IPL season with a bang, smashing records faster than a Hardik Pandya six. The fantasy cricket platform registered an admiration worthy 16.5m concurrent users during the tournament opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore—testament to a marketing campaign that began brewing in the boardroom nearly eight months ago.

    Dream11 chief marketing officer Vikrant Mudaliar orchestrated what industry insiders describe as a “logistical hat-trick” by corralling Bollywood heavyweights Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan alongside cricketing royalty Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav for this season’s television commercial.

    The campaign’s central question—”Aap key team mein kaun?” (Who’s in your team?)—taps into the very essence of fantasy cricket while resonating with fans across the subcontinent. With Dream11 already boasting 240m users,  Mudaliar’s sights are firmly set on the next 100m cricket-mad Indians.

    “We needed a reach of 500-600 million,” he revealed to Storyboard18. “Only cricket and the IPL and Indian cinema combined can deliver that level of exposure.” The campaign, directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame, required military-precision planning with multiple sets, parallel shoots and a complex scheduling ballet to accommodate the stars’ limited availability.

    The adverts, filmed over several days in party settings, in planes, showcase something rarely seen in Indian advertising: self-deprecation from genuine celebrities. “The ability to poke fun at oneself requires a certain maturity,” noted  Mudaliar. “Much of the humour came from the celebrities themselves.”

    Such starry productions don’t come cheap, with budgets reportedly running into  crores. However, Dream11 has optimised its marketing spend by stepping back from co-presenting sponsorship of IPL broadcasts, instead betting big on creative quality.

    The strategy appears to be paying dividends. While Amit Sharma, chief technology officer, and his team work feverishly behind the scenes to keep the platform running smoothly under unprecedented traffic on Day 1 of the IPL as Virat Kohli blasted RCB to a victory over reigning champions KKR, Dream11’s war room is celebrating a return on investment that even the shrewdest fantasy cricket player would envy.

    As  Vikrant might say: when you’ve got the Hitman, Pandya, Sky, Rishabh, Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor on your team sheet, century-making becomes considerably easier.

  • Dream11 hits It out of the park with star-studded IPL 2025 face-off

    Dream11 hits It out of the park with star-studded IPL 2025 face-off

    MUMBAI: Get ready for a blockbuster cricket battle as Dream11, the world’s largest fantasy sports platform unveils its electrifying Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign, ‘Aapki Team Mein Kaun?’. This high-energy campaign sees movie superstars Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor go head-to-head, picking their dream teams of India’s biggest cricketers for an unforgettable face-off.

    Aamir11 and Ranbir11 aren’t just fantasy teams—they’re a clash of legends. The campaign ropes in cricketing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and R. Ashwin, turning up the heat with a mix of banter, rivalry, and sporting brilliance. And just when you think it’s all about cricket, Arbaaz Khan and Jackie Shroff make surprise appearances, adding their signature charm and humour to the mix.

    “At Dream11, we’re turning fans from mere spectators into active participants,” said Dream Sports chief marketing officer Vikrant Mudaliar. “This campaign taps into the passion of cricket while bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment. ‘Aapki Team Mein Kaun?’ challenges fans to pick their own winning fantasy teams, making every IPL moment more thrilling.”

    The campaign kicks off with an action-packed film, directed by the acclaimed Nitesh Tiwari and produced by EarthSky Pictures, with creative backing from Tilt Brand Solutions and ZeroFifty. The excitement continues with eight ad films airing throughout the IPL season across Star Sports, JioHotstar, and digital platforms.

    Since 2019, Dream11 has been a key player in the IPL ecosystem and is now the Principal Sponsor for five IPL teams Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the latest addition, Lucknow Super Giants. The platform is also an Official Partner for four more IPL teams, further solidifying its dominance in fantasy sports. As cricket’s biggest festival kicks off, Dream11 is ensuring the game isn’t just watched, it’s played, debated, and lived. So, the only question that remains is: Aapki Team Mein Kaun? 

  • Adidas kicks off game-changing campaign to back athletes with encouragement

    Adidas kicks off game-changing campaign to back athletes with encouragement

    MUMBAI: Adidas has launched a bold new chapter in its global brand campaign, reaffirming its commitment to reducing negative pressure in sport and championing the power of encouragement. Featuring India’s cricketing elite, the campaign aims to foster a culture where support, not criticism, fuels an athlete’s journey.

    New global research has laid bare a troubling reality—four in five athletes endure unhelpful sideline behaviour, often leading them to abandon their sport altogether. Adidas is stepping in with a clear message: positivity matters. The campaign, ‘You Got This’, underscores the transformative power of encouragement in sports, proving that a well-timed word of support can turn self-doubt into confidence.

    Set to launch ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the campaign film stars India’s cricketing stalwarts—Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Virat Kohli. Adding an emotional punch, the film features a reimagined version of I’m Sticking With You by The Velvet Underground, produced by James Blake, capturing the essence of unwavering support from the sidelines.

    Beyond the film, Adidas is introducing its sideline essentials, a toolkit offering practical guidance on how coaches, parents, supporters, and teammates can encourage athletes and help them thrive. This initiative stems from Adidas’ global study on the sideline effect, which examines the impact of both positive and negative sideline behaviours on athletes’ performance and mental well-being.

    Adidas India GM Neelendra Singh reinforced the brand’s commitment to athlete support, stating, “At Adidas, we have always stood by our athletes, both on and off the field. Recognising that pressure is an inherent part of sport, our ‘You Got This’ campaign aims to inspire positive influence on every pitch, track, and court. A simple gesture of encouragement can transform self-doubt into confidence.”

    The campaign will roll out across multiple media platforms worldwide, amplified further through retail activations that drive home Adidas’ mission: to make sports a space where encouragement outshines negativity. Because, in the end, a little bit of belief—especially from the sidelines—can change the game.

  • Hardik Pandya returns to fitness with BigMuscles Nutrition

    Hardik Pandya returns to fitness with BigMuscles Nutrition

    Mumbai: “The more ups I have the better, but even the downs I will cherish because failure teaches you a lot of things,” said Hardik Pandya after India won the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados earlier this year. Known for his impact as an all-rounder, Hardik has faced highs and lows but consistently emerged stronger. His dedication to fitness has made him an inspiration to many.

    A fitness enthusiast, Hardik incorporates varied exercises into his routine, including Bulgarian split squats for strength and side lunges for flexibility. However, he recently took a break from his fitness goals to celebrate Dussehra and Diwali.

    After the festivities, Hardik announced his return to training on Instagram, stating, “Got back to my fitness regime post festivities with BigMuscles Nutrition Nitric Whey Protein. It gives 27gm protein per serving and its Informed Choice Certified.” His comeback, marked by his use of high-quality supplements, signals his readiness for the upcoming India vs Australia Test series.

     

     

    In his latest post, Hardik Pandya flaunts Nitric Whey Protein, a high-quality isolate whey protein from BigMuscles Nutrition, well-regarded in the Indian fitness community. Each serving delivers 27 grams of protein, supporting muscle growth, performance, and recovery after intense workouts. Produced in a state-of-the-art facility, it is a fast-absorbing protein source, low in lactose and fat. Nitric Whey Protein is third-party lab tested, cGMP certified, and Informed Choice Certified for clean and safe supplements, making it an ideal option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

  • Star Sports launches ‘fan-centered’ campaign for Tata IPL 2024

    Star Sports launches ‘fan-centered’ campaign for Tata IPL 2024

    Mumbai: As the anticipation builds for India’s most awaited cricket spectacle, Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2024, has launched an “ode to IPL fandom and its various expressions” in its campaign for season 17 of the tournament. Inspired by real-life fan stories, moments seen on social media and true events of fandom, the campaign brings alive moments of togetherness that unleash a plethora of diverse emotions. It celebrates the idea of “better together” by representing diverse groups of fans whose experience of TATA IPL 2024 and emotions attached with players, matches and match situations are elevated when they watch together.

    The film features four IPL captains and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors – Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer – representing diverse fans in different situations, each representing different emotions which take over when one experiences key moments of the games in groups.

    The momentary transformations of fans’ personalities are a true representation of the emotional roller-coasters that IPL 2024 promises to be. Rishabh ‘Gabroo’ Pant’s gang sheds its “macho personality” and tears up with emotions, Hardik ‘Corporate’ Pandya and his team forget they are in a boardroom with foreign clients and break into a dance to celebrate, KL ‘Padhakoo’ Rahul and his study circle drop their books and let their passions fly when an umpiring decision goes against them, Shreyas ‘Good boy’ Iyer drops his submissiveness around his family and rebels against his father-in-law. The teasers and BTS clips surrounding the campaign have been making waves on social media and have added to the anticipation. It will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and Malayalam to resonate with fans across India.

    Disney Star head-sports Sanjog Gupta said, “TATA IPL 2023 was the biggest IPL in TV history and reiterated the belief that ritualism, community and togetherness are essential facets of the live cricket viewing experience. This year, our campaign is an ode to the plethora of emotions that fans around the country will experience over the next couple of months. Unlike Indian cricket, where pride is the pervasive fan sentiment across the nation, IPL allows different fans to take sides and experience distinct emotions in the same moment. And these emotions are elevated when they are experienced in the company of friends, families and/or community. The goal of the campaign is to elevate the stature of TATA IPL, drive fan tribes to support their teams even more passionately and excite viewers for an unparalleled experience on Star Sports.”

    Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassador, Hardik Pandya, said, “I’m thrilled to have participated in the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. Playing the role of a fan in the campaign, brought back memories of me being a fan, celebrating happily with friends and family when emotions take over during memorable victories.”

    “As a ‘Believe’ Ambassador, it is an honour to be a part of the ‘Ajab Rang Dikhega’ campaign. IPL is an emotion, and we love it as much as the fans do. Through the new campaign, we celebrate the unique community experiences that IPL evokes across the country making it a truly unforgettable experience. I’m grateful for the love showered by fans and I’m looking forward to IPL 2024”, added Rishabh Pant.

    The campaign has been conceived and conceptualized by Tilt Brand Solutions, a Mumbai-based brand and communications consultancy that is a part of Quotient Ventures.

    The ‘Incredible Premier League’ is best experienced with friends and family, capturing the essence of communal viewing that enhances the thrill of live sports on television. Star Sports has effectively placed fans at the heart of its coverage, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the excitement of watching the marquee tournament on TV. Through a series of on-ground events under the ‘Star Nahi Far’ activations, the broadcaster has successfully engaged audiences from all corners of the country, offering fans and fan communities a unique opportunity to connect with their favourite heroes. The ‘Incredible 16’ initiative featured legends selecting their all-time IPL squads, receiving widespread acclaim. Fans enthusiastically voted to back their favorite all-time stars, and created their versions of the ‘Incredible 16,’ amplifying the excitement surrounding the tournament as the opening day approaches.

  • Star Sports enhances IPL fan experience with “Star Nahi Far” initiative

    Star Sports enhances IPL fan experience with “Star Nahi Far” initiative

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has unveiled its exclusive initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far,’ aimed at bringing fans across the country closer to their IPL heroes in a money can’t buy experience. This fan-first initiative is set to enhance fan engagement and provide them with once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite cricket superstars up close and personal throughout IPL 2024 season.

    The ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, started from Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad, now gains momentum with the upcoming visit of Mumbai Indians and Team India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya in Mumbai on 24 February, 2024. Hardik Pandya’s arrival to the Mumbai Indian squad of IPL 2024 will be heralded by a vibrant city-wide roadshow across Mumbai, where he will interact with fans, share insights into his cricketing world and off-field endeavors while creating lasting memories with his beloved supporters.

    As the excitement for the IPL 2024 season builds, ‘Star Nahi Far’ promises to traverse the nation with activations featuring IPL’s brightest stars and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shikar Dhawan and more throughout the IPL season. Star Sports wants to give an opportunity to every true fan in the country and is also selecting fans through a contest to bring them close to their cricketing idol with 40 lakh enthusiasts already participated in the quest to meet Hardik Pandya in Mumbai.

     

     

    Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ Rishabh Pant said, “The IPL is not only about cricket; it’s also about the fans who make every match memorable. With Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I will get to share the game’s excitement with fans directly. Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024 and make more special memories together!

    Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ KL Rahul said, “The anticipation leading up to the IPL season is palpable, and being able to connect with our Lucknow supporters in person adds an extra layer of excitement. Teaming up with Star Sports for the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I am eager to hit the streets of Lucknow through the season of IPL, share our love for the game, and create unforgettable memories with fans.”

    The recently concluded events in cities of Tamil Nadu like Salem and Coimbatore along with Hyderabad underscores the broadcaster’s focus to nurture a deep connection between fans and their sporting icons. The resounding success of the inaugural leg witnessed over 10,000 passionate fans gathering to meet cricketing luminaries such as MSK Prasad and Irfan Pathan in Hyderabad, and Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore, L Balaji, T Natarajan, and Shahrukh Khan in Tamil Nadu.

  • Zee News The Cricket show: A winning formula of cricket, humor, and expert insights

    Zee News The Cricket show: A winning formula of cricket, humor, and expert insights

    Mumbai: In the dynamic world of sports entertainment, Zee News’ The Cricket show stands out as a triumph, captivating global audiences and cricket aficionados with an impressive viewership surpassing 672 million across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. The show’s unique concept, seamlessly blending cricket analysis with a touch of humor, has propelled it to the forefront of sports chat shows, delivering an engaging and entertaining experience for its vast audience.

    Renowned for its in-depth match analysis roasts, exclusive Q&A sessions with cricket legends such as Shoaib Akhtar and Aakash Chopra, and live interactions with cricket influencers like Chayan, Prashant, and Abhishek, The Cricket show has become a staple for enthusiasts seeking an immersive cricket experience. Importantly, the show transcends studio discussions, fostering real-time connections with the pulse of the cricketing community.

    The show’s exceptional coverage of the World Cup 2023 includes valuable insights from Shoaib Akhtar into Australia’s prowess in knockout matches, setting the stage for the much-anticipated clash between Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals. One of the distinctive features of the show is its commitment to steering clear of controversies, providing a refreshing and positive platform for cricket discussions. This commitment to maintaining a high standard of content significantly contributes to the show’s popularity and credibility.

    In a recent episode, Shoaib Akhtar also provided an insightful analysis on the reasons behind India’s defeat. The show also featured an exclusive interview where Shoaib Akhtar boldly declared Hardik Pandya as a future captain, offering a unique perspective on the team dynamics.

    Zee News editor Rajnish Ahuja said, “The Cricket show is a celebration of the spirit of cricket, meticulously crafted by our passionate team at Zee News. Our commitment to delivering resonant content and fostering a positive, controversy-free environment for cricket discussions is a testament to the show’s unwavering credibility. We take immense pride in providing a refreshing space for fans to revel in the game they love, solidifying the show’s standing as a reliable and esteemed source in the cricketing world.”

    “The success of The Cricket show reverberates not just as applause from cricket enthusiasts but as a strategic crescendo for Zee Media Co Ltd. Its impact on our business landscape is akin to a well-played innings – calculated, impactful, and leaving a lasting impression on our brand, partnerships, and market influence,” highlighted Zee Media Co Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha

    As the cricketing world continues to evolve Zee News’ The Cricket show remains a beacon of excellence, delivering unparalleled cricket content that resonates with fans worldwide.

    Zee News continues to lead the way in news broadcasting, setting records and making history. With a dedicated team of journalists and professionals, the channel remains steadfast in its pursuit of journalistic excellence, always striving to inform, engage, and inspire its viewers.

    Zee Media Co Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.