ITV

Tag: Indian Cricket Team

  • WhatsApp Channels: A brand’s new frontier for enhanced engagement!

    WhatsApp Channels: A brand’s new frontier for enhanced engagement!

    Mumbai: Earlier this month, Meta chief Mark Zukerberg has announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries including India. With channels, WhatsApp’s goal is to build the most private broadcast service available, according to the company statement. Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers.

    A WhatsApp Channel allows companies to send messages to a large number of customers at once. This broadcast feature makes the communication easier and saves resources, as you only need to send one message to reach a lot of people at once.

    Companies can send, for example, important information, updates, product launches, special deals, and company news on the channels. This direct style of communication can improve customer loyalty and brand awareness.

    Several movie stars including Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, and Vijay Deverakonda, have already unveiled their WhatsApp Channels. Also, the Indian Cricket Team has also launched its WhatsApp Channel, aligning with the excitement building up around the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    With all this, we will see what the industry experts have to say regarding Channels, on whether this platform will be a boon for brands and content creators or is it just another gimmick? Let’s find out!

    Edited excerpts

    Chtrbox VP Karan Pherwani

    The introduction of WhatsApp Channels represents an exciting development for both brands and creators within the digital landscape. This feature promises to be a game-changer in terms of community building, offering a unique platform for engagement. While platforms like Discord and Instagram have made strides in this area, WhatsApp’s extensive reach holds the potential to resonate even more profoundly with India’s tier 2 and Tier 3 audiences.

    WhatsApp Channels will serve as open channels for brands and creators to foster meaningful interactions with their followers and consumers. It provides a seamless avenue for keeping the audience informed and engaged. The ability to communicate directly through WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app in India, will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility and intimacy of these connections. This innovation is poised to redefine how brands and creators connect with their target demographics, offering a fresh, dynamic channel for engagement and communication.

    FoxyMoron (Zoo Media) business director Shubit Rakshit

    The platform is a game-changer for content creators and marketers alike, providing an intimate space to connect with audiences. With its enhanced features and commitment to privacy, WhatsApp Channels opens new doors for personalized engagement and authentic communication. It would also be interesting to see how businesses leverage this platform, especially in a diverse market like India, by delivering content in regional languages and vernacular.

    With WhatsApp Channels, the industry at large gains a versatile tool to amplify brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately, ROI.

    TheSmallBigIdea CEO & co-founder Harikrishnan Pillai

    I have reservations against any feature that mimics another platform, especially when the genesis of the existence of the app is far away from that.

    WhatsApp is primarily used for direct and personal conversations with people you know, and you don’t see the need for it to become a platform for one-to-many communication. The core of the platform is interactivity and conversations, which the feature gives a complete miss in the current avatar.

    An extension to the absence of interactivity is the absence of a comments section on WhatsApp, which is a feature that drives engagement on other social platforms. While WhatsApp can argue it as a feature or a limitation, in a one-to-many scenario, there has to be a door for a 2-way conversation.

    WhatsApp is an already overwhelming space. Work conversation, personal conversation groups, status and now this.

    SoCheers group head – outreach Kunal Khandelwal

    WhatsApp’s transition into this territory feels more natural and promising, considering its wide user base. The vision is to offer brands a distinct avenue for connecting with their audience in a more personalized and exclusive manner. However, it would require brands and creators to establish their subscriber base from scratch unlike Instagram’s ‘Broadcast Channels’, where brands and creators can get their existing follower base.

    Thus, to make the most of WhatsApp Channels, brands can captivate their audience by offering special promotions, exclusive insights into upcoming products, and showcasing variations within their product line. This strategy cultivates a sense of exclusivity, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and eagerly anticipates what the brand has to offer. Particularly in industries like entertainment, where frequent updates and releases are the norm, WhatsApp channels prove highly effective. Moreover, brands in this sector can share relatable content, engage directly with fans, and maintain a consistent stream of updates.

  • MPL Sports & BCCI add superfans during the Team India T20I jersey launch

    MPL Sports & BCCI add superfans during the Team India T20I jersey launch

    Mumbai: With the World Cup just a little over a month away, there’s a new official Team India T20I Jersey around the corner. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and MPL Sports, the official kit partner, announced a new campaign called “#HarFanKiJersey” ahead of the launch.

    MPL Sports has launched a microsite called Har Fan Ki Jersey (https://harfankijersey.mplsports.in/), where users can upload their stories of what makes them a true blue cricket fan. By doing so, they will have the opportunity to be an integral part of the jersey unveiling. As the stories get populated on the site, a part of the jersey will be uncovered, giving fans a sneak peek into the much-awaited kit for this year.

    The new jersey will replace the Billion Cheers jersey, launched during last year’s World Cup, for all T20 format games.

    Besides getting a first look at the jersey, users can also get a chance to be crowned a “superfan.” Once fans upload their stories, they will get a referral code, which when used by their friends and followers, will earn them points and a spot on a leaderboard. Rewards include discounts. The brand will also run contests on social media, giving users a chance to win match tickets as well as other money-can’t-buy experiences. Participation also guarantees a digital certificate of appreciation from MPL Sports and BCCI. The best superfan stories will be shared on the official MPL Sports social media pages as well.

    The “#HarFanKiJersey” campaign aims to mobilise the billions of fans of the Indian cricket team, and give them a platform to share their passion for the game and the team.

  • Virat Kohli continues association with Audi India

    Mumbai: Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli will continue his association with Audi India, the German luxury automobiles manufacturer announced on Saturday. Kohli has been associated with Audi India since 2015 and has been an integral part of the brand’s marketing and social campaigns.

    “Whether it’s behind the steering wheel or on the pitch with a bat in the hand, performance, consistency, and technique are what define perfection. I have been an Audi fan even before I was formally associated with the brand. Audi cars reflect elegance and sportiness, which resonate perfectly with my personality. I am extremely delighted to continue my association with Audi India and be a part of the brand family. It is safe to say that my relationship with Audi India is more of a test match than just a T20”, said Kohli.

    The Indian skipper has featured extensively in campaigns like #TogetherWithAudi, #MovingForward, and a few product launch campaigns. His continued alliance with the Audi brand includes advertisement campaigns, social media engagement, and event collaborations, said the company.

    “Kohli perfectly embodies the progressive premium image of the brand Audi,” said Audi India head, Balbir Singh Dhillon. “He has been a part of the Audi India family for more than half a decade and is clearly a great fit, as both exemplify brilliant innovation in their performance. We look forward to an even more exciting journey going forward.”

  • “Day/Night test match is the way forward”, says Anil Kumble

    “Day/Night test match is the way forward”, says Anil Kumble

    MUMBAI: Within 12 days of being the coach for the Indian Cricket Team, Anil has already grabbed plenty of headlines with what he has said and done since his appointment. The newly crowned head coach has now indulged with his fans with an interactive Q&A session on Twitter.

    Kumble answered questions from serious ones related to the team to personal ones. He opened up talking about why he is nicknamed Jumbo, whether we will see him with a camera in the West Indies, what he thinks about Ravindra Jadeja and what his greatest challenge will be on coach of India.

    He answered the questions in a series of short personalised 30 second video responses , where he is quoted as saying “Navjot Singh Sidhu is the reason I got the name Jumbo. I once bowled a ball, that took off and he screamed ‘Jumbo-jet’, the Jet was lost but I have been called Jumbo ever since. On his greatest challenge as Indian cricket coach he said, “Consistency. It’s not going to be easy. We are playing 17 Tests in the next calendar year. It will be a challenge to keep them fresh and fit over the next year.”

    Twitter India head of sports partnership Aneesh Madani commented, “Nine out of ten Twitter users in India are cricket fans, and Twitter is the best place for them to wake up to the sport and connect with their heroes. This was a historic moment as BCCI made the first ever Twitter Q&A by a Team India Head Coach happen today with #AskTheCoach. In this #OnlyOnTwitter moment, Anil Kumble gave fans exclusive glimpses into his life through the Twitter Q&A app, bringing fans closer and setting a new benchmark for interaction”.

    He also admitted that Day/Night test match is the way forward.

    “I would certainly back Day/Night (Test) cricket. Anything we need to do to get crowd back to Test cricket… At least that is the future. In Day/Night matches, people can come into the stadium after office hours,” replied Kumble.

    Kumble termed Virat Kohli as a “fantastic batsman and leader” and he is excited to work with him. “I am really excited to work with Virat. I have seen him as U-19 at the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has matured a lot in last couple of years. He is a fantastic batsman and leader. He is really aggressive and so was I. I am really looking forward towards working with him.”

    Answering one of the quesries, he also mentioned that he expects Ravindra Jadeja to do well as the wickets in the Caribbean will suit his style of bowling. He did not forget to mention that he expects good things from all-rounder Jadeja.

    “Jadeja is a wonderful all-rounder. I had a chat with him about his bowling. I think with his bowling, he can do a great job and be effective in West Indies conditions, which is pretty similar to Indian conditions. I have also spoken to him about his batting ability as he can score a lot of runs. I am looking forward to Jadeja doing a great job not only as a bowler but also as batsman,” said the former India captain.

  • “Day/Night test match is the way forward”, says Anil Kumble

    “Day/Night test match is the way forward”, says Anil Kumble

    MUMBAI: Within 12 days of being the coach for the Indian Cricket Team, Anil has already grabbed plenty of headlines with what he has said and done since his appointment. The newly crowned head coach has now indulged with his fans with an interactive Q&A session on Twitter.

    Kumble answered questions from serious ones related to the team to personal ones. He opened up talking about why he is nicknamed Jumbo, whether we will see him with a camera in the West Indies, what he thinks about Ravindra Jadeja and what his greatest challenge will be on coach of India.

    He answered the questions in a series of short personalised 30 second video responses , where he is quoted as saying “Navjot Singh Sidhu is the reason I got the name Jumbo. I once bowled a ball, that took off and he screamed ‘Jumbo-jet’, the Jet was lost but I have been called Jumbo ever since. On his greatest challenge as Indian cricket coach he said, “Consistency. It’s not going to be easy. We are playing 17 Tests in the next calendar year. It will be a challenge to keep them fresh and fit over the next year.”

    Twitter India head of sports partnership Aneesh Madani commented, “Nine out of ten Twitter users in India are cricket fans, and Twitter is the best place for them to wake up to the sport and connect with their heroes. This was a historic moment as BCCI made the first ever Twitter Q&A by a Team India Head Coach happen today with #AskTheCoach. In this #OnlyOnTwitter moment, Anil Kumble gave fans exclusive glimpses into his life through the Twitter Q&A app, bringing fans closer and setting a new benchmark for interaction”.

    He also admitted that Day/Night test match is the way forward.

    “I would certainly back Day/Night (Test) cricket. Anything we need to do to get crowd back to Test cricket… At least that is the future. In Day/Night matches, people can come into the stadium after office hours,” replied Kumble.

    Kumble termed Virat Kohli as a “fantastic batsman and leader” and he is excited to work with him. “I am really excited to work with Virat. I have seen him as U-19 at the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has matured a lot in last couple of years. He is a fantastic batsman and leader. He is really aggressive and so was I. I am really looking forward towards working with him.”

    Answering one of the quesries, he also mentioned that he expects Ravindra Jadeja to do well as the wickets in the Caribbean will suit his style of bowling. He did not forget to mention that he expects good things from all-rounder Jadeja.

    “Jadeja is a wonderful all-rounder. I had a chat with him about his bowling. I think with his bowling, he can do a great job and be effective in West Indies conditions, which is pretty similar to Indian conditions. I have also spoken to him about his batting ability as he can score a lot of runs. I am looking forward to Jadeja doing a great job not only as a bowler but also as batsman,” said the former India captain.

  • IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants launch new jersey

    IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants launch new jersey

    MUMBAI: Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), the new entrant in the ninth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), unveiled the team’s official jersey in striking new colours in New Delhi today, in the presence of the team owner RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka and team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The team management also announced the appointment of ex-Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the assistant coach of the side.

    Speaking on the occasion Goenka said, “On behalf of the entire family of Rising Pune Supergiants, I would like to congratulate the team’s think tank for putting up a formidable side for the upcoming season of IPL. With so many achievers and successful cricketers in our ranks we look forward to a solid performance and some electrifying camaraderie on field. Pune has a very strong fan base and they appreciate good cricket, we are looking forward to a new home and come April, the city of Pune will have their own team to cheer for.”

    Dhoni spoke about his new role as the captain of RPS, saying, “I am looking forward to a new experience with the RPS. IPL has always been the breeding ground for new exciting talents who have the potential to play vital part in the future for the Indian Cricket Team. This year we have a very balanced side with the right combination of youth and experience which is essential for any team to succeed. We have got some big hitters and players who know to bind the innings together by putting on partnerships. Both batting and bowling unit looks good on paper but consistent performance will be the yardstick for judging the team. I am really looking forward to working with the new team management and hopefully we can make the people of Pune happy with our performance.”

    RPS logo and jersey rationale 

    The elements used in the jersey connote the dynamism and ‘ever-rising’ spirit of the team RPS. The colours used are vibrant and complement each other in bringing out the winning attitude of the team. Of the colours on the jersey, purple in particular makes a statement of superiority and brings out the energy of this team of stars. “The orange colour signifies the team’s firm determination and enthusiasm to break every barrier, thus winning every game. The bold look of the jersey reflects the confidence and ability of this team of star players who have their sights set firmly on success,” said an official statement from RPS.

    The word ‘Rising’ at a deeper level traces back to the free spirit of ‘Pune’ that never bowed down before any odds. Moreover, it also depicts the heights of excellence and success the new team will achieve being studded with ‘Super’ players like Dhoni, Ashwin, and Smith. Every player in the team is a star who shines bright in every battle, giving their best under pressure. In that sense they are also ‘Giants’ with extraordinary stature, performing astonishing feats.

    The logo has a regal feel and its visual elements are an amalgamation of cricketing equipment like the bat, the ball and the bails. The wings impart an overall impression of ‘soaring high’ while the bold font provides a sense of solidity. The purple colour of the ball signifies the energy and stability of the team.

    RPS will be having ex-New Zealand Skipper Stephen Fleming as the Coach of the side. The team will also have a professional CEO in Raghu Iyer, who is a Sports, Media and Entertainment professional with 21 years of invaluable experience. Prior to joining the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, he was with Rajasthan Royals since its inception.

  • IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants launch new jersey

    IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants launch new jersey

    MUMBAI: Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), the new entrant in the ninth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), unveiled the team’s official jersey in striking new colours in New Delhi today, in the presence of the team owner RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka and team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The team management also announced the appointment of ex-Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the assistant coach of the side.

    Speaking on the occasion Goenka said, “On behalf of the entire family of Rising Pune Supergiants, I would like to congratulate the team’s think tank for putting up a formidable side for the upcoming season of IPL. With so many achievers and successful cricketers in our ranks we look forward to a solid performance and some electrifying camaraderie on field. Pune has a very strong fan base and they appreciate good cricket, we are looking forward to a new home and come April, the city of Pune will have their own team to cheer for.”

    Dhoni spoke about his new role as the captain of RPS, saying, “I am looking forward to a new experience with the RPS. IPL has always been the breeding ground for new exciting talents who have the potential to play vital part in the future for the Indian Cricket Team. This year we have a very balanced side with the right combination of youth and experience which is essential for any team to succeed. We have got some big hitters and players who know to bind the innings together by putting on partnerships. Both batting and bowling unit looks good on paper but consistent performance will be the yardstick for judging the team. I am really looking forward to working with the new team management and hopefully we can make the people of Pune happy with our performance.”

    RPS logo and jersey rationale 

    The elements used in the jersey connote the dynamism and ‘ever-rising’ spirit of the team RPS. The colours used are vibrant and complement each other in bringing out the winning attitude of the team. Of the colours on the jersey, purple in particular makes a statement of superiority and brings out the energy of this team of stars. “The orange colour signifies the team’s firm determination and enthusiasm to break every barrier, thus winning every game. The bold look of the jersey reflects the confidence and ability of this team of star players who have their sights set firmly on success,” said an official statement from RPS.

    The word ‘Rising’ at a deeper level traces back to the free spirit of ‘Pune’ that never bowed down before any odds. Moreover, it also depicts the heights of excellence and success the new team will achieve being studded with ‘Super’ players like Dhoni, Ashwin, and Smith. Every player in the team is a star who shines bright in every battle, giving their best under pressure. In that sense they are also ‘Giants’ with extraordinary stature, performing astonishing feats.

    The logo has a regal feel and its visual elements are an amalgamation of cricketing equipment like the bat, the ball and the bails. The wings impart an overall impression of ‘soaring high’ while the bold font provides a sense of solidity. The purple colour of the ball signifies the energy and stability of the team.

    RPS will be having ex-New Zealand Skipper Stephen Fleming as the Coach of the side. The team will also have a professional CEO in Raghu Iyer, who is a Sports, Media and Entertainment professional with 21 years of invaluable experience. Prior to joining the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, he was with Rajasthan Royals since its inception.

  • HomeShop18 gets fans closer to Indian cricket team

    HomeShop18 gets fans closer to Indian cricket team

    MUMBAI: If you are a cricket fan then Celkon Selfie Phone-Millennia ME Q54+ to be launched on HomeShop18 at 9 pm, on 24 June is a must buy for you.

     

    This high-end technology smartphone will give 3 lucky customers who buy the phone during the live show a chance to watch the Indian cricket team play live in Sri Lanka in August this year. To add to the thrill, the winners will get a rare opportunity to click a selfie with the Indian cricket team with their new phone that sports one of the best-in-class front cameras. Not only that, the lucky winners will also get a Celkon phone free with every purchase, making it a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer.

     

    On the launch of this new phone, HomeShop18 chief operating officer Vikrant Khanna said, “Cricket and mobile phones is what drives India. With the launch of Celkon Selfie Phone-Millennia ME Q54+ on HomeShop18 we are providing our customers everything they love, a superior technology phone, an exceptional price and a chance to watch cricket. This show is a must-watch as a proposition like this is only available for HomeShop18 customers.”   

     

    The Celkon Millennia ME Q54 is the company’s latest product in the highly-rated Millennia series. It has already earned the tag of “the selfie phone” with its 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Making it a true value buy are its superlative features such as the 5-inch FWVGA screen, powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor which runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat). It also has a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash. It comes with dual SIM support and 3G connectivity.

     

    Celkon executive director Murali said, “We are excited to launch Celkon Millennia ME Q54 with HomeShop18 and offer customers attractive prices. This phone is by far the best Selfie phone available in the market, at this price point apart from its other high-end features. Hence, I’m certain that HomeShop18 customers will buy this phone to discover the delight of superior technology and of capturing the best photographs during the match as well as with the Indian team.”

  • Gulf Oil presents ‘LEADER TALK’ with Ratan Tata and Kapil Dev

    Gulf Oil presents ‘LEADER TALK’ with Ratan Tata and Kapil Dev

    NEW DELHI: At a time when India is looking for young and dynamic leadership in all spheres, CNN-IBN, in association with Gulf Oil, brings you LEADER TALK, a unique new talk show that will explore the ever-evolving aspects of leadership, be it in a corporate boardroom or in a sports arena.

     

    This week, IBN Network Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai talks to one of India’s most respected and admired business leaders,former Chairman of Tata Group Ratan Tata, and legendary cricketer Kapil Dev. On the show, Ratan Tata stresses on the need for leading from the front and doing business without compromising on ethics and core values. Kapil Dev narrates how he led the unlikely Indian cricket team to World Cup victory in 1983 and explains that a good leader is the one who credits the team for success and takes the blame for failures.

     

    The show will be aired on Sat, Sept 7th at 12:30 PM, followed by a repeat telecast on the same day at 10:30 PM and on Sun, Sept 8th at 10:00 AM and 7:30 PM only on CNN-IBN.

     

    More details on this series can be viewed on www.ibnlive.com/leadertalk.