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Tag: Indian cricketer

  • RuPay kicks-off IPL innings with new campaign featuring Ishant Sharma

    RuPay kicks-off IPL innings with new campaign featuring Ishant Sharma

    Mumbai: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has floated its first Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign ‘RuPay. Be On-The-Go.’ Featuring Indian fast-bowler Ishant Sharma, the campaign highlights the many benefits of RuPay On-The-Go on cards and other convenient form factors such as smartwatches, keychains, mobile stickers, and wristbands.

    As part of the high decibel campaign, five advertisement films are released on television, OTT, digital, and social media platforms. The brand has also roped in popular cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag to endorse the campaign on Twitter.

    The film revolves around the banter between three characters- an umpire struggling with payments, a batsman who knows how incredible RuPay is, and who takes it upon himself to educate our umpire on it, and fierce pacer Ishant Sharma. The umpire gets so distracted by the amazing and innovative RuPay offerings that the batsman is sharing with him, he doesn’t even notice that Ishant Sharma has bowled, rapped the opener on the pads, and is now screaming ‘Howzzaaaatt!,’ waiting for an ‘Out’ from him. What follows is a ‘match freeze’ where the entire match pauses, as we see Ishant now doing his best to catch the Umpire’s attention by shouting ‘Howzzatt’ in hilarious ways. With RuPay on Umpire’s mind and his conversation with the non-striker still on, he registers Ishant’s appeal and starts to raise his finger finally shouting ‘Out-standing’ for RuPay.

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, the new campaign has beautifully and humorously captured Ishant’s dynamic action of ‘Howzat’ to weave together the films. The campaign also features four short films which reinforce the concept in various situations involving payments for international use, for the convenience of paying using RuPay On-The-Go enabled watch(at a grocery store) and keychain (at a drive-thru), and for bus/metro travel. The films not only create awareness about RuPay On-The-Go but also show how payments can be quick, safe, easy, and hassle-free for customers.

    The films underscore the availability and accessibility of the RuPay cards. The advertisements highlight that every bank in India is issuing RuPay Debit cards and a large number of banks and prepaid/credit card players are also issuing RuPay prepaid and credit cards.

    Furthermore, the films also create awareness amongst customers to ensure activating their cards for contactless, e-commerce, and international transactions per the regulatory requirements in India.

     

  • Rage Coffee onboards Virat Kohli as brand ambassador & investor

    Rage Coffee onboards Virat Kohli as brand ambassador & investor

    Mumbai: Rage Coffee, a Delhi-based FMCG company that manufactures, markets, and distributes packaged coffee products has onboarded cricketer Virat Kohli as an investor and brand ambassador. With this association, the coffee brand said it seeks to entrench itself as a fan favourite in the market and create a pathway for customer acquisition.

    “I’ve been using Rage Coffee products for some time, and I am excited to be a part of its growth journey. The team at Rage Coffee has shown high levels of business execution and stupendous growth over the last couple of years,” commented Virat Kohli. “Rage Coffee has developed some trailblazing products that conform with my innovative approach and align with my lifestyle. I see tremendous potential for the brand to become one of the most iconic coffee companies of our time.”

    Previously, the digitally native coffee company had raised five million dollars of growth capital as part of its series-A funding round led by Sixth Sense Ventures in August 2021.  

    The brand is planning to expand its online presence and offline footprint pan-India and will utilise the fresh capital for marketing and distribution purposes, according to the statement. “Rage Coffee will use the funds to scale production, launch innovative new products and add senior management talent,” it added.

    “Virat Kohli has set some unrivalled records in the top echelon of world cricket and is rightly known as the best batsman in the world,” said Rage Coffee founder and CEO Bharat Sethi, about roping in Virat Kohli as a brand ambassador and investor. “Apart from being a world-class athlete, Virat is also a fitness enthusiast who is committed to an attitude that fosters a healthy lifestyle and it seamlessly aligns with the ethos that Rage Coffee promotes. Our association with him sets us on a journey where we envision perfection through our constant efforts directed at being the best in our segment. Rage Coffee and Virat both share a mutual objective – to strive for excellence!”  

  • Cars24’s new campaign reveals MS Dhoni-proven formula to buy best cars

    Cars24’s new campaign reveals MS Dhoni-proven formula to buy best cars

    Mumbai: Cars24, the homegrown e-commerce platform for pre-owned vehicles has launched its latest campaign ‘MRL Pass Toh Gaadi First Class’ featuring Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. The campaign brings focus to Cars24’s recently launched Mega Refurbishment Labs (MRLs) in India and highlights the brand’s commitment and leadership to provide quality cars to its customers. 

    Based on the recently conducted Cars24-IPSOS study, quality is the most important factor in a buyer’s purchasing journey. In line, the campaign brings focus to the solutions by Cars24 that make the buying process seamless while ensuring top notch quality cars, said the statement. The campaign will go live on television and across all the social media handles of Cars24, it added.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy (North), MS Dhoni alongwith the massive MRLs emerge as the heroes in the film. MS Dhoni is seen in this unique avatar of a rapper for the first time. Dhoni raps to explain the MRL throughout the film with visuals of various checks done on a car at the MRLs. Themed around ‘quality,’ the film is for the young buyers, with Dhoni making this point in a light hearted and fun manner. The rap-like treatment to the film and the continuous use of the word ‘check’ makes one want to play the film on loop- it has the potential to become an earworm. 

    “Through this campaign, we want to reinforce the messaging of our consistent efforts to bring a whole new world of quality cars to even more consumers,” said Cars24 India CMO Sudhir Shukla. “At Cars24 we have invested in India’s largest refurbishment facilities, the MRLs, which use the best-in-class systems, processes and technology to deliver quality cars that, together with our warranty and customer friendly return policies, will ensure an outstanding customer experience. And it was only fitting to use the best of cricket and a known car fanatic – MS Dhoni- to endorse the best in the pre-owned car industry; as he is definitely one of India’s most celebrated icons of performance, trust and dependability.” 

    “Since its early days, Cars24 has envisioned transforming the used-car industry. It has been a pioneer in shaping the industry while enabling customers to make the transition to buy cars online,” said MS Dhoni. “The company is revolutionising the category beyond Indian waters and has showcased its merit globally as they continue to expand further. I am delighted to be associated with a company that is here to make a difference with a consumer centric approach, ensuring they offer the best to their customers.” 

    Cars24 has recently launched seven company-owned MRLs in key metro markets of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune. These MRLs, India’s largest vehicle refurbishment facilities, have been set up across 35 acres of land with the aim of providing buyers with access to high quality used cars coupled with warranty through a trusted channel, said the brand.

    “When we first saw the new Cars24 facility The MRLs we knew that this had to be the centerpiece of our communication. We needed to show the rigour and the know-how that goes behind making each car top-notch. And who better than MS Dhoni to help us tell that story,” stated Ogilvy (North) chief creative officer Ritu Sharda. “We have presented MRL in all its glory and as a futuristic refurbishment facility synonymous with trust and quality.” 

  • realme ropes in KL Rahul as brand ambassador

    realme ropes in KL Rahul as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Smartphone brand realme has roped in Indian cricketer KL Rahul as brand ambassador to endorse its smartphone category. 

    Rahul will work with realme to help grow the smartphones category under the broad umbrella of product offerings, said the brand in a statement on Thursday.

    “With the onboarding of a talented and renowned sports personality KL Rahul, we envision to combine the synergies of both. We are optimistic that the partnership will add unprecedented value to the smartphone category since we will also be able to target the massive fan following Rahul enjoys,” stated chief marketing officer of India, Europe, and Latin America Francis Wong. “We are certain that the partnership of such stature with a seasoned celebrity like him will strengthen the brand proposition of making cutting edge technology, fun, stylish, quality-driven products available to the audience.”

    realme’s partnership with the seasoned sports star reinstates the brand ideology of being powerful, stylish, and youth-oriented, said the statement. “The partnership further complements the brand’s attitude of setting new benchmarks, inspiring thousands of millennials across the country,” it added.

    “The fact that the brand has established itself as one of the leaders in the global market makes me proud to have associated myself with them,” said KL Rahul. “realme boasts unparalleled products that are stylish and powerful. Furthermore, its ethos of ‘Dare to Leap’ is something that I strongly resonate with.”

  • Fire-Boltt onboards Virat Kohli as brand ambassador ahead of global debut

    Fire-Boltt onboards Virat Kohli as brand ambassador ahead of global debut

    Mumbai Homegrown wearable brand Fire-Boltt has brought on board cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador ahead of its global debut. 

    The Indian skipper will participate in different marketing ad and endorsement campaigns of the brand, said the statement. “Both Fire-Boltt and Virat Kohli embody an exuberant-yet-strategic approach to emerge as winners and this is what makes the collaboration a natural unison,” it added.

    “Virat Kohli is a role model for not just Indians but cricket lovers around the globe. His mention alone can inspire millions to chase their dreams and aspirations, and we decided to join hands with him in sync with our vision of an evolved lifestyle for all countrymen ushered in by lifestyle devices such as a smartwatch,” said Fire-Boltt co-founder Arnav Kishore. “Just like a cellphone in every hand is a reality today, we want a smartwatch on every wrist in wake of the new normal. People need to keep a tab on their health even while on the go and there can be no better enabler than smartwatches.”

    “Fire-Bolttas a brand personifies energy, dynamism, and vibrancy, all of which has actually been a driving force in my sporting as well as a life journey,” said Kohli. “The fact that the company is at the helm of history being scripted in the Indian wearable space makes me proud as an advocate of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

  • adidas India launches its ‘Impossible is Nothing’ campaign

    adidas India launches its ‘Impossible is Nothing’ campaign

    Mumbai: Sportswear giant adidas has launched its ‘Impossible is Nothing’ campaign through the voice of athletes such as Rohit Sharma, Manpreet Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Simranjeet Kaur, and Lovlina Borgohain.

    Harnessing the power of sport, adidas brought forward the narrative of sustainability using Rohit Sharma’s shoes as a canvas inspiring the viewers to see the possibilities of a sustainable future. The customised spikes brought to life the three causes on- ‘Save The Rhinos, Save The Corals, and Plastic Free Oceans’ as the cricketer sported the shoes during an international sporting event.

    “Through the stories of some of our key athletes, we intend to bring to life the ‘impossible is nothing’ attitude and inspire our consumers and communities to see and realise their possibilities,” said adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta. “With rebellious optimism, we are driven by action to shape a better future together. We see ourselves playing the role of a catalyst with our partners, like Rohit, who have been building conversations around sustainability.”

    The shoes are aesthetically crafted by designer Aaquib Wani in collaboration with the sportswear brand to garner people’s attention towards sustainability and the environment in a unique way, said the statement.

    “adidas has been the driving force of positive change in the lives of people beyond athletes, inspiring us all to push boundaries. I personally resonate with the ‘impossible is nothing’ attitude and was thrilled when we worked on the unique idea of representing the causes through me on the playing field,” said cricketer Rohit Sharma. “It is extremely important to have an active dialogue on matters of sustainability through all possible mediums and inspire all around us to see the possibilities of positive change.”

  • Piramal Realty ropes in Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador

    Piramal Realty ropes in Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Piramal Realty, the real estate arm of the Piramal Group, has roped in Rahul Dravid as a brand ambassador for its portfolio of residential projects in Mumbai comprising Piramal Mahalaxmi, Piramal Vaikunth, Piramal Revanta, Piramal Aranya, and Piramal Agastya, its state-of-the-art commercial project. 

     As part of its association, Dravid will collaborate with Piramal Realty, speaking directly to the brand’s customers with signature messages on the importance of home ownership. With his reliable and always positive approach on and off the field, the cricketer will be showcased embodying Piramal Realty’s core values of knowledge, action, care & impact, the brand stated. 

    The new association will be promoted with a 360-degree marketing campaign, including print, digital, outdoor, and social media, it added.

    Piramal Realty, chief operating officer, Gaurav Sawhney said, “Rahul Dravid embodies our philosophy of creating a positive impact on people’s lives. As a company, we are constantly evolving to provide a great customer experience that transcends from understanding consumer sentiments to creating developments that encourage community building. Having Rahul Dravid on board will help us enhance our purpose of ‘Doing well and Doing Good’, since he is not just an international sports icon, but also a source of inspiration for many around the world. Rahul Dravid’s qualities of being dependable, authentic, true, and impactful perfectly align with our brand values.”

    Commenting on the association, Rahul Dravid said, “A career in sports is impossible to manage without the support, guidance, and reassurance of family and friends. During tough times, and there always are, home is where we go. As an advocate for the brand, it gives me great pleasure to collaborate with Piramal Realty, which resonates with my own core belief of giving the best throughout the process.”

  • ‘Britannia Tiger Hungamthon’ ropes in Ajay Jadeja to kick off the event

    ‘Britannia Tiger Hungamthon’ ropes in Ajay Jadeja to kick off the event

    MUMBAI: The second season Hungama TV’s kid’s marathon just got bigger. The Hungamthon this time round has roped in former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja to flag off the event, for which Britannia Tiger has come on board as the official brand sponsor. With the addition of a third city this year, the Britannia Tiger Hungamthon ’06-07 will be held on 7, 14 and 28 January in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata respectively.

    To add star power to the event, the cast of UTV produced film Hattrick – Rimmi Sen and Kunal Kapoor will extend their support to the runners.

    Hungama TV has tied-up with sports association Athletic Federation of India to ensure appropriate adjudication for the entire event. This year the race will be divided into two categories of the ‘Masters’ and ‘Blasters.’ The applicable age for participants is between 8-15 years, while the Masters will consist of 8 – 12 year olds who would run for 2 km, the Blasters will include 13 – 15 year olds who would run for 3 km.

    The entire event will not be telecast but snippets of it will be shown in Feburary next year.

    To ensure participation, an on going school contact program across 100 schools each in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata was rolled out in November. The channel states that last year the distribtution of forms to the various schools claims to have garnered maximum response from the kids. Additionally, this will be supported by a mass media promotion comprising of print, radio and internet. The channel has tied up with Times NIE and TTIS as print partners and ABP and Telegraph to promote the event in Kolkata. The radio partners are Red FM 93.5 and Total Sports Asia the event partners.

    What’s more, this year the event has lured more advertisers including Set Wet Nottee and Bournvita as co-presenting sponsors, the associate sponsors are Boomer, Dabur Chyawanprash, Sustacal, Haldiram’s Chips and Dukes Waffy. The water partner is Oxyrich and the Multiplex partners are Cinemax and PVR Cinemas.

    Speaking about the Britannia Tiger Hungamthon, UTV senior vice president marketing and communications Siddharth Roy Kapur said that much like last year the event would have a carnival feel with a holding area for parents and kids that will have food and games stalls. “In addition to the Hungama characters interacting with the kids, there will also be a live band performing at the venue.”

    Application forms are available at Cinemax chain in Mumbai and PVR chain in New Delhi as well as on the website www.hungamatv.com.