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Tag: Rajesh Menon

  • RCB serves sweet Kannada lessons with jilebis in culture-first campaign

    RCB serves sweet Kannada lessons with jilebis in culture-first campaign

    MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has bowled fans over with a unique culture campaign that’s as sweet as it is smart. In a bid to make Kannada more accessible to non-native speakers, the team has launched an initiative combining cricket, language, and the irresistible charm of jilebis.

    Long perceived as complex by non-south Indians, Kannada gets a sugary makeover with RCB turning the traditional sweet into a cultural connector. The campaign flips a common online trope about south Indian scripts being confusing by using jilebis shaped like Kannada words—offering fans a delightful way to ‘taste the language’.

    These limited-edition Kannada jilebis are available exclusively at the RCB Bar and Café in Bengaluru from 8 to 11 April. Each pack unlocks a series of beginner-friendly Kannada lessons on RCB’s Youtube channel, featuring popular players like Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Yash Dayal.

    As a bonus, RCB is sponsoring free Kannada classes for 1,000 fans, who can claim or gift the sessions by simply emailing ‘Jilebi Kodi’.

    “As someone who grew up in Bengaluru, it’s really special to see the language being celebrated like this,” said RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal. “It’s not just about Kannada, it’s about making everyone feel at home in the city, and I’m glad to play a small part in helping fans connect more deeply with the city and our team.”

    The campaign has received love from fans across the spectrum for creatively promoting inclusivity and regional identity.

    Kannada actor and cultural icon Shiva Rajkumar shared, “This initiative by RCB is close to my heart. It brings people together, not just to learn Kannada, but to experience the warmth of our city. The campaign is a beautiful way to connect fans with our culture, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

    RCB COO Rajesh Menon said, “What makes RCB truly special is the unwavering support of our fans – no matter where they come from or what language they speak. This campaign is our tribute to Bengaluru, a city that has embraced people from across the country with open arms. By creating jilebis inspired by the elegance of the Kannada script, we’re inviting everyone to savour the rich culture of our home city – quite literally. It’s a bold and heartfelt gesture to surprise our fans and deepen their connection with the team.”

     

  • Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    MUMBAI: Birla Estates, has launched its much-anticipated Indian T20 2025 campaign, featuring Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya. With the tagline ‘Every sq.ft. tells a story’, the campaign highlights the dreams, aspirations, and emotions that make every home special.

    Taking its association with cricket a step further, Birla Estates is now the principal sponsor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming T20 season. This marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration, reinforcing shared values of excellence, ambition, and perseverance between the brand and the sport.

    The campaign, conceptualised by Mccann, features three engaging digital films that draw a compelling parallel between Chinnaswamy Stadium RCB’s iconic home ground and Birla Estates homes. Just as every patch of grass and every square foot of ground at Chinnaswamy has witnessed unforgettable moments, every square foot of a Birla home holds priceless memories encapsulated in the campaign’s core message, Storiespersqft.

    One of the campaign’s standout films showcases Kohli executing a stunning mid-air catch, with the voiceover stating, “To feel superhuman. just 5 sq.ft.” Another features Kohli and Krunal exchanging a fist bump while running between the wickets, with the tagline, “To become great partners. it takes 22 yards.” These visuals cleverly reinforce the idea that significant moments don’t require vast spaces—just meaningful ones.

    Birla Estates head of marketing Anitha Krishnan stated, “Our long-standing partnership with RCB has evolved over the seasons, and we take immense pride in being the principal sponsor, with our brand prominently displayed on the players’ jerseys. This placement reflects our deep commitment to cricket as a platform that resonates with our audience. Our campaign is an extension of our larger corporate vision—one that goes beyond building structures to creating spaces that tell meaningful stories. Just as every cricketing milestone represents years of dedication and achievement, every home becomes a backdrop for life’s most cherished moments. Through this campaign, we aim to create a strong emotional connection with homebuyers—aligning their aspirations with the journey of cricketers. It beautifully blends the passion for cricket with the pride of homeownership—two defining milestones in Indian culture.”

    RCB COO Rajesh Menon added, “We are delighted to continue our association with Birla Estates as a valued member of the RCB family. Their commitment to excellence and innovation mirrors the ethos of our team. Together, we aim to elevate the fan experience and create unforgettable memories both on and off the field. This partnership is a testimony to our shared vision of inspiring and engaging millions of cricket enthusiasts.”

    Last year, Birla Estates’ T20 campaign generated 41.3 million impressions and reached over 10 million fans. As the 2025 season unfolds, cricket lovers can look forward to an exciting line-up of games, digital activations, and engaging initiatives—all driven by this powerful collaboration.

  • Nothing pads up with RCB for T20 2025 in a game-changing partnership

    Nothing pads up with RCB for T20 2025 in a game-changing partnership

    MUMBAI: London-based technology brand Nothing has stepped onto the cricket pitch, announcing its associate sponsorship with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the highly anticipated T20 Season 2025. Known for its bold design and disruptive approach, Nothing, the fastest-growing smartphone brand of 2024 with a remarkable 577 per cent YoY growth (Counterpoint), is making a big statement in India with this high-impact collaboration.

    With cricket being India’s heartbeat, this partnership is a match made in sporting heaven. Nothing’s logo will be prominently displayed on the lead trousers of RCB’s playing kit strategically placed on the left leg for right-handed batsmen and on the opposite leg for left-handers. This clever positioning ensures maximum visibility throughout the tournament, reflecting Nothing’s commitment to connecting with young, tech-savvy audiences.

    Speaking about the association Nothing co-founder & India president Akis Evangelidis said, “Cricket is the heartbeat of India, bringing millions of people together through a shared passion and unwavering devotion to the game. At Nothing, we embody that same spirit of community and bold ambition, making our partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru a natural fit. As we deepen our commitment to India, we’re excited to connect with the country’s most passionate fans and be part of this incredible journey.”

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru COO Rajesh Menon said, “We’re excited to partner with Nothing to bring cutting-edge innovation and expansion to India. This collaboration perfectly aligns with RCB’s commitment to challenge the status quos, and we look forward to elevating the fan journey with Nothing’s forward-thinking approach to connectivity.”

    The T20 2025 season kicks off with a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB on 22 March  at Eden Gardens, while RCB’s first home match is set for April 2 against Gujarat Titans. With Nothing backing the team, fans can expect an electrifying season both on and off the field.

    Meanwhile, Nothing has also been making waves in the tech world. The brand unveiled its latest Phone (3a) Series at MWC on March 4, 2025, showcasing advanced triple-camera systems, Snapdragon processors, and its signature design innovations. With RCB’s fearless gameplay and Nothing’s disruptive tech, this partnership promises to be one for the record books.
     

  • Navi UPI becomes official UPI partner of RCB for T20 2025

    Navi UPI becomes official UPI partner of RCB for T20 2025

    MUMBAI: Navi UPI has been announced as the official UPI partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the T20 2025 season. This collaboration grants Navi UPI users a 24-hour exclusive early access window to book tickets for RCB’s home matches before general sales open.

    RCB, enters the 2025 season with a restructured squad led by Rajat Patidar. With players including Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the team is set to make an impact in the highly anticipated 18 edition of the tournament, which will see 10 teams competing across 74 matches from 22 March to 25 May in 13 cities across India.

    Navi Technologies CEO Rajiv Naresh said, “Navi UPI is growing rapidly, and teaming up with RCB was a natural choice given the immense passion for cricket. This partnership allows us to bring fans closer to the game while delivering a seamless digital payment experience.”

    As part of the tie-up, Navi UPI users will receive early access to RCB home match tickets,

    – For the first four matches, early booking opens at 11 am on 18 March, while general sales begin at 11 am on 19 March.

    – For the remaining three matches, early access will be available later in the season, again giving Navi UPI users a 24-hour priority window.

    A dedicated banner on the Navi app will provide direct access to these exclusive tickets. Fans can book by downloading the Navi app, selecting the RCB ticket booking option, choosing their preferred match and ticket category, and completing payment via Navi UPI.

    RCB chief operating officer Rajesh Menon said, “We are excited to collaborate with Navi as our official UPI partner. This aligns perfectly with our vision to enhance fan engagement through seamless and innovative experiences.” 

  • RCB posts the coolest job ever on Naukri

    RCB posts the coolest job ever on Naukri

    Mumbai: In one of the most unique marketing ideas this T20 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has teamed up with Naukri to recruit their ultimate “Fan-in-Chief” through a quirky and hilarious selection process that gets hosted as a fun seven-episode Instagram video series, to the delight of millions of die-hard fans. The activity kicked off with RCB posting the fan-in-chief “Job” on Naukri, that’s home to millions of young professionals who of-course love the T20 league.

    The first phase saw 100,000 plus fans apply for the job and now the video series promises to chronicle the auditions & selection criteria tasks in a comical manner, and ultimately revealing the chosen fan in chief. The idea was creatively constructed by Burman Sports and Naukri. It was brought to fruition via RCB’s expansive reach and distribution of their digital assets, players and scripted, directed and conceptualized by Danish Sait.

    “Doing content with or for RCB is always a pleasure for me because A) I am a fan B) the franchise has such immense faith in the creative process that it lets one be free. Naukri as well has had such an open minded approach to the whole journey that my team and I truly enjoyed penning this one down” Danish Sait

    The job description is anything but conventional, emphasizing skills such as crafting quirky chants that rhyme with player names (yes, even Mahipal Lomror!), and possessing adequate forearm strength to shake Virat’s protein shake. With humor as the cornerstone, the campaign aims to engage fans at every turn.

    As the campaign goes live, Naukri EVP & head of marketing Shail Gaurav said “We wanted to tap into the T20 craze in a fun way but with an idea that could uniquely, unmistakably, only be from Naukri. Finding the sweet spot between our core proposition “Jobs” and T20 with a partner like RCB is what makes this so special & resonant with the younger audience base”

    RCB’s diehards went buck wild, more than 100k job applies and hundreds of fan reels bombarding @naukridotcom displaying their undying passion and loyalty towards their favourite team.

    “We are delighted to partner with Naukri for this innovative campaign. This collaboration offers fans an exciting opportunity to engage with RCB and we are looking forward to a successful association together.” commented Royal Challengers Bengaluru VP and head Rajesh Menon.

    It’s a first-of-its-kind product & content integration facilitated by Burman Sports.

    “Rather than offering Naukri a conventional sponsorship deal, we presented an innovative concept aimed at resonating with fans while upholding Naukri’s value proposition. Kudos to the team at Naukri for playing bold.” said Burman Sports founder Shiv Burman.

    Do not miss any moment of this whacky chase for the ultimate Royal Challengers Bangalore “Fan-in-Chief”!  Stay tuned to @naukridotcom and @royalchallengers.bengaluru for a wild ride! 

    Episode 1  

    Episode 2

    Episode 3

    Episode 4

    Episode 5

     

  • RCB unveils Royal Challenge packaged drinking water as an official partner

    RCB unveils Royal Challenge packaged drinking water as an official partner

    Mumbai: Royal Challenge packaged drinking water, announced its association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as an official partner during this T20 season. Following a successful collaboration with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru women’s T20 team, the reigning champions this season, the brand continues its longstanding partnership with the men’s team for the 2024 T20 season. This year, Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water will bring the festive spirit to town alongside the cricket season, inspiring every player to #ChooseBold.

    Speaking about this association, Diageo India VP and portfolio head, marketing Varun Koorichh said, “Cricket is a sporting extravaganza that brings the entire country together with inspiring sporting action that’s a feast for Indians across the country. We are excited to be associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as an official partner. It is exciting to see the Naya Shers #ChooseBold because they truly embody the spirit of the brand and we wish them all the luck for the ongoing season!”

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru VP & head Rajesh Menon said, “Taking on the challenge and celebrating boldness has always been the spirit of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. We are thrilled to join forces with Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water, a brand that shares our ethos by choosing bold in all their endeavours.”

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru restores three lakes as part of Go Green initiative

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru restores three lakes as part of Go Green initiative

    Mumbai: As per India Cares Foundation’s latest report, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have completed the restoration work of two major lakes in Bengaluru upscaling the water holding capacity of these lakes and adding civic amenities in a third lake, while improving the biodiversity around these water bodies as part of RCB Go Green Initiative.

    RCB launched the Lake Improvement Works Project as part of their ESG commitment in October 2023 with a focus on desilting and developing the Ittgalpura Lake and Sadenahalli Lake. These lakes were selected for being highly water-stressed areas, with borewell depths ranging from 1000 to 1500 feet. The areas also lack access to Kaveri River water and are totally dependent on groundwater and surface water.

    According to the report, Over 1.20 lakh tons of silt and sand have been removed at the Ittgalpura Lake and Sadenahalli Lake which has been used to create bunds and pathways across the lakes and 52 farmers have taken the soil to use as topsoil for their fields as well.

    A total of nine acres of lake land have been recovered, resulting in the creation of stabilization ponds and wetlands. These features will benefit the birds and animals inhabiting the lakes. The water holding capacity of the lakes has also increased for up to 17 acres.

    The lakes will not only facilitate groundwater recharge but also serve as vital sources of drinking water and support agricultural activities in the surrounding area. It will provide additional livelihood opportunities for the fishermen and farmers of the two lakes, who can now harvest three times as much as before. Currently reliant on borewells for agriculture, farmers can now utilize these rejuvenated lakes for farming and other purposes, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability.

    Meanwhile, at Kannur Lake, the objective has been to improve community ownership through the creation of civic amenities as lake assets. Ethno-Medicinal Plants Parks, Bamboo Parks, and Butterfly Parks are also being created at all three lakes as the initiative aims to improve and sustain the biodiversity of the lakes while also serving as educational hubs for children to understand the ecosystem.

    It must be noted that the National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India 2022 report by the Central Groundwater Board of India estimates that over 12 per cent of groundwater blocks in India have been over-exploited, 12 per cent in the semi-critical stage and 3 per cent are in critical stage.

    “Fans are at the heart of everything we do at RCB. Their unwavering support has propelled us to become one of the world’s first carbon-neutral franchises. Our fans have been actively engaged in our green initiatives since 2013, playing a pivotal role in spreading awareness about sustainability within our community. Building on this momentum, we naturally expanded our focus to support our local community by spearheading the restoration of key lakes in Bengaluru. These lakes not only serve as critical groundwater sources for neighbouring villages but also form the backbone of local livelihoods. Through collaborative efforts with both local authorities and communities, we have managed to take a small step in the bigger purpose of restoring the old pride of Bengaluru, the lake city,” said Royal Challengers Bengaluru VP and head Rajesh Menon.

    Such initiatives would be key to raising awareness about the ground-level water situation in and around Bengaluru. The process of lake rejuvenation adheres strictly to established procedures and standards drawn from civil engineering, environmental engineering, and related fields under the guidance of “Friends of Lakes”. These standards, meticulously outlined in textbooks, serve as guiding principles throughout the rejuvenation process. The successful revitalization of these lakes stands as a testament to the effectiveness of engineering and environmental standards, showcasing a proven approach to lake restoration.

    The Green Game was conceived in 2011 and since then through multiple initiatives, RCB is now the world’s first carbon-neutral cricket team and the foremost cricket franchise in the world rallying behind a people’s movement for a greener planet.

  • Duroflex teams up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Official Partner for T20 Season 2024

    Duroflex teams up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Official Partner for T20 Season 2024

    Mumbai: Duroflex, India’s leading sleep solutions provider, proudly announces its partnership with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the ongoing T20 season 2024 as their Official Sleep Partner. Drawing upon their expertise in sleep science, Duroflex is dedicated to empowering players for optimum recovery by providing them with innovative sleep technology, ensuring ideal rest.

    This partnership marks a significant milestone for Duroflex as it aligns with the brand’s commitment to promote better sleep and overall health. The players will exclusively be using Duroflex’s mattress from their signature Duropedic range throughout the tournament, echoing the recommendation made by Virat Kohli. To further enhance the comfort of the players, the brand aims to replace all recliners in the team’s changing room with Duroflex’s recliners providing the players an ultimate relaxing experience and allowing them to destress.

    Duroflex will also be launching an exclusive RCB limited edition mattress along with pillows as a part of this association. A dedicated exclusive space will be set up at the stadium for the fans called the “Duroflex Zone” that will allow them to experience the calming Duroflex touch.

    Excited about the T20 season 2024, Duroflex CEO Sridhar Balakrishnan said “We are thrilled to join forces with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the T20 season 2024. We’ve always advocated the importance of sleep and continue to champion quality sleep for better recovery. Sleep plays a vital role in the recovery of athletes, and our mission is to provide them with the highest standards of sleep experience. We look forward to supporting team RCB in their journey and are equally enthusiastic about creating memorable experiences for RCB fans throughout the season.”

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru VP & head Rajesh Menon said “We are delighted to partner with Duroflex. Look forward to a great season together and build a longer-term association.”

  • Frido Is the official insole partner for the T20 League

    Frido Is the official insole partner for the T20 League

    Mumbai: Frido, a leading Indian consumer healthcare brand, announces a new collaboration with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking the first-ever partnership between an insole brand and a T20 League team. This collaboration also includes the launch of a special edition sports insole and technical socks which will be launched in collaboration with RCB and aimed at managing knee and foot injuries like plantar fasciitis, and heel, and lower body pain.

    Based out of Pune, Frido makes orthotic insoles, cloud insoles, and orthopaedic heel pads, amongst other lifestyle products such as seat cushions, pillows, and face masks. The insoles can be trimmed to fit the shoes of the user.

    This is the first of its kind of partnership between an insole brand and an IPL team. This collaboration also includes the launch of a special edition sports insole and many more exciting product ranges designed in partnership with RCB and aimed at enhancing performance and arch support for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

    Frido has long been recognized for its extensive range of high-quality insoles tailored to specific needs, including those for sports. With the forthcoming addition of sports socks to its lineup, Frido continues solidifying its position as the go-to brand for superior foot care solutions. From specialized wheelchairs to gel insoles for everyday shoes, Frido has consistently delivered innovative products to its customers.

    Frido Co-founder and CEO Ganesh Sonawane said, “With this insole, we have extended our expertise to the field of sports, ensuring athletes have access to the best possible equipment for optimal performance while reducing foot and knee pain. And getting the opportunity to collaborate with Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a dream come true.”

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru vice president & head Rajesh Menon said, “We are pleased to partner with Frido. As a brand committed to enhancing freedom and comfort while playing, Frido’s products are an excellent addition to the equipment used by our athletes.”

    The collaboration with RCB underscores Frido’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Leveraging their expertise in technical footwear, Frido aims to support RCB players and fans in achieving their performance goals while minimizing the risk of lower body pain and injuries.

    Stay tuned for more updates from Frido and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they join forces to redefine standards of innovative athletic solutions. For more information about Frido and its range of creative. 

  • Confirmtkt becomes the official train ticketing partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

    Confirmtkt becomes the official train ticketing partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

    Mumbai: ConfirmTkt, an online train-utility and ticketing-focused company, proudly announces its association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their official ‘Train Ticketing Partner’ for the T20 season of 2024. In a move set to captivate cricket enthusiasts, ConfirmTkt’s brand logo will prominently adorn the trousers of RCB’s official and training jerseys.

    This collaboration heralds an exciting phase for both entities, as ConfirmTkt unveils plans to leverage its association with RCB to engage fans through a multifaceted approach. The partnership will see the #TrainTicketKing campaign captivating television commercials (TVCs), dynamic print ads, and compelling digital campaigns featuring popular RCB players. Moreover, ConfirmTkt will introduce thrilling in-app games and contests across various social media platforms, offering RCB fans the chance to win exclusive match tickets and autographed memorabilia from the team.

    ixigo Trains & ConfirmTkt CEO Dinesh Kumar Kotha, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration goes beyond the conventional realms of sponsorship; it’s about merging the essence of what makes us uniquely Indian – the love for trains and the passion for cricket. This isn’t just about the game; it’s about building a community that shares the same heartbeat – the love for train journeys, the passion for cricket, and the spirit of Bengaluru.”

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru, vice president & head Rajesh Menon said, “We are pleased to partner with ConfirmTkt this season. I am confident that this collaboration will bring out exciting fan engagements for people and make them feel more connected with the brand.”

    The T20 league, now entering its 17th season, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with the previous edition garnering over 50.5 crore television viewers. With this strategic partnership, ConfirmTkt is geared up to offer an enriching experience to all cricket buffs, creating memories that will linger in our hearts long after the last ball is bowled.