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Tag: Robin Uthappa

  • Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    MUMBAI: Cricket’s continental carnival is back, and Sony Sports Network is rolling out the red carpet. Starting 9 September in the UAE, the Asia Cup 2025 returns for its 17th edition with eight teams India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, all chasing bragging rights before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

    For Indian fans, the excitement begins with India’s opener against hosts UAE on 10 September, followed by a series of high-stakes encounters through the Super Four stage and the grand finale on 28 September. Every ball, boundary, and bouncer will be available live across Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony Liv, with commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu ensuring fans can cheer in their mother tongue.

    And that’s not all. The iconic Extraaa Innings T20 makes a comeback, bringing with it a line-up of cricket royalty and sharp-tongued analysts. Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Russel Arnold, Simon Doull and more will headline the World Feed in English. Hindi viewers get the firepower of Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and Ajay Jadeja, while regional fans are not left behind Tamil coverage boasts WV Raman and Bharat Arun, and Telugu commentary features stalwarts like Venkatapathy Raju and Venugopal Rao.

    Sony chief revenue officer Rajesh Kaul underlined the network’s vision: “The Asia Cup represents not just a battle for supremacy but a fusion of history, culture, and aspiration. With our #RagRagMeinBharat campaign, we’re making world-class cricket accessible from the remotest villages to the busiest metros.”

    On the cricketing front, legends are already buzzing about India’s prospects under new captain Surya Kumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Sunil Gavaskar hailed the side as a “blend of tenacity and experience” while Ravi Shastri dubbed it the “perfect mix of experience and potential,” spotlighting stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Harshit Rana.

    With 8 nations, 1 trophy, 20 days of action, and commentary in 4 languages, Sony’s coverage of the Asia Cup 2025 looks set to bowl over fans before the World Cup even begins.
     

  • SportsBaazi recruits Uthappa, pitches sports trading as data-driven skill

    SportsBaazi recruits Uthappa, pitches sports trading as data-driven skill

    MUMBAI: Online fantasy sports platform SportsBaazi has launched a campaign fronted by Robin Uthappa, promoting sports trading as a skill-based activity. The initiative, timed with IPL 2025, aims to shift fan engagement from passive viewing to active participation via live match moments trading. Uthappa, highlighting the role of data and discipline, features in the campaign films demonstrating strategic decision-making in real-time trading scenarios.

    The campaign emphasises trading as a blend of intellect and analysis, not chance. SportsBaazi, chief marketing officer Puneet Dua asserts the platform seeks to legitimise sports trading as a mainstream skill format.

    Says he: “This campaign is not just about awareness—it’s about sparking a movement. We’re building a space for serious sports fans—those who bring intellect, preparation, and strategy to their gameplay. Robin Uthappa’s evolution from cricketer to life coach to sports trader perfectly aligns with the mindset we want to cultivate — composed, thoughtful, and data driven. With IPL 2025 energising the nation, we’re excited to amplify this narrative across India’s sports-loving heartland.”

    Adds Robin Uthappa:  “What attracted me to this campaign was the philosophy behind it. I’ve always believed that great performance on the field or in life comes down to clarity, preparation, and discipline. Sports trading is a game of insight, pattern recognition, and strategic timing. I see it as a natural evolution for the serious sports fan. If my journey can inspire even a few to explore it with the right mindset, I’ll consider it a win.”

    But Uthappa’s role goes far deeper than screen presence. In creative workshops with the SportsBaazi team, he also reimagined the platform’s core slogan. “While we began with ‘Dil. Dimag. Data,’ Robin added a fourth ‘D’: Discipline. That struck a chord. So much so, it became the name of our flagship podcast — Dimag. Data. Discipline — hosted in collaboration with him,” adds Dua.

    Uthappa’s involvement underscores the campaign’s focus on strategic play.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4_ORCgcvNA
     

    Digital platforms, including JioHotstar, YouTube, and Instagram, will distribute the campaign content, targeting India’s expanding digital user base in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. SportsBaazi aims to convert cricket viewership into active trading, advocating for a data-centric approach to sports engagement.

  • Abu Dhabi T10 2023 to begin from 28 November

    Abu Dhabi T10 2023 to begin from 28 November

    Mumbai: The eight teams of Abu Dhabi T10, the fastest format of cricket, have made their picks, and – the road to another exciting season is officially underway with the players draft for 2023 coming to a close on Monday evening.

    It was a fantastic evening that saw some exciting picks, with former Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and India heavy hitter Robin Uthappa being the Bangla Tigers’ prominent signings. Strategically, the Tigers also bolstered their pace attack with Reece Topley.

    The Chennai Braves went for veteran spinner Imran Tahir who has been showcasing unbelievable skills across various leagues for the past several years. The defending champions Deccan Gladiators made bold moves straightaway, packing their squad with Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen. Picking David Wiese as their first optional pick, Gladiators showcased their intentions of bringing on all-rounders among their ranks.

    Delhi Bulls picked up the popular fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq along with the rising Sri Lankan youngster Dunith Wellalage, who has been predicted to be an unexpected trump card by cricket pundits, being a massive signing for the franchise. Morrisville Samp Army had their plans well laid out as they brought on young England allrounder George Garton and Netherlands fast bowler Bas de Leede. With Monank Patel and Obus Pienaar as their optional picks, Morrisville showed that they are relying on youth in the shortest format.

    New York Strikers picked Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Odean Smith in their team, along with youngster Lasith Croospule as their Emerging player. Northern Warriors made the first draft pick of the day with Kiwi batting-allrounder Colin Munro who has growing among the ranks in the T20 format recently. Warriors also picked Indian talent Ankur Sangwan and Abhimanyu Mithun.

    Team Abu Dhabi packed powerhouses Dwaine Pretorius and Colin Ingram on their squads, while Keemo Paul was also picked up by Team Abu Dhabi.

    Speaking at the draft, T10 Global chairman Shaji Ul Mulk said, “The franchises have picked some of the best players in the world this season. The fans will get to witness real skillsets on display which will truly give an international dynamic to the tournament. T10 is already going global, and these are exciting times for us. The format has really captured the imagination of young people around the world, and it is also reflected in the quality of young players we saw in the draft today. We have kept the essence of cricket exactly the same, but the fast-paced format and the quality of players each season make it exciting every year for the fans. I am sure it will be yet another fantastic season, one that we await eagerly!”

    Abu Dhabi T10 Season 7 full teams:

    Bangla Tigers:

    Draft Signings: Kusal Mendis (Cat A), Dominik Drakes (Cat B), Reece Topley (Cat B), Saim Ayub (Cat B), Matiullah Khan (Cat C), Haider Ali (UAE-RES), Abdul Ghaffar (UAE-RES), Amartya Kaul (Emerging), Rassie van der Dussen (Opt 1), Taskin Ahmed (Opt 2), Robin Uthappa (Opt 3)

    Retained: Shakib Al Hasan (Icon), Iftikhar Ahmed (Cat C), Matheesha Pathirana (Cat C), Rohan Mustafa (UAE-RES), Daniel Sams (Cat A)

    Pre-Signings: Carlos Brathwaite (Platinum), Azam Khan (Asian Super Star)

    Chennai Braves:

    Draft Signings: Sam Cook (Cat B), Imran Tahir (Cat B), George Munsey (Cat C), Kobe Herft (Cat C), Richard Ngarava (Cat C), Junaid Siddique (UAE-RES), Aayan Khan (UAE-RES), Vriitya Aravind (UAE-RES), Kai Smith (Emerging), Stephen Eskinazi (Opt 1)

    Retained: Obed McCoy (Cat A), Sikandar Raza (Cat B)

    Pre-Signings: Jason Roy (Icon), Charith Asalanka (Platinum), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Cat A), Hassan Ali (Asian Super Star)

    Deccan Gladiators:

    Draft Signings: Sherfane Rutherford (Cat A), Fabian Allen (Cat B), Joe Clarke (Cat B), Zahir Khan (Cat C), Waqar Salamkheil (Cat C), Mohammad Zahid (UAE-RES), Nav Pabreja (UAE-RES), Khawaja Nafay (Emerging), David Wiese (Opt 1), Nuwan Thushara (Opt 2)

    Retained: Nicholas Pooran (Icon), Andre Russell (Cat A), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Cat B), Joshua Little (Cat C), Zahoor Khan (UAE-RES)

    Pre-Signings: Trent Boult (Platinum), Imad Wasim (Asian Super Star)

    Delhi Bulls:

    Draft Signings: Naveen-ul-Haq (Cat A), James Vince (Cat B), Usman Khan (Cat C), Richard Gleeson (Cat C), Dunith Wellalage (Cat C), Muhammad Rohid Khan (UAE-RES), Wasim Akram (UAE-RES), Ali Abid (UAE-RES), Sufiyan Muqeen (Emerging), Johnson Charles (Opt 1), Usama Mir (Opt 2), Abbas Afridi (Opt 3)

    Retained: Dwayne Bravo (Cat A), Rilee Rossouw (Cat B), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Cat B)

    Pre-Signings: Quinton de Kock (Icon), Rovman Powell (Platinum), Ambati Rayudu (Asian Super Star)

    Morrisville Samp Army:

    Draft Signings: George Garton (Cat B), Bas de Leede (Cat B), Andries Gous (Cat C), Najibullah Zadran (Cat C), Salman Irshad (Cat C), Ansh Tandon (UAE-RES), Muhammad Irfan (UAE-RES), Tadiwanashe Marumani (Emerging), Peter Hatzoglou (Opt 1), Monank Patel (Opt 2), Obus Pienaar (Opt 3)

    Retained: Moeen Ali (Cat A), Maheesh Theekshana (Cat B), Basil Hameed (UAE-RES), Karim Janat (Asian Super Star)

    Pre-Signings: Faf du Plessis (Icon), Jason Holder (Platinum), Dewald Bravis (Cat A)

    New York Strikers:

    Draft Signings: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Cat A), Odean Smith (Cat B), Mohammad Haris (Cat B), Lahiru Kumara (Cat C), Chamika Karunaratne (Cat C), Kusal Perera (Cat C), Muhammad Jawadullah (UAE-RES), Chundangapoyil Rizwan (UAE-RES), Lasith Croospule (Emerging), Will Jacks (Opt 1), Ali Khan (Opt 2)

    Retained: Kieron Pollard (Icon), Akeal Hosein (Cat B), Muhammad Waseem (UAE-RES)

    Pre-Signings: Sunil Narine (Platinum), Mohammad Amir (Cat A), Shoaib Malik (Asian Super Star)

    Northern Warriors:

    Draft Signings: Colin Munro (Cat A), Romario Shepherd (Cat B), Mohammad Hasnain (Cat B), Tabraiz Shamsi (Cat B), Ziaur Rahman (Cat C), Rahul Chopra (UAE-RES), Rameez Shahzad (UAE-RES) Kaunain Abbas (UAE-RES), Shamar Joseph (Emerging), Ankur Sangwan (Opt 1), Abhimanyu Mithun (Opt 3)

    Retained: Wanindu Hasaranga (Icon), Kennar Lewis (Cat C), Adam Hose (Cat C)

    Pre-Signings: James Neesham (Platinum), Hazratullah Zazai (Cat A), Angelo Mathews (Asian Super Star)

    Team Abu Dhabi:

    Draft Signings: Dwaine Pretorius (Cat A), Rumman Raees (Cat B), Leus de Plooy (Cat B), Mohammad Nawaz (Cat C), Keemo Paul (Cat C), Colin Ingram (Cat C), Asif Khan (UAE-RES) Alishan Sharafu (UAE-RES), Ethan D’Souza (UAE-RES), Allah Mohammad (Emerging), Dilshan Madushanka (Opt 1)

    Retained: Philip Salt (Icon), Tymal Mills (Cat A), Alex Hales (Cat B)

    Pre-Signings: Noor Ahmad (Asian Super Star), Kyle Mayers (Platinum)

  • After IPL, it’s party time for cricketers at CEAT Cricket Awards

    After IPL, it’s party time for cricketers at CEAT Cricket Awards

    MUMBAI: At a star-studded ceremony held on Monday, CEAT Limited hosted the 2014 edition of the CEAT Cricket Rating International Awards to raise a toast to the gentleman’s game. 

    Both international and domestic talent was honoured on the basis of CEAT Cricket ratings for the year 2013-14. 

    India’s top batsman, Virat Kohli, was awarded Overall International Cricketer of the Year. Incidentally, he had won Cricketer of the Year earlier in 2011-12.

    Left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan was conferred CEAT ODI player of the year while the youngest of the lot, Vijay Sol took home CEAT Young Player of the Year Award.

    In the T20 format, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan won CEAT International T20 player of the Year while Australia’s Mitchell Johnson picked up CEAT International Test Player of the Year.

    CEAT Indian player of the year went to Ravichandran Ashwin while IPL Season Seven Star and Australia’s own, Glenn Maxwell walked away with Most Popular Choice of the Year Award.

    A new category Domestic Cricketer of the Year was introduced to recognise talent in the domestic circuit. This time, Robin Uthappa bagged the title.

    RPG group chairman Harsh Goenka said, “This is a reiteration of the close association CEAT has with cricket and our endeavour is to recognise individual brilliances on the international cricket scene.”

    However the highpoint of the evening came when the name of cricketing legend and one of India’s greatest wicketkeepers Syed Kirmani was announced for CCR International Lifetime Achievement Award. 

    Kirmani got a standing ovation from the crowd as he received the award, teary eyed, to a rousing applause. The man who represented India in 88 tests and 49 ODIs and called it a day after sending cricketers packing a record 234 times was accompanied by his family on the occasion.

    Chief adjudicator of the CEAT Cricket Rating and India’s greatest opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar said “CEAT International Cricket rating Awards is one of the most important events in the cricketing calendar as it recognises the achievements of the players from grassroots to the international arena. And it has now reached its 19th year.” 

    On Kohli’s win a second time this year Gavaskar said, “It is good to see an Indian winning the main award again and that he has won it a second time at such a young age.”

    The event featured a comedy act performed by renowned stand-up comedian Saurabh Pant, who through his witty one liners on cricket, brought cheer to the packed audience. The event culminated with a sensational Bollywood performance by Desi Boys star Chitrangada Singh.

  • Selectors pick squads for Bangladesh and England tours

    Selectors pick squads for Bangladesh and England tours

    MUMBAI: The All-India Senior Selection Committee which met in Mumbai, earlier today has finally picked the two squads for the ODI series to be held in Bangladesh and the test series to be held in England.

     

    Suresh Raina will lead the Indian team during the ODI series to be held in Bangladesh on 15, 17 and 19 June. The matches will be held at the Shere Bangla stadium in Mirpur. The team members comprises:  Suresh Raina (Captain), Robin Uthappa,  Ajinkya Rahane,  Cheteshwar Pujara, Ambati Rayudu,    Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Wriddhiman Saha, Parvez Rasool, Akshar Patel, Vinay Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma and Amit Mishra.

     

    Captain cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli may have been kept out to provide them much needed rest before the crucial England tour. Uthappa who is the leading run scorer in the ongoing IPL is now all set to make a comeback in Team Blue.

     

    Meanwhile the Indian squad for the England test series is as follows:  M.S. Dhoni (Captain), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir,Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Ravinder Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishwar Pandey, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Varun Arora, Wriddhiman Saha and Pankaj Singh.

     

     

    The England tour will begin from 26 June with a three-day game to be held in Leicester. India will play one more warm-up, three against Derbyshire (1-3 July) before the five-match test series that starts on 9 July at Trent Bridge. The other tests are to be played at Lord’s (17-21 July), Ageas Bowl in Southampton (27-31 July), Old Trafford (7-11 August) and The Oval (15-19 August). The tests would be followed by the five-match ODI series commencing on 25 August at Bristol before India completes the visit by playing a one-off T20 international against the hosts on 7 September at Edgbaston.

     

    But both the series will be in direct conflict with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil that will begin from 12 June and culminate on 13 July.

  • Sony Six to broadcast 2014 Pepsi IPL player auction

    Sony Six to broadcast 2014 Pepsi IPL player auction

    MUMBAI: ?Sony Six, India’s premier sports and entertainment channel will exclusively broadcastthe player auction that will take place before this year’s edition of the Pepsi Indian Premier League. Come February 12thand 13th, the 2014 Pepsi IPL Player Auction will be the talking point of the country as the bidding process rolls out for theseventh edition of the tournament.  The event that will see eight team owners battle it out to build their dream team, will be broadcast Live and Exclusive on Six and Six HD.

     

    With every team given the option of retaining a maximum of 5 players, this year’s auction is certain to bring up surprises, with the 8 franchise teams drafting new approaches to retain the best mix of cricketing talent. This year’s auction will feature 219 capped players (169 Indians and 50 overseas players) and will also feature 292 uncapped players (255 Indians and 37 Overseas). Indian uncapped players will be figuring in the auction for the very first time. The auction will take place at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, on the 12th of February, with an option to carry onto the 13th of February.

     

    The auction will be conducted by Richard Madley, a professional auctioneer from England who hasbeen conducting the player auctions since the inaugural season in 2008, and will be hosted on Six by Gaurav Kapoor and Ajay Jadeja sharing their insights on player and team strategies.

     

    Some of the top players valued at the auction include Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Jacques Kallis, MahelaJayawardene, and Marlon Samuels.

     

    Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said, “This year’s auction is probably one of the biggest that we’ll see, as all teams will look for a major revamp. Six will bring an in-depth perspective into the strategy each team has chartered for the league, keeping the audience enthralled throughout the event.”

     

    The Pepsi IPL is a Twenty20 cricket league in India consisting of 8 teams. Teams will play in a round robin format where each team plays each other twice, home and away. The top 4 teams with maximum points at the end of the round robin format, qualify for the play offs. This is the 7th season of the Indian Premier League. Mumbai Indians were the winners of the previous edition in 2013.