MUMBAI:He’s known for finding the middle of the bat, now he’s finding the middle path. Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has teamed up with Bhagavad Gita for All (BGFA), a fast-growing faith-tech platform founded by entrepreneur Prithviraaj Shetty, to promote mindfulness, focus, and emotional balance through ancient wisdom reimagined for modern lives.
The collaboration blends the calm of spirituality with the rush of sport, showing how centuries-old teachings can sharpen clarity and resilience under pressure. With the global wellness economy pegged at nearly 6.8 trillion dollars, BGFA is betting on a future where self-awareness and performance go hand in hand.
Over the past ten months, the platform has seen remarkable growth, over 10,000 books sold and 1 lakh plus app users, as young professionals and students increasingly turn to reflective practices for structure and purpose.
Speaking on the partnership, Iyer said, “The Bhagavad Gita for All is not just a book; it’s a companion that helps you reflect, stay balanced, and find purpose amidst challenges. It’s beautifully designed and so relevant for today’s generation.”
The platform’s digital-first approach, including a video-based book, immersive mobile app, and AI companion My Krishna, makes the Gita’s timeless lessons accessible beyond religious boundaries, into leadership, performance, and emotional wellness.
Founder Prithviraaj Shetty added, “Schools and workplaces teach knowledge and skills, but not wisdom. Shreyas personifies the Gita’s spirit, remaining calm, focused, and balanced through every challenge.”
Having previously collaborated with Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, and Vidyut Jammwal, BGFA’s latest partnership positions it at the crossroads of culture, performance, and spirituality, where inner calm meets outer excellence.
MUMBAI: Credit where it’s due, kabaddi just got a fresh financial backer. Incred Financial Services Limited (Incred Finance), the tech-led NBFC known for its risk-analytics edge, has partnered with Jaipur Pink Panthers and Gujarat Giants as Associate Partner for the 2025 Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), starting 29 August.
The move marks Incred’s push beyond cricket where cricketer Shreyas Iyer is already its brand face and into a sport that’s as desi as it gets. With kabaddi boasting more than 3 crore viewers and popularity stretching from metros to Tier 2, Tier 3 and rural markets, the partnership aligns neatly with Incred’s mission to extend credit access to aspirational India.
The NBFC, with 140 plus branches and 2,500 plus employees, serves individuals and MSMEs with products spanning personal, education, MSME business, loan against property, and digital merchant loans. By associating with kabaddi, Incred hopes to amplify its reach in the underserved segments it champions.
“InCred has always stood for resilience and ambition qualities that kabaddi reflects beautifully,” said Incred Finance founder & CEO Bhupinder Singh noting the sport’s deep grassroots connect. Incred Finance group head of marketing Radhika Zingade added that kabaddi’s energy and ethos mirror the brand’s own, calling the association with two powerhouse teams “a natural step.”
And powerhouse is no exaggeration. Jaipur Pink Panthers, owned by Abhishek Bachchan, are two-time PKL champions with a consistent record of title runs. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants made headlines this season by signing Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh for Rs 2.23 crore, the highest-ever bid in PKL history.
With 12 teams battling it out across Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, PKL Season 12 promises fierce tackles and fresh storylines. For Incred, it’s not just a game of sport, it’s a high-stakes play to connect with India’s heartland, where both credit and kabaddi matter most.
MUMBAI: Punjab Kings have set the stage for IPL 2025 with a battle cry that leaves no room for doubt ‘Bas Jeetna Hai!’ The team’s electrifying new campaign, featuring Captain Shreyas Iyer, Head Coach Ricky Ponting, and a power-packed squad, embodies their relentless pursuit of victory.
The high-energy video captures Punjab Kings’ stars Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Marco Jansen gearing up for the season with raw intensity. A standout moment sees Arshdeep unleashing a lion’s roar ‘sher di dahaar’ perfectly encapsulating the fearless Punjab spirit, amplified by the commanding vocals of Punjabi singer Parmish Verma.
The campaign also spotlights Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and promising youngsters Priyansh Arya and Musheer Khan, reinforcing Punjab Kings’ strong Indian core.
Punjab Kings CEO, Satish Menon said, “With this campaign, we’re not just showcasing our team we’re celebrating a spirit. ‘Bas Jeetna Hai’ is more than a tagline. It’s an emotion every Punjab Kings fan live by. We’re building a fun and fearless identity on the field and off it. The atmosphere in the camp perfectly reflects what we’ve envisioned, and the boys are ready to give it their all. I’m confident fans will connect deeply with this campaign. Here’s wishing the team a memorable and successful season ahead.”
Punjab Kings kick off their IPL 2025 journey today against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Following an away clash with Lucknow Super Giants, the team will bring the action home to the newly built PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, hosting Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in back-to-back encounters. With their war cry set and their squad raring to go, Punjab Kings are ready to make this season one to remember.
MUMBAI: Kshema General Insurance Ltd., the official general insurance partner of Punjab Kings, has launched the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ digital campaign, offering cricket fans a chance to win match tickets and exclusive merchandise.
The contest, open to participants aged 18 and above, will run across Kshema’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. Fans must predict which Punjab Kings player will be crowned the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ of the match, recognising the best fielding effort be it a catch, run saved, run-out, or stumping. Punjab Kings will shortlist the standout moments, and those who predict correctly will enter a lucky draw, where a jury will select the winner.
“We are excited to launch the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ campaign as part of our partnership with Punjab Kings. We have planned this nationwide contest to drive home our message that insurance means security just like good fielding provides a safety net to the team during matches which can be the difference between a victory and defeat. Cricket is the beating heart of India, and we couldn’t have found a better vehicle to connect emotionally with fans and create awareness about insurance and its importance in mitigating adverse financial situations,” said Kshema General Insurance Ltd. chief marketing officer Bhaskar Thakur.
The initiative not only strengthens Kshema’s association with cricket but also raises awareness about its innovative insurance solutions. The company leverages AI-driven algorithms, machine learning, and big data to assess and price insurance risks efficiently.
“We always strive to give our fans an experience they will cherish. I am happy that Kshema has launched this campaign and has kept the fans at the centre of our partnership. We look forward to fans from all over the country participating and having a great matchday experience,” said Punjab Kings chief executive officer Satish Menon.
Punjab Kings, featuring a fresh squad under captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on 25 March in an evening match.
MUMBAI : Incred Group has signed star cricketer Shreyas Iyer as its new brand ambassador, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Rahul Dravid. Known for its strong ties to cricket, Incred draws inspiration from the sport’s core values discipline, resilience, and high performance making Iyer the perfect fit to champion its vision of financial confidence and success.
Incred founder & group CEO Bhupinder Singh expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Iyer embodies fearlessness and determination qualities that align perfectly with Incred’s mission of empowering individuals to achieve financial confidence. We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue to help people navigate their financial journeys with certainty.”
Iyer said, “Cricket is full of opinions, but in finance, true expertise stands out. I’m excited to partner with Incred, a leader in financial services, to help spread awareness about smart financial solutions.”
Incred group head of marketing Radhika Zingade highlighted how the association reflects the brand’s philosophy. “Iyers’ versatility his ability to anchor or accelerate as needed resonates with Incred’s role in guiding customers through different financial phases. This partnership is set to make a lasting impact.”
MUMBAI: There are many synergistic benefits that the merger between Star India and Viacom18 under Reliance can -and will- bring. And this was an obvious one – the low hanging fruit –but it was not expected. An IPL team announcing its captain on an entertainment reality show.
Yes, that did happen. And it’s kudos to JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar and his band of merry executives. Can’t forget our man from Endemol, Deepak Dhar and his creative bunch. And to the team which ventured to do it.
The 12 January weekend episode of Bigg Boss18 saw, for the first time in IPL history, the Punjab Kings unveiling their captain in a way that’s never been done before—on the Bigg Boss18 stage, hosted by none other than Salman Khan! And of course the Punjab Kings skipper was revealed to be Shreyas Iyer, the swashbuckling batsman and leader.
“We are breaking barriers between sports and entertainment. This iconic collaboration between cricket and entertainment celebrates innovation and ambition, setting the tone for IPL 2025. Shreyas Iyer, our leader, is ready to guide PBKS to new heights,” said the Punjab Kings in a post.
It went to congratulate “the visionary teams at Punjab Kings and Endemol for making this happen. Satish Menon (CEO) and Saurabh Arora (CCO).”
Added London-based sports consultant Anduhav Roda on Linkedin: “This unprecedented move not only captured the attention of cricket fans but also showcased a brilliant marketing strategy that leverages one of India’s largest entertainment platforms By choosing Bigg Boss18 as the stage for their announcement, Punjab Kings effectively tapped into the show’s massive viewership, reaching millions of potential fans in a single broadcast The involvement of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and the involvement of players with housemates added a layer of excitement to the announcement, making it a memorable moment for both cricket and reality TV fans This approach allowed for a more personal connection with fans, as they witness their favorite players in a familiar entertainment setting. This not only sets a new precedent for how sports franchises can engage with audiences but also highlights the growing intersection between sports and entertainment in India.”
However, a senior media planner who was not willing to be identified said this was only possible as both the streaming and television telecast rights for the IPL are now under one roof –that of JioStar. Says she: “Earlier it was not possible as both Viacom18 and Disney Star had to be on tenterhooks in case one objected to the other’s innovation.”
Let’s hope the merger gives us a lot more surprises – like the one Punjab Kings did.
Mumbai: OPPO India launches its latest campaign #DareToFlaunt—featuring actress Shraddha Kapoor and cricketer Shreyas Iyer — to introduce India’s First Waterproof Smartphone Rated IP69—OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G.
The TVC perfectly resonates with the bold and adventurous spirit of Gen-Z. Icons of the country’s two foremost passions – Bollywood and cricket – Shraddha Kapoor, a youth icon known for her diverse role and Shreyas Iyer, known for his aggressive batting style, embody the #DareToFlaunt spirit. The TVC puts the F27 Pro+ to the ultimate test, subjecting it to the rigors of a washing machine, dunking it in a swimming pool, hammering the cricket wicket with it, running it over with a car, and more. Each time, the phone emerges on top, proving its resilience. The #DareToFlaunt campaign encourages users to proudly show off their new phone without fear of damaging it.
The TVC showcases key product features like the Damage-Proof 360° Armour Body, IP66, 68, and 69 ratings, and 3D Curved AMOLED Screen making it India’s first super rugged monsoon-ready phone. The F27 Pro+ boasts a sleek design, powerful performance, and cutting-edge features, making it the perfect companion for those who demand the best.
The OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G, priced at Rs 27,999 with 128GB storage and Rs 29,999 for the 256GB variant, will be available in India from 20th June 2024. The device will be available in two colours—Dusk Pink and Midnight Navy—and boasts OPPO’s full-device protection solution: a damage-proof 360-degree Armour Body that shields the device from drops and scratches. Additionally, it features a durable 5,000mAh battery with a four-year lifespan.
Mumbai: OPPO India launched a digital campaign – #BornToFlaunt – to support the launch of the F25 Pro 5G with actress Shraddha Kapoor, cricketer Shreyas Iyer, and dance troupe Quick Style. The social media film achieved over 150 million views across digital platforms to outperform previous generation F Series campaigns in view rates and ad recall metrics. According to the YouTube Brand Lift Study**, the video demonstrated exceptional reach and engagement with an 11.49 per cent increase in Ad Recall from February 22 to March 15, 2024.
OPPO India also announced that its F25 Pro—launched on February 29, 2024—recorded a 46.2 per cent increase* in sales compared to its predecessor, the F23 Pro, during its debut month to make it a front-runner in the sub-Rs 25K smartphone market. The OPPO F Series, known for its camera technology and innovative design based on proprietary technologies, has consistently earned consumer appreciation – and now, the success of the F25 Pro has propelled the series past the 10 million user milestone.
Since its inception, the OPPO F Series has consistently set industry standards: The OPPO F1 Plus in 2016 boasted the world’s first 16MP selfie camera, the F3 Plus in 2017 introduced dual front snappers, the F7 in 2018 featured a 25MP AI-powered selfie shooter, the F11 Pro in 2019 showcased a unique triple-colour design, while in 2021, the F19 introduced OPPO’s proprietary glow design in a striking gold colour. The F21 Pro and F21s Pro, launched in 2022, showcased a fibreglass leather design and a micro-lens camera. The OPPO F25 Pro continues this tradition of innovation with its segment-first AI Smart Image Matting, 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras, ultra-slim 7.54mm profile, OPPO’s proprietary glow design, advanced 64MP triple-camera system, and IP65 rating. The device is available at mainline retail outlets, Amazon, Flipkart, and the OPPO e-store at Rs 23,999.
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.
Mumbai: Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster, has unveiled an insightful social-first collaboration with WhatsApp, ‘Privacy Unplugged’- a captivating five-part short-form content series, facilitated by Starcom, that underscores the paramount significance of privacy features within today’s digital realm. This exclusive property presents poignant and personal narratives of our much-loved sporting champions, intricately woven around the central tenet of privacy.
The line-up features eminent cricket stars including Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, prodigious cricket talent Jemimah Rodrigues, hockey icon Rani Rampal, and accomplished footballer Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Each athlete’s unique story serves as a powerful catalyst for widespread awareness, highlighting the advanced privacy features introduced by WhatsApp, and further emphasizing the platform’s unwavering commitment to user safety and data protection.
Speaking about the association with WhatsApp (Meta), Star Sports head – ad sales Kingshuk Mitra said, “This marks our third collaboration with Meta, and we’re excited to be associating with WhatsApp for the ongoing ‘Privacy Unplugged’ series. We’ve brought on board a few highly regarded sports stars to emphasize the importance of privacy in today’s interconnected world. Star Sports’ extensive reach of 30 million fans across social media platforms enables WhatsApp to effectively spread the campaign’s message. This content series also lays the groundwork for potential collaborations with other brands, allowing us to craft compelling stories that deeply connect with our audience.”
Meta strategic media planning lead APAC Natasha Kapoor said, “We’re thrilled to associate with Star Sports to highlight the importance of secure and private messaging, through the personal stories of some of India’s top athletes. It’s a great privilege that millions of Indians trust WhatsApp to deliver their personal messages everyday. This series reinforces the role that WhatsApp’s multiple privacy features play in enabling our users to stay connected with their loved ones, have meaningful conversations and even express their authentic selves, privately.”
Chief operating officer Niti Kumar said, “Starcom discovered that India’s beloved athletes, respected by millions, hold an exceptional talent for safeguarding the most critical aspects of their lives even as they artfully define their individual understandings of ‘privacy’. This insightful discovery enabled Starcom to bring about a strategic partnership between WhatsApp and Star Sports, which aims to unravel the narratives around privacy in the lives of India’s premier athletes.”
The Privacy Unplugged series spotlights the need for privacy in the lives of athletes. Each story underlines how WhatsApp’s built-in layers of privacy help create a safe space for our champions to express themselves freely and have their most private conversations.
Content Showcase
Rishabh Pant: Recovery in Private: After a life-threatening accident, Rishabh Pant’s private recovery journey becomes the focal point. WhatsApp’s End-to-End Encrypted platform empowers him and gives him a safe space to share his progress securely with family, friends, mentors, and coaches.
Shreyas Iyer: Finding confidence in Private: Shreyas Iyer uses WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature to share his favorite magic tricks, fostering private conversations that encourage young cricketers to open up about their challenges in a space they feel comfortable in.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Being herself in Private: WhatsApp’s ‘Chat Lock’ feature help’s Jemimah Rodrigues secure her private conversations with a select group of friends, allowing her to maintain her public image while being her homebody self in private amongst her girl tribe.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: Finding focus in Private: As India’s top goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu relies on WhatsApp’s ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature to cut out the white noise and eliminate spam, preserving his mental focus during rigorous training.
Rani Rampal: Training in Private: Rani Rampal leverages WhatsApp’s ‘Online Presence’ privacy feature to stay connected, mentor and give dedicated time to the next generation of girls aspiring to play hockey for India, offering them a secure and personal space for learning.
