ITV

Tag: Virat Kohli

  • Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    MUMBAI: The toast of cricket talk shows is back, and it’s serving fresh stories with a side of wit. Oaktree Sports has announced the return of Breakfast with Champions for its much-awaited ninth season, hosted by the ever-charming Gaurav Kapur.

    Presented by Pop UPI and styled by Peter England, the new season premieres this October exclusively on Youtube, promising more laughter, locker-room confessions and heart behind the hustle.

    From Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Gavaskar, the show has already dished out some of the sport’s most unguarded conversations. This season, it’s going beyond the boundary, with cricketing stars joined by champions from other arenas, starting with Abhishek Sharma.

    “Every season of Breakfast with Champions has grown in scale and soul,” said Oaktree Sports founder Gaurav Kapur. “What began as casual chats has become a celebration of the human side of sport.”

    Pop UPI founder Bhargav Errangi added, “Just like our Popcoins reward loyalty, Breakfast with Champions rewards its audience with authenticity. It’s all about consistency and excellence, just like champions themselves.”

    Adding polish to the table, Peter England steps in as wardrobe partner with its sleek Gentlemen’s league collection, while brand strategy firm Next Narrative ensures the storytelling remains top-tier.

    With a power-packed guest list, sharp humour and plenty of heart, Breakfast with Champions – Season 9 is all set to remind fans why mornings with Gaurav Kapur are the most entertaining meal in sport.

  • RCB crowned kings as IPL brand value hits $18.5bn in record-breaking 2025 season

    RCB crowned kings as IPL brand value hits $18.5bn in record-breaking 2025 season

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) juggernaut stormed into 2025 with record-breaking viewership, blockbuster auctions, and soaring brand valuations—cementing its status as one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties.

    According to Houlihan Lokey’s latest IPL Valuation Study, the business value of the league has surged to a staggering $18.5 billion—up 12.9 per cent year on year: in rupee terms that tots up to Rs 156,568 crore -a 16.1 per cent growth. Its brand value alone clocked in at $3.9 billion, a 13.8 per cent jump while in rupee terms it grew 16.1 per cent again to Rs 32,721 crore.  The numbers reflect not only the league’s financial firepower but also its bulletproof commercial appeal amid global uncertainty.

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally shed their “chokers” tag after 17 seasons to lift their maiden IPL trophy, catapulting them to the No. 1 brand spot with a valuation of $269 million. Virat Kohli’s on-field heroics and Rajat Patidar’s captaincy delivered a fairytale finish that sent digital viewership through the roof—JioHotstar recorded a peak of 678 million views during the final, eclipsing even the India–Pakistan ICC clash earlier this year.

    Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained their spots in the top three, with brand values of $242 million and $235 million, respectively. While MI impressed with eight wins and Hardik Pandya’s smooth takeover as captain, CSK’s season was defined by MS Dhoni’s calm return to the helm amid injuries and a rebuilding phase.

    The 2025 season also saw record media rights revenues, a $300 million extension of Tata Group’s title sponsorship till 2028, and mega-bucks player signings—Rishabh Pant fetched a record $3.19 million at the auction.  The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition. The BCCI sold four associate sponsor slots for Rs 1,485 crore, up 25 per cent from the previous cycle, while advertising revenues soared to an estimated $600 million—up 50 per cent YoY. The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition. 

    Franchisees continued to ride high on asset-light models and predictable revenue streams. Top teams clocked Rs 6,500–7,000 million in annual revenue with over 80 per cent visibility secured pre-season, aided by front-loaded sponsorships and tight salary caps. The league’s capital-light structure and OTT-driven audience growth make it a poster child for high-yield sports investments.

    Meanwhile, Punjab Kings emerged as the fastest-growing brand in 2025, leaping to $141 million in value. With Shreyas Iyer as captain, and bold marketing campaigns like “Sarpanch Sahab” driving regional fandom, the franchise not only made it to the finals but also dominated digital chatter.

    As cricket’s footprint grows beyond its traditional bastions—with the ICC Champions Trophy breaking global viewership records and the US hosting marquee events—the IPL remains the sport’s commercial and cultural vanguard. It’s no longer just a league; it’s a billion-dollar blueprint for the future of cricket.

  • JioStar hits it out of the park as Tata IPL 2025 smashes a billion-viewer milestone

    JioStar hits it out of the park as Tata IPL 2025 smashes a billion-viewer milestone

    MUMBAI: The 18th season of the Tata IPL was pure box-office cricket, and JioStar—the broadcast juggernaut of Star Sports and JioHotstar—made sure the world was watching. The tournament clocked a jaw-dropping 840 billion minutes of total watch-time and reached an eye-popping one billion viewers, making it the most-watched season in T20 history.

    Digital viewing surged 29 per cent year-on-year, with JioHotstar racking up 23.1 billion views and 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time, riding on a massive 49 per cent jump in Connected TV consumption. Meanwhile, Star Sports delivered 456 billion minutes of live broadcast content, pulling in the highest-ever average TV ratings across demos.

    The Tata IPL 2025 Final was nothing short of a cricketing supernova:

     . 31.7 billion minutes of combined watch-time

     . 169 million TV viewers

     .  892 million video views on digital

     .  55 million peak concurrency on JioHotstar

     .  A record-smashing 16.74 billion minutes on digital alone

    It was also the stuff of legends on the pitch. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the trophy, Virat Kohli tasted long-overdue IPL glory, and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the world as the youngest centurion in IPL history.

    JioStar CEO – Sports and Live Experiences, Sanjog Gupta said, “The incredible viewership numbers are reinforcement of our belief in the commitment to serve fans and the potential for growth of even a scaled property like the Tata IPL.”

    “We had a two-pronged approach this season.We wanted to widen the consideration for the tournament experience, by focusing on key viewer cohorts which had a light-touch relationship with IPL while also offering a deep, navigable consumer journey to grow engagement with committed fans. From non-viewers and fringe viewers co-viewing the IPL to deeply immersed fanatics, JioStar offered customized offerings for a wide spectrum of distinct cohorts defined by age, consumption profile and region. From the invite and proposition to the broadcast, we were committed to delivering hyper-personalized experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, interactive, and immersive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fans, whosepassion and love for the game inspires us. We would also thank BCCI and our partners, whose support is critical in our endeavor to constantly raise the bar on industry-defining experiences we offer on our platforms,” he added.

    Tech-wise, JioStar upped the ante with MaxView 2.0, voice search, 12-language content, Dolby Atmos, VR 360 Live, and Sign Language feeds—making cricket not just watchable, but immersive. The tournament’s “Yahaan Sab Possible Hai” theme rang true despite a mid-season suspension, with fans tuning in in record numbers from the get-go—49.56 billion minutes in just the opening weekend.

    With Shubman Gill and ‘Generation Bold’ now gearing up to face Ben Stokes and Bazball in England starting 20 June, JioStar’s cricketing blitz shows no signs of slowing down.

  • India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is serving cricket fans a piping hot platter of drama, nostalgia and chin music with Bharat Tum Chale Chalo – Kahani 2021-22 Ki, a gritty three-part docuseries that rewinds to one of India’s most unforgettable Test cricket campaigns — the 2021-22 tour of England. Premiering on Sunday, 15 June at 1pm across Sony Sports Ten 1, 3, 4, and 5 — and streaming on Sony LIV — the series pulls back the curtain on India’s high-octane cricketing crusade on British soil.

    Fresh from their famous Gabba heist Down Under, the Men in Blue marched into England with a searing pace battery and a score to settle. From Lord’s “60 overs of hell” to Rohit’s bat-does-the-talking moment and the leadership shake-up that had fans glued, this is cricketing cinema with sweat, swagger and plenty of sledging.

    The series ropes in a solid bench of voices who lived and breathed the campaign — from former India head coach Ravi Shastri and England’s Michael Vaughan, to bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding wizard R. Sridhar, and Kohli and Rohit’s childhood coaches. With spicy anecdotes and rare behind-the-scenes footage, this is not just a docuseries — it’s a dressing-room pass.

    Episode guide:

    Episode 1: Pace is pace

    Virat Kohli’s long game — building a ruthless pace attack since 2014 — gets its due. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj and Shardul bowl fire and fury into Lord’s, scripting one of India’s grittiest away glories.

    Episode 2: Let the bat talk

    A redemption arc for the ages: Kohli v Anderson, Rahul’s zen mode, and Rohit’s evolution into a dependable Test opener — capped by that sweet, sweet overseas ton.

    Episode 3: Oh captain, my captain

    When the final Test got postponed, so did destiny. With Kohli stepping down and Bumrah stepping in, England entered the Bazball era. The finale dives into legacy, leadership, and all the ‘what-ifs’ still echoing at Old Trafford.

    Timed to perfection ahead of the upcoming India-England clash, this is Sony Sports Network reminding fans why red-ball cricket still packs the biggest punch.

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • Puma hits it out of the park with fan-first billboard for RCB supporters

    Puma hits it out of the park with fan-first billboard for RCB supporters

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru’s skies just got a sixer’s worth of star power courtesy of RCB fans. As IPL fever tightens its grip on the country, Puma India is taking the fandom game up a notch by putting Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) loyalists on the big screen literally. In a first-of-its-kind digital activation, fans can now appear alongside their cricketing idols on a high-impact billboard in Bengaluru through a unique ‘Fan on a Billboard’ experience.

    The campaign launched ahead of RCB’s home match on April 18, featuring RCB’s biggest names Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Phil Salt. All it takes is a trip to the Puma stores at Indiranagar or Brigade Road, where fans can don their official Puma x RCB jerseys and capture pictures or videos with virtual versions of their heroes in a specially designed photo booth. The cherry on top? Their content gets beamed across the city on a giant digital screen.

    RCB, with over 18 million Instagram followers, recently bagged the title of India’s most-followed cricket franchise. With a billion searches and 12 million social media conversations in 2024 alone, Puma’s campaign taps into a massive well of fan passion and turns it into something unforgettable.

    “At Puma, we’ve always kept the consumer at the center of everything we do, especially when it comes to sport,” said Puma India, director of marketing Shreya Sachdev. “RCB fans are some of the most passionate out there, and this experience is our way of putting them right where they belong next to their heroes. In a world where tech often takes people further apart, we’re using it to do the opposite, bringing fans closer to the game and the players they love,” she added.

    The activation also signals how Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising is evolving in India. According to the Pitch Madison Advertising Report 2025, OOH revenues jumped from Rs 4,140 crore in 2023 to Rs 4,650 crore in 2024 and are expected to grow at 12 per cent in 2025. But Puma’s effort goes beyond static visualsM it’s an immersive, personalised moment on a public canvas, giving fans their 15 seconds of fame, backed by serious tech muscle.

    From turning store names into Puma to honour PV Sindhu, to crafting an anthem from runners’ warm-up sounds, to letting fans “dive” into AI-generated campaigns Puma India has been sprinting ahead in innovation. With the Fan on a Billboard experience, they’ve bowled over cricket lovers once again making sure the fans don’t just wear the jersey, they become part of the game.

  • Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    MUMBAI: Indian cricket maestro and RCB long-timer  Virat Kohli switched teams. The 36 year old has pulled the plug on his eight-year partnership with Puma, and has reportedly put his best foot forward to back Agilitas Sports, an Indian athleisure startup. The star batter, currently in red-hot form in IPL 2025, is now not just the face of Agilitas but also an investor, signalling a bold move to champion homegrown brands.

    Agilitas was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, Puma India’s former managing director. The brand has already made waves, securing long-term rights for Italian sportswear giant Lotto in India, Australia, and South Africa. Now, with Kohli on board, Agilitas is gearing up for a serious innings in the global sportswear arena.

    Kohli’s split from Puma marks the end of a landmark Rs 110 crore deal that revolutionised Indian sports marketing. The partnership saw him lead multiple campaigns and launch the popular One8 line, a crucial driver in Puma’s rise in the Indian market.

    Puma acknowledged the departure, thanking Kohli for an “outstanding journey filled with memorable campaigns and collaborations.” The brand vowed to continue investing in the next generation of athletes.

    Meanwhile, Kohli remains focused on both his new business venture and his cricketing form. The RCB stalwart has racked up 180 runs in his last five IPL innings and is set to face Rajasthan Royals on 13 April.

    Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, Kohli continues to rewrite the game.

  • 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.”

     

  • Fast friends Bigbasket and RCB team up for a 10-minute delivery innings

    Fast friends Bigbasket and RCB team up for a 10-minute delivery innings

    MUMBAI: 10 minutes, andre? Bigbasket. That’s the punchy hook powering a fresh partnership between India’s favourite grocer and Bengaluru’s beloved IPL franchise. In a pitch-perfect move, Bigbasket, a Tata enterprise, has teamed up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the official quick commerce partner for the 2025 Indian Premier League season.

    This isn’t just about bats and bags of groceries, it’s a collaboration that blends Bengaluru’s cultural vibe with the shared values of speed, trust, and local pride. Bigbasket’s lightning-fast 10-minute delivery promise and RCB’s electrifying fanbase are coming together in a campaign that feels as local as filter coffee on a rainy Bengaluru morning.

    To mark the association, bigbasket launched a hyperlocal digital campaign starring none other than Virat Kohli, joined by his RCB squad, engaging in a spirited Kannada wordplay around “andre” (meaning “means”). Whether it’s “Chilling, andre?” (Cubbon Park) or “10 minutes, andre?” (Bigbasket), the ad culminates with comedian Danish Sait, in his Mr. Nags avatar, dressed as a bigbasket delivery partner, stealing the show with a cheeky wink to city life. The campaign has already racked up 9.5 million organic views on Instagram, with cricket legends AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Dinesh Karthik also joining the digital huddle.

    Speaking about this, Bigbasket co-founder & CEO Hari Menon said, “RCB isn’t just a team, it’s a symbol of Bengaluru’s energy, diversity, and resilience. At bigbasket, we see ourselves as a reflection of the same spirit, with our focus on speed, trust, and customer delight. This partnership is a natural extension of our commitment to serving Bengaluru, both on and off the pitch.”

    This IPL season, fans can expect a strong digital presence from bigbasket across RCB’s platforms, complete with behind-the-scenes content, interactive experiences, and on-ground activations like a “Selfie Kiosk” at stadiums, allowing fans to virtually click pics with their cricketing idols.

    Backed by a 10-minute delivery service across 25 plus cities, with over 5,000 plus daily essentials on offer, bigbasket’s quick commerce model is batting for convenience and local love. The RCB association amplifies that brand promise bringing fans a seamless blend of cricket, culture, and consumer delight, all in the time it takes to order a quick snack during an over break.

  • 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.