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Bisleri Marks Its Largest T20 Season Play with Five Leading Cricket Franchises

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, has announced its continued association as the Official Hydration Partner with five leading T20 cricket franchises – Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

 

Bisleri Marks Its Largest T20 Season Play with Five Leading Cricket Franchises


With a legacy spanning over five decades, Bisleri continues to champion hydration as a critical pillar of performance, building one of the region’s most expansive sports marketing portfolios across India and the Middle East. The ongoing partnerships further deepen the brand’s association with high-energy cricketing platforms that resonate strongly with passionate audiences.


Expressing enthusiasm on the extension of this partnership, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International said, “The T20 cricket season is one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world and represents one of our largest sports partnerships at Bisleri. As we mark our fourth consecutive season of hydration partnerships with some of the most celebrated cricketing franchises in the country, it provides a powerful cultural moment to engage with consumers at scale. Through integrated activations across retail, on-ground experiences and digital storytelling, we aim to enhance visibility while continuing to champion the importance of everyday hydration as an essential part of performance and lifestyle.”


Sunil Gupta, CEO, Delhi Capitals, said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Bisleri for another exciting IPL season. Over the years, this association has evolved into a strong and meaningful collaboration, and together we aim to create memorable experiences for our fans.”


Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bisleri to the Punjab Kings family as our official partner. Bisleri is a brand that enjoys immense trust across the country, and this long-term partnership aligns with our vision of working in collaboration with the brands that share values of performance, consistency and fan-first engagement.”


Alok Chitre, Chief Operating Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said “Continuing our partnership with Bisleri as our Official Hydration Partner reflects a strong and valued association for the Royals, centred around elevating the fan experience. This season, we look forward to championing the partnership through engaging digital content and unique on-ground activations that bring us even closer to our fans.”  

 

Rajesh Menon, CEO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Bisleri as our Official Hydration Partner. With one of the most passionate fan communities in cricket, strengthened associations like this enable us to create memorable experiences and celebrate the unmatched energy of RCB fans throughout the season.”


Mr. K Shanmugam, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said, “We are proud to welcome Bisleri into the Sunrisers Hyderabad family. Their legacy of quality and consistency makes them a natural fit for our ecosystem. This partnership reinforces our focus on working with brands that bring tangible value to our team, our players, and our fans.”


The partnerships are designed to bring fans closer to the action – from limited-edition team bottles to high-energy stadium experiences, retail activations, and interactive digital content throughout the season. By integrating with each franchise’s unique regional fan base, the initiative aims to celebrate the passion, loyalty, and identity that define Indian cricket fandom. We have also partnered with Star Sports to be present with our television commercials across all the matches of the season. 


With partnerships spanning 120+ sporting associations, Bisleri commands one of the largest hydration portfolios across India and the Middle East, cutting across virtually every major sporting genre. Our associations include some of the most iconic sporting properties such as all Procam Marathons, the Dubai Marathon, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the Professional Golf Tour of India, seven football teams in the Indian Super League, five teams in the UAE ILT20 League, Ultimate Table Tennis, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Tennis Open, leading WTA Tour and ATP Tour events in India, the Hockey India League, the Ladakh Marathon, the JSW Indian Open, Spartan Race, and many more, reinforcing our commitment to powering athletes and sporting excellence at every level.

 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 
Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 
The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.


For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com

Clockwork Rituals Introduces Biomimetic Oral Care in India, Redefining How India Brushes

Clockwork Rituals, a new-age oral care brand rooted in science and biomimicry, has officially launched in India with a mission to transform everyday oral hygiene into a mindful wellness ritual. Founded by Uditya Sharma and Rohan, the brand aims to redefine conventional oral care by going beyond surface-level cleaning to actively strengthen and restore tooth enamel.

 

Clockwork Toothpaste range for everyday oral care

 

At the core of Clockwork Rituals’ innovation is its proprietary Hydroxy™ blend, powered by Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp)—a clinically backed ingredient that closely mimics the natural composition of human enamel. The brand has developed differentiated formulations tailored to specific consumer needs. Its kids and adults variants in Natural Strawberry Watermelon and Natural Orange Vanilla are formulated with 5% nHAp and 10% Organic Xylitol, while its adults variant in Natural Peppermint is formulated with 10% nHAp and 10% Organic Xylitol.


Unlike traditional formulations, the brand’s products are designed to repair microscopic damage and support enamel remineralization, offering a more advanced and holistic approach to oral health. The formulations are 100% natural, non-toxic, and free from SLS, making them suitable for daily use by families, including children and expecting mothers.


The idea for Clockwork Rituals stems from a personal need experienced by co-founder Rohan. During his search for safe and effective fluoride-free oral care solutions for his child, he identified a significant gap in the Indian market, which continues to rely on outdated formulations. This insight led to the creation of a brand that combines global scientific advancements with consumer safety and transparency at its core.


Uditya Sharma, Co-Founder, Clockwork Rituals, added, “Having built and scaled a Rs100 crore B2B business, I saw a strong opportunity to bring operational excellence and product innovation into India’s Rs15,000 crore oral care category. With Clockwork Rituals, we are building a brand that consumers can trust—one that combines scientific credibility with a premium experience.”


Since its launch on February 22, 2026, the brand has gained strong early momentum, clocking over 200 organic orders and signalling a positive consumer response. The brand is currently available on Amazon, Blinkit, and OZI (Kids Quick Commerce), with an upcoming launch on FIRSTCLUB, marking the next phase of its retail expansion journey.


Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rohan, Co-founder, Clockwork Rituals, said, “We realized that while global markets had already evolved towards safer, more advanced oral care solutions, India was still largely underserved in this category. Clockwork Rituals was created to bridge this gap by offering products that are not only effective but also safe and rooted in science.”


Clockwork Rituals is built on the philosophy of turning brushing from a daily chore into a conscious ritual. By combining clean-label ingredients, clinically relevant science, and thoughtfully crafted formulations, the brand is poised to lead a new wave of innovation in biomimetic oral care in India.


About Clockwork Rituals
Clockwork Rituals is a high-performance natural premium oral care brand for kids and adults, redefining everyday dental hygiene through science-backed, non-toxic formulations. Built on biomimetic innovation, the brand’s products are powered by its proprietary Hydroxy™ blend, combining Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and organic xylitol to support enamel repair and long-term oral health.


Designed to be SLS-free and aligned with global standards, Clockwork Rituals aims to transform oral care from a daily routine into a mindful self-care ritual.


Website: www.clockworkrituals.com

NIT Trichy, Kauvery Hospital Partner to Launch PG Diploma in Healthcare Technology

  • An MoU was formally signed, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration between the two institutions.

  • The initiative will offer a comprehensive, industry-integrated learning experience through microcredit courses, expert-led lectures, hands-on internships, and real-world projects.

 

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli and Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, have joined hands to launch a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Technology, integrating engineering expertise with real-world healthcare applications.

 

Dr Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals & Dr. G. Aghila, Director, NIT Tiruchirappalli

 

The programme, to be offered by the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering at NIT Trichirapalli, is scheduled to commence in July 2026. The initiative will feature microcredit courses, guest lectures by industry experts, on-site internships at Kauvery Hospitals, and student projects addressing real-world healthcare challenges, along with joint research and continuing education opportunities.

 

An MoU formalising this collaboration was signed recently by Dr. G. Aghila, Director, NIT Trichirapalli, and Dr. S. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals.

 

Commenting about the initiative, Dr. Aghila said “This Postgraduate Diploma programme has been thoughtfully designed to address current challenges and emerging trends in the healthcare sector, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. By bringing together the strong technical capabilities of NIT Trichirapalli and the clinical expertise of Kauvery Hospital, the programme will drive meaningful research and innovation, while creating structured pathways for higher education, research, and advanced professional certifications aligned with evolving industry needs.

 

In his comments, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj said, “We are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world healthcare practice. Through our partnership with NIT Trichirapalli, we aim to provide meaningful industry exposure to students through guest lectures, structured internships, and hands-on projects. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening healthcare education, research, and skill development in the country.”

 

Dr. S. T. Ramesh, Dean (Academic); Dr. G. Uma, Dean (Industrial Development); Dr. M. Umapathy, Professor (Higher Administrative Grade); and Dr. K. Srinivasan, Head, Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, were present at the MoU signing, along with faculty members of the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, including Dr. Ramakalyan, Dr. N. Sivakumaran, Dr. Sridevi, Dr. Periasamy, Dr. P. A. Karthick, and Dr. Geetha.

 

Course Coordinator: Dr N Sivakumaran – Professor, Department of ICE & Course Coordinator, PG Diploma

Bisleri Marks Its Largest T20 Season Play with Five Leading Cricket Franchises

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Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, has announced its continued association as the Official Hydration Partner with five leading T20 cricket franchises – Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

 

Bisleri Marks Its Largest T20 Season Play with Five Leading Cricket Franchises


With a legacy spanning over five decades, Bisleri continues to champion hydration as a critical pillar of performance, building one of the region’s most expansive sports marketing portfolios across India and the Middle East. The ongoing partnerships further deepen the brand’s association with high-energy cricketing platforms that resonate strongly with passionate audiences.


Expressing enthusiasm on the extension of this partnership, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International said, “The T20 cricket season is one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world and represents one of our largest sports partnerships at Bisleri. As we mark our fourth consecutive season of hydration partnerships with some of the most celebrated cricketing franchises in the country, it provides a powerful cultural moment to engage with consumers at scale. Through integrated activations across retail, on-ground experiences and digital storytelling, we aim to enhance visibility while continuing to champion the importance of everyday hydration as an essential part of performance and lifestyle.”


Sunil Gupta, CEO, Delhi Capitals, said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Bisleri for another exciting IPL season. Over the years, this association has evolved into a strong and meaningful collaboration, and together we aim to create memorable experiences for our fans.”


Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bisleri to the Punjab Kings family as our official partner. Bisleri is a brand that enjoys immense trust across the country, and this long-term partnership aligns with our vision of working in collaboration with the brands that share values of performance, consistency and fan-first engagement.”


Alok Chitre, Chief Operating Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said “Continuing our partnership with Bisleri as our Official Hydration Partner reflects a strong and valued association for the Royals, centred around elevating the fan experience. This season, we look forward to championing the partnership through engaging digital content and unique on-ground activations that bring us even closer to our fans.”  

 

Rajesh Menon, CEO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Bisleri as our Official Hydration Partner. With one of the most passionate fan communities in cricket, strengthened associations like this enable us to create memorable experiences and celebrate the unmatched energy of RCB fans throughout the season.”


Mr. K Shanmugam, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said, “We are proud to welcome Bisleri into the Sunrisers Hyderabad family. Their legacy of quality and consistency makes them a natural fit for our ecosystem. This partnership reinforces our focus on working with brands that bring tangible value to our team, our players, and our fans.”


The partnerships are designed to bring fans closer to the action – from limited-edition team bottles to high-energy stadium experiences, retail activations, and interactive digital content throughout the season. By integrating with each franchise’s unique regional fan base, the initiative aims to celebrate the passion, loyalty, and identity that define Indian cricket fandom. We have also partnered with Star Sports to be present with our television commercials across all the matches of the season. 


With partnerships spanning 120+ sporting associations, Bisleri commands one of the largest hydration portfolios across India and the Middle East, cutting across virtually every major sporting genre. Our associations include some of the most iconic sporting properties such as all Procam Marathons, the Dubai Marathon, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the Professional Golf Tour of India, seven football teams in the Indian Super League, five teams in the UAE ILT20 League, Ultimate Table Tennis, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Tennis Open, leading WTA Tour and ATP Tour events in India, the Hockey India League, the Ladakh Marathon, the JSW Indian Open, Spartan Race, and many more, reinforcing our commitment to powering athletes and sporting excellence at every level.

 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 
Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 
The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.


For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com

Rodic Digital & Advisory Signs MoU with SatSure to Bring Earth Observation Intelligence to India's Public Sector

Rodic Digital & Advisory (RDA), the strategic advisory and digital transformation subsidiary of Rodic Consultants announced the signing of a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SatSure, a global Earth Intelligence company to jointly pursue public-sector opportunities. This strategic collaboration aims to integrate high-resolution Earth Observation (EO) data and geospatial AI into government workflows to enhance monitoring, compliance, and operational decision-making.

 

Prateep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, SatSure and Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director, Rodic Digital & Advisory

 

The strategic partnership brings together SatSure’s full‑stack Earth intelligence capabilities with RDA’s deep expertise in government digital transformation and large-scale programme delivery. By leveraging satellite-derived insights, the collaboration will enable public-sector agencies to gain real-time visibility into large infrastructure projects and natural resource management through intuitive dashboards, APIs, and command-centre-style monitoring systems.

 

Speaking on the partnership Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director, Rodic Digital & Advisory, said, “Public-sector programmes today operate at a scale where decision-making must be faster, more evidence-based, and more transparent. By combining SatSure’s Sovereign Earth intelligence capabilities with our experience in building governance-grade digital platforms for public institutions, we aim to deliver operational intelligence that is practical, deployable, and outcomes-led particularly in sectors where visibility and compliance are mission-critical.”

 

The collaboration focuses on transforming operations across a broad spectrum of mission-critical areas including agriculture, rural development, power and energy, public construction, mining, and forestry by leveraging aerial imagery and geospatial analytics to automate progress tracking, strengthen resource optimization, and ensure environmental compliance. Under the MoU, the two organisations will adopt a joint go-to-market approach for government clients, delivering intelligence outputs through dashboards, APIs, and command-centre-style monitoring systems.

 

Prateep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, SatSure, added, “Governments today are increasingly moving toward systems that are not just digitized, but intelligence driven. This partnership with Rodic Digital & Advisory allows us to embed Earth Observation intelligence directly into public-sector workflows, especially in EPC domain, enabling institutions to move from periodic reporting to continuous, real-time decision-making. Together, we aim to strengthen how large-scale national programs for critical infrastructure are monitored, executed, and optimized.”

 

Varun Mundra, CEO – Technology, Rodic Digital & Advisory, said, “The core of this partnership lies in the seamless integration of geospatial AI into our existing technology ecosystem. By embedding SatSure’s advanced EO analytics into RDA’s smart digital platforms, we are moving from reactive monitoring to predictive intelligence. This technological synergy will empower public-sector administrators with high-fidelity, autonomous data streams that significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of large-scale digital twins.”

 

Abhishek Arora, Chief Growth Officer, SatSure, said, “India’s public sector transformation will not be won on technology alone. It requires equal parts institutional credibility, execution depth, and the trust of governments that have seen too many pilots that never scaled. RODIC brings all three. For SatSure, this partnership represents the clearest path we have found to ensuring that our geospatial intelligence reaches the departments and ministries where it can drive real operational change.

 

The collaboration reflects a broader shift in India’s public administration toward evidence-based governance, real-time programme monitoring, and technology-enabled accountability. As part of the MoU, RDA and SatSure intend to jointly engage with central ministries, state governments, and public agencies, with a shared commitment to delivering solutions that are scalable, operationally viable, and measurable in their impact on governance outcomes.

Fully Promoted, a Global Leader in Branded Merchandising Enters India with Flagship Launch in Chennai

Fully Promoted, a globally recognised brand in branded apparel, promotional products, and marketing solutions, has officially announced its entry into the Indian market.  In association with United Franchise Group (UFG), the brand has launched its Indian flagship store in T. Nagar, Chennai, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy.

 

Fully Promoted India’s Flagship Store Launch inaugurated by Jagathesh Kadavul, along with the Fully Promoted India team


The Indian master franchise will be led by Suresh Raghuraj and Deepika Loganathan, who bring extensive experience in multi-brand franchising and are also the master franchise partners for Fully Promoted in Australia. Together, they will spearhead the brand’s growth across India, introducing high-quality branded apparel, corporate gifting, and premium promotional solutions to the country’s rapidly expanding business market.


The launch event was graced by Jagathesh Kadavul, Chairman of Forecura AI, Founder of Tamil Cultural Academy, and CMD of Gold Art Jewellery.


In a significant step toward future-ready operations, Fully Promoted India will integrate AI-driven operational support through HaiVE Australia, co-founded by Deepika Loganathan.


The launch brings world-class franchise opportunities to India by combining a globally recognized brand with advanced AI capabilities. HaiVE’s AI Agents and VibeStudio platforms will be deployed across all franchise locations, enabling owners to operate with smarter tools, streamlined workflows, and real-time business insights.


This marks a first-of-its-kind offering in the Indian franchise ecosystem, positioning Fully Promoted India at the forefront of innovation by bringing globally proven, AI-powered operational excellence to the market.


Following the Chennai flagship launch, Fully Promoted is set to expand into key metro markets, with Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad identified as the next major destinations.


The brand is now actively inviting ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders to join a globally proven franchise model. Partners will benefit from a system that spans over 300+ stores worldwide across 11+ countries, backed by robust operational support and scalable business opportunities. Fully Promoted aims to build a global network that delivers consistent brand excellence across every location.


About Fully Promoted
Fully Promoted is a one-stop B2B branding partner, specializing in end-to-end sourcing of corporate gifts and branded merchandise. Its offerings include uniforms, custom apparel, workwear, safety gear, and a wide range of promotional products.


With a strong global presence across 11+ countries and 300+ stores worldwide, Fully Promoted combines creative expertise with operational excellence to deliver high-quality, customised solutions that enhance brand visibility and consistency.

Fully Promoted, a Global Leader in Branded Merchandising Enters India with Flagship Launch in Chennai

Fully Promoted, a globally recognised brand in branded apparel, promotional products, and marketing solutions, has officially announced its entry into the Indian market.  In association with United Franchise Group (UFG), the brand has launched its Indian flagship store in T. Nagar, Chennai, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy.

 

Fully Promoted India’s Flagship Store Launch inaugurated by Jagathesh Kadavul, along with the Fully Promoted India team


The Indian master franchise will be led by Suresh Raghuraj and Deepika Loganathan, who bring extensive experience in multi-brand franchising and are also the master franchise partners for Fully Promoted in Australia. Together, they will spearhead the brand’s growth across India, introducing high-quality branded apparel, corporate gifting, and premium promotional solutions to the country’s rapidly expanding business market.


The launch event was graced by Jagathesh Kadavul, Chairman of Forecura AI, Founder of Tamil Cultural Academy, and CMD of Gold Art Jewellery.


In a significant step toward future-ready operations, Fully Promoted India will integrate AI-driven operational support through HaiVE Australia, co-founded by Deepika Loganathan.


The launch brings world-class franchise opportunities to India by combining a globally recognized brand with advanced AI capabilities. HaiVE’s AI Agents and VibeStudio platforms will be deployed across all franchise locations, enabling owners to operate with smarter tools, streamlined workflows, and real-time business insights.


This marks a first-of-its-kind offering in the Indian franchise ecosystem, positioning Fully Promoted India at the forefront of innovation by bringing globally proven, AI-powered operational excellence to the market.


Following the Chennai flagship launch, Fully Promoted is set to expand into key metro markets, with Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad identified as the next major destinations.


The brand is now actively inviting ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders to join a globally proven franchise model. Partners will benefit from a system that spans over 300+ stores worldwide across 11+ countries, backed by robust operational support and scalable business opportunities. Fully Promoted aims to build a global network that delivers consistent brand excellence across every location.


About Fully Promoted
Fully Promoted is a one-stop B2B branding partner, specializing in end-to-end sourcing of corporate gifts and branded merchandise. Its offerings include uniforms, custom apparel, workwear, safety gear, and a wide range of promotional products.


With a strong global presence across 11+ countries and 300+ stores worldwide, Fully Promoted combines creative expertise with operational excellence to deliver high-quality, customised solutions that enhance brand visibility and consistency.

Jonty's Impact Player Rant: The Diminishing Value of All-rounders in IPL

As we build up to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, we will have a look at key personnel changes and how the teams shape up ahead of the season. In this analytical preview, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, and Jonty Rhodes- Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, two of the game’s most respected cricket minds – deliver a comprehensive breakdown of the Impact Player Rule in the IPL.

 

Jonty’s Impact Player Rant: The diminishing value of all-rounders in IPL

 

The Indian Premier League took a different route in 2022 when the league’s stakeholders decided to introduce the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the cash-rich league, allowing all 10 franchises to field 12 players in each game instead of 11 players.

 

At that time, it was argued that the rule would bring in more opportunities for the fringe players and would unlock a new strategic side to the game of cricket, and thus add an extra enticing flavor for the watching fans as well.

 

Jonty Rhodes stresses on the value of all-rounders

The Impact Player rule has had its positives over the years, with a few more players getting a chance to impress their team management and the fans alike. But, since the advent of the Impact Player rule, we have seen more focus on players with specialized skills, while all-rounders have been pushed into the background.

 

While some all-rounders have been able to retain their places in the playing squad, their contribution has been limited to their stronger skill, thus not even allowing them a chance to sharpen their second skill, as the franchise is not benefitting from their secondary skills in that season or in that phase, which could define the franchise’s IPL season.

 

All-rounders like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube, who have been regulars of the Indian T20I setup, have been either ignored by their franchises in terms of playing squad selection or have been limited to their primary skills, as Dube has only been seen batting for CSK, while their main five bowlers and one impact player complete the job with the ball in hand.

 

If a team already has six to seven specialized batters and they also have an option to bring in another batter as an Impact Player if the top order collapses or the middle order fails to do their job in the crucial overs, no franchise or team would even invest in the batting skills of their bowling all-rounders and their secondary skills will continue to get ignored by the national team as well.

 

Being an all-rounder used to be a very valuable skill, and its importance only grew with the surge in popularity of the T20 format but a rule which allows a certain batter to be replaced by a certain bowler, or vice-versa mid-game would definitely hurt the stocks of all-rounders who are trying to find a footing or are trying to better their overall game in all aspects.

 

Another negative impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule is the artificial inflation of scores, as the teams batting first often go for the big hits from the first ball, citing the availability of an extra batter if needed in the middle overs or the death overs. Even the former T20 World Cup-winning captain for India, Rohit Sharma, has previously expressed his thoughts along similar lines, and these rules end up negatively impacting the national team’s T20 setup in the long run.

 

Also, certain batters who are already spending hours in nets practising their strokes will be encouraged to spend even lesser time focusing on their fielding, as they know that they will be replaced by the team once their batting contribution is done, and a certain bowler will be brought into the game in his place.

 

Eoin Morgan praises the tactical loophole of the 12th Man

I have heard many people criticise the ‘Impact Player’ rule as it artificially inflates the team’s scores, but I feel that even if that’s happening, the score is getting inflated for both teams. So, if 160-170 is the average expected score, it would go up to 220 or 240 for both sides, offering more entertainment to the fans, and making the previously unachievable targets more realistic for the chasing team.

 

The presence of the ‘Impact Player’ rule also offers tactical flexibility, as we have seen in other sports when a certain player gets off the bench and impacts the game for their team. Similarly, a player that was not in the main playing XI could come into a situation he specialcises for and change the game by providing a favorable matchup for their side.

 

Over the last few years, many cricketing pundits, including me, have been vouching for a more balanced fight between bat and ball, and this rule allows a certain bowler to come into the game after the team management has witnessed or assessed that a specific kind of bowler could provide them with an added advantage to restrict the opposition batters.

 

I feel that for such a rule to be used internationally or in ICC tournaments like the World Cup, we might need two Impact Player substitutes to be allowed for both teams, which could start a cat-and-mouse game between the coaches of the two teams, further emphasising the importance of data-backed moves in the modern game.

 

Previously, teams that were stacked with all-rounders were easily the favorites but tactically savvy oppositions have now turned the game on its head by using the ‘Impact Player’ rule wisely to their advantage, thus neutralizing the benefit of having more all-rounders on the opposition side.

Celebrate Eren Yeager's Birthday on Awaji Island in Japan

  • TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event

  • “Eren Birthday Original Sticker”

  • Available in Limited Quantities Starting Monday, March 30.

 

Awaji Island, located in Japan’s Kansai region, is home to “Nijigen no Mori,” an anime-themed park where visitors can experience the worlds of popular Japanese series in nature. Among its attractions, the TV anime “Attack on Titan” collaboration offers an immersive experience that brings the story to life.

 

Celebrate Eren Yeager’s Birthday on Awaji Island, Japan TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Event Eren Birthday Original Sticker

 

To celebrate the birthday of Eren Yeager, Nijigen no Mori will host a limited-time event featuring an exclusive “Eren Birthday Original Sticker,” available from Monday, March 30, 2026.

 

The original sticker features Eren holding a bouquet of flowers, set against the backdrop of Awaji Island—also known as the “Island of Flowers,” where visitors can enjoy colorful blooms in every season. This sticker is a novelty item available only through this campaign.

 

Character Birthday Project Vol.1 Eren Birthday Original Sticker” Overview

Distribution Start: Monday, March 30, 2026

Operating Hours:

(Night Event) 18:30–22:00 (last admission 20:30)

(Day Event (Weekdays)) 13:00–17:00 (last admission 17:30)

(Day Event (Weekends & Holidays)) / 10:00–17:00 (last admission 17:30)

Location: Reception for the TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event

Eligible Guests: Guests who purchase an admission ticket for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK -Beyond the Walls-”

 

Details:

As the first character-based initiative within the TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori collaboration event, an original sticker celebrating Eren Yeager, whose birthday falls on March 30, will be distributed. Guests who purchase an admission ticket for the night attraction “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK -Beyond the Walls-” will receive the sticker on a first-come, first-served basis at the attraction reception.

This is a limited-time campaign that will end once all stickers have been distributed.

HP:nijigennomori.com/en/awaji_shingeki

 

TV Anime“Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event Overview

Period: Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Sunday, December 13, 2026

Location: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

(Inside Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park Anime Park “Nijigen no Mori”)

Overview: The world of the TV anime “Attack on Titan” will be recreated within the rich natural setting of Nijigen no Mori. Guests can enjoy the world of the anime through two events held by day and by night.

 

1. (Night Event)“Attack on Titan THE NIGHT WALK – Beyond the Wall –”

Walk approximately 1.2 km through the forest at night and experience the world of the anime “Attack on Titan” brought to life through projection mapping and immersive sound effects. Participants become new recruits of the and join the battle to reclaim freedom from the , aiming for “beyond the walls” together with and the members of the . At the goal, participants will receive an original card.

 

2. (Day Events)

Phase 1:“Attack on Titan Stamp Rally in Nijigen no Mori”

Participants can collect stamps of four characters in original illustrations, located throughout Nijigen no Mori, in a special stamp booklet. All participants will receive a novelty postcard with an original design.

 

Phase 2:“Attack on Titan Mystery Quest – Nijigen no Mori Edition / At-Home”

Participants take on the role of subordinates to Hans Zoe, who is deeply immersed in Titan research, and experience a mystery-solving adventure as they work to unravel various puzzles. The start date will be announced at a later time.

 

3. Collaboration Merchandise

Newly illustrated original artwork of Eren, Mikasa, Levi, and Erwin and others will appear as can badges and acrylic stands. In addition, a total of 36 original items packed with fun references for fans will be available, including goods such as “Captain Levi’s Quote Momo” and Armin’s “An Endless Lifetime’s Worth of Salt.”

 

4. Collaboration Food

The collaboration food lineup includes “Eren’s Determination Mapo Tofu Bowl,” inspired by Eren’s burning hatred and resolve against the Titans; “Sasha’s Sneak-Eating Plate,” featuring ingredients she secretly snacked on; and “Mikasa’s Warm Red Scarf Cake,” inspired by her iconic red scarf. In addition, collaboration drinks such as “Captain Levi’s After-Cleaning Tea au Lait,” perfect for a relaxing break after tidying up, will be offered, for a total of 11 items.

 

Ticket Information (Tax Included)

Ticket Type

Adults (Aged 12 and over)

Children (Aged 11 and under)

“Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK –Beyond the Walls–” Admission Ticket

3,600~4,000

1,600~2,000

“Attack on Titan Stamp Rally in Nijigen no Mori” Experience Ticket

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • All prices above include tax.

  • Admission ticket prices for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK –Beyond the Walls–” may vary depending on the period. Please check the official Nijigen no Mori website for details.

  • Children must be accompanied by at least one guardian (adult) for admission.

  • Admission is free for children aged 4 and under for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK – Beyond the Walls–.”

  • Admission tickets for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK –Beyond the Walls–” are for designated time slots.

 

Business Hours

(Night Event)

18:30–22:00 (last entry 20:30)

(Day Events)

Weekdays: 13:00–17:00 (last entry 17:30)

Weekends and holidays: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 17:30)

Business hours are subject to change depending on the season. Please check the official Nijigen no Mori website for details.

Notes: The above information is current as of the date of release and is subject to change. 

Tickets:www.getyourguide.com/awaji-l155101/awaji-attack-on-titan-anime-park-entry-ticket-t1229530

Official Website:nijigennomori.com/en/awaji_shingeki

Inquiries:Nijigen no Mori Inc.“Nijigen no Mori” Management Office

Tel: +81-799-64-7061

©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/”ATTACK ON TITAN” The Final Season Production Committee.

NowPurchase Raises 80 Crores led by Bajaj Finserv

NowPurchase an AI enabled B2B platform that helps metal manufacturers optimize production and procure raw materials, today announced the successful raise of 80 crores led by Bajaj Finserv, one of India’s largest and most diversified financial services groups, with participation from existing investors InfoEdge Ventures & Orios Venture Partners. The round also saw participation from prominent individual investors & family offices including Shikhar Raj, Real Ispat Group, Madhur Gupta (Promoter & Director of Lloyds Group), VC Grid, and Professor Kartik Hosanagar.

 

Founding Team – NowPurchase

 

The newly raised capital will be strategically deployed to accelerate key growth initiatives, with NowPurchase focusing on strengthening its core offerings such as scrap recycling, expanding its portfolio of branded products, and scaling its AI-powered platform, MetalCloud.

 

NowPurchase, founded in 2017 by Naman Shah and Aakash Shah, with an initial investment of $300K from Nipha Group, offers an AI enabled procurement solution that enables metal manufacturers to source high-quality raw materials such as scrap, alloys, and additives in a transparent and reliable manner. The company differentiates through its network of scrap processing centers and branded products for alloys and additives. NowPurchase’s AI platform MetalCloud helps metal manufacturers digitize & optimize their production process leveraging IoT & Computer Vision.

 

Speaking on the announcement Naman Shah, Founder & CEO, NowPurchase said, “We are delighted to have Bajaj Finserv as a partner in our next phase of growth. This investment will accelerate our investment in R&D capabilities & scrap recycling infrastructure to drive innovation and create meaningful value for our customers. Backed by a strong pan-India presence and an expanding global footprint, NowPurchase is well-positioned to double down on its core operations and continue scaling with strong unit economics.

 

Aakash Shah, Co-founder NowPurchase highlighted, “This funding will fast-track the growth of MetalCloud—our AI-powered platform built to digitize and optimize production in metal manufacturing. We believe AI can fundamentally transform shop-floor operations, and MetalCloud is positioned to lead that shift.

 

Mrs. Lakshmi Iyer, CEO of Bajaj Alternates, said, “We are pleased to join hands at a defining moment in the growth journey of NowPurchase. The company’s strong nationwide pan-India presence, expanding global ambitions, and its AI-enabled platform, positions it well to transform the metal manufacturing ecosystem.”

 

Mr. Girish Jhunjhunwala, Fund Manager – PE and VC Investments at Bajaj Alternates, said, “This investment reflects our conviction in using technology to drive efficiency, innovation, and resilience across procurement, finance, and the company’s supply chain. We are committed to supporting NowPurchase’s scale-up journey and enabling long-term value creation.”

 

With this latest infusion, NowPurchase has raised approximately Rs. 120 crore (14.46 million USD) in total equity funding to date.