IPL Title Sponsorship – Do you remember all five of them?
It was 17 years ago that the most storied league in franchise cricket came to existence. The Indian Premier League (IPL) since then, has grown from a little baby to an envy for all. With former Kolkata Knight Riders opener, Brendon McCullum belting a century against RCB in the very first game of the IPL, the tone was set. It was a statement to the world that IPL would develop itself not only as one of the biggest talent producing academies but also a platform that attracts brands looking to showcase their products and services to millions of viewers worldwide, and so it did. 17 years, 5 title sponsors.Since its first season, IPL has seen a remarkable increase in its title sponsorship value, reflecting the league’s growing popularity and commercial success. Apart from the on field battles, the tournament has also witnessed a couple of off the field battles when it came to securing the sponsorship rights of the league. So far only five brands could make it above the IPL logo as their official title sponsors. DLF, Pepsi, Vivo, Dream11, TATA. Here’s a list down the memory lane on who came in as the official title sponsor for the IPL and when. DLF: The Beginning (2008-2012)The first title sponsor of the IPL was Delhi Land and Finance (DLF). They agreed to sponsor the IPL for the first five years. DLF’s sponsorship deal was really huge in cricket history back then. They paid $100 million for four years from 2008 to 2011. Later, they extended the deal to 2012, making the total worth $150 million. This meant DLF gave around Rs 200 crore to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is about Rs 40 crore for each season. This deal was a big deal because it set a trend for future sponsorships. Pepsi (2013-2015)As the IPL became more and more popular, many companies wanted to be its main sponsor. In 2013, Pepsi won the bid and agreed to sponsor the IPL for the next five years. They paid a total of Rs 396 crore for it. However, in 2015, there was a match-fixing scandal that caused trouble. Two teams, the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, got suspended because of it. Because of this, Pepsi decided to end its sponsorship early. They had already paid Rs 238.2 crore for the three seasons from 2013 to 2015. Vivo (2016-2019)After Pepsi backed out, Vivo, a Chinese smartphone maker, stepped in to finish the remaining two years of Pepsi’s contract. They agreed to pay Rs 100 crore initially. Seeing the IPL’s great money-making potential, Vivo then signed a huge five-year deal with the BCCI in 2017. It was worth Rs 2,199 crore, making each season worth about Rs 439.8 crore. But because of tensions between India and China, Vivo had to leave the agreement early, ending the partnership in 2019. Dream11’s Short Stint (2020)When Vivo left suddenly, the Indian fantasy sports platform Dream11 stepped in to sponsor the IPL for the 2020 season. They paid Rs 222 crore for just one season, which was half of what Vivo paid. This change showed how IPL sponsorships can change quickly, and how the league can attract different types of partners. Vivo Returns (2021)In 2021, Vivo returned to fulfill its earlier contract with the BCCI, becoming the title sponsor again and paying Rs 439.8 crore for the season. This showed Vivo’s dedication to the IPL and proved that the league’s sponsorship rights are still very appealing. Tata’s Historic Deal (2022-2028)In 2022, the Tata Group, a highly respected company in India, became the title sponsor for the IPL with the highest bid ever. Tata agreed to sponsor the IPL for two years, paying Rs 335 crore each season. After that, Tata and the BCCI made an even bigger deal for the IPL seasons from 2024 to 2028. The total value of this deal was Rs 2,500 crore, which means Rs 500 crore for each season. This deal is the most expensive title sponsorship in IPL history, showing how much the league has grown and how valuable it has become commercially. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its twilight period. With the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Rajasthan Royals already qualified for the playoffs, it’s going to be a tough race between the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to grab the remaining two spots for the playoffs. Mathematically, even the Delhi Capitals are running in the race with a slightest hope of making it into the top four. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
What’s the connection between DHFL and the IPL?
DHFL and Dheeraj Wadhwan—everyone is talking about them. The CBI arrested the former director of Deewan Housing Finance Limited in connection with a Rs 34,000-crore bank fraud case. This is the biggest banking loan fraud reported in the country so far. Long before the loan fraud was reported, DHFL enjoyed some glory days. That also included being associated with a top IPL franchise, as an associate partner. It was in 2012, when the DHFL first entered the IPL field, as an associate partner of Mumbai Indians. Also Read: Roger Federer – 12 Final Days Mumbai Indians & DHFL – the full story The association between the Mumbai Indians and the DHFL was a massive hit. Between 2012 and 2019, Mumbai Indians went on to lift the IPL crown four times. Their on-the-field success gave exceptional exposure to the sponsors – with the DHFL being one of them. DHFL first renewed its association with Mumbai Indians in 2013 for three years. It was reported that the finance house was paying Rs 6 Crore to the Mumbai Indians, for its logo to be displayed on the right upper chest slot. Even when the IPL spot-fixing scandal broke out in 2013, and several sponsors backed out, DHFL honored the commitment and renewed the contract again in 2015. The partnership lasted for another four seasons, with 2019 being the last one between the DHFL and the Mumbai Indians. Coincidentally, Mumbai went on to win the IPL title in 2019, beating Chennai Super Kings in an intense final by just one run in Hyderabad. What’s the fraud case against Wadhwans? Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhwan – DHFL directors are being charged with cheating a consortium of 17 banks for a mammoth Rs 34,615 Crore. They are also charged with money laundering as well. The accused have siphoned off and misappropriated a major portion of these funds by falsifying the books. They have also deliberately defaulted on repayment of legitimate dues to the consortium banks. In 2022, the CBI charge-sheeted the Wadhwans, who were taken into custody, in relation to the Yes Bank corruption probe and consequently released on bail. While at DHFL, Kapil Wadhawan held the positions of Chairman and Managing Director, while Dheeraj Wadhawan served as a non-executive director.
KL Rahul’s ‘Dinner Date’ With Boss Sanjeev Goenka; Wife Athiya’s Cryptic Post – What’s Cooking at LSG?
KL Rahul’s wife and Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty‘s cryptic Instagram post got the attention of the cricket fraternity. Especially after what transpired between her husband and Lucknow Super Giants boss Sanjeev Goenka last week in Hyderabad . After LSG was hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 wickets, captain KL Rahul and owner Sanjeev Goenka were seen involved in an animated and what looked like a dressing down from a distance. While Goenka appeared animated, KL Rahul remained calm. Just after Athiya posted a photo on her Instagram story showing sunlight breaking through thick clouds onto the sea, captioning it, “The calm after the storm” KL Rahul was clicked hugging the LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka as the former was invited for a dinner at Goenka’s residence. WHAT WAS ON ATHIYA’S INSTAGRAM STORY?https://www.instagram.com/stories/athiyashetty/3367054376088753100?igsh=MW9jdWUwY2lieTR0ZQ== However the question remains, did the story seem to relate to the IPL incident that had gone viral recently? Or is it better to assume that it’s all well at the LSG camp? TWITTER REACTIONS THE CAPTAIN-OWNER SAGAThe discussion between KL Rahul and Sanjeev Goenka happened after the Lucknow Super Giants suffered a heavy defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 8 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The video of their conversation quickly spread online and received criticism for lacking grace in handling the situation. Some also believed that Goenka, being an owner could have handled the situation better by having a chat in closed doors rather in the public and in front of hundreds of cameras leading to a massive sense of disagreement on the way the team owners have started treating their team members. It’s a straight shoot-out between the Lucknow Super Giants and the hosts Delhi Capitals. Only one team can head towards the playoffs after today’s game. But here’s the tricky part: Even a win by a massive margin for either of LSG and DC won’t guarantee a playoffs berth to both of them. However, if they lose, they’re definitely out of the tournament. With 12 points on the board, LSG must win today in Delhi and also needs to win their upcoming game in Mumbai to reach 16 points. At the same time, for LSG to qualify, CSK and SRH must not reach 16 points as both the teams have better net run rates than LSG. DO YOU KNOW THE OTHER TEAM OWNERS AT IPL 2024? TEAM TEAM OWNER OWNER BUSINESS Mumbai Indians Mukesh Ambani Reliance Industry Rajasthan Royals Manoj Badale Blenheim Chalcot Sunrisers Hyderabad Kalanithi Maran Sun TV Network Delhi Capitals Parth Jindal GMR Group and JSW Group Royal Challengers Bengaluru – United Spirits Ltd. Punjab Kings Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul – Chennai Super Kings N Srinivasan Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited & India Cements Kolkata Knight Riders Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla & Jay Mehta Red Chillies Entertainment & Mehta Group Lucknow Super Giants Dr Sanjiv Goenka RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Gujarat Titans – CVC Capital Partners There are rumors that KL Rahul would step down from the post of LSG Captain for the remainder of games in the ongoing IPL. After Athiya Shetty’s viral post, all is certainly not well, between the boss and the captain. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024: What if Rohit Sharma leaves Mumbai Indians or vice versa?
Rohit Sharma and Mumbai Indians’ bond has been a very special one. It has lasted for 13 years, a tenure that saw MI win five IPL titles, the joint highest alongside Chennai Super Kings. In IPL 2024, things have been different, and that’s not an exaggeration at all. The Mumbai Indians have had a horrific Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign. With just 4 wins in the 12 games they’ve played so far, the paltan from Mumbai have made themselves out of playoff contention. The franchise which already was dealing with the leadership blunder is now facing a backlash due to its poor performances this season. Amidst the turmoil, there are rumours of Rohit Sharma possibly taking an exit from the Mumbai Indians camp and probably from the IPL as well once the team finishes playing all their league-stage games. It indeed is going to be a big loss for Mumbai if Rohit Sharma steps out. Both in terms of skills and terms of money. Mumbai Indians is more of a temple than a franchise for Rohit Sharma. It’s a temple that he has built. Rohit has so far given the legacy that no other captain did for the Mumbai Indians. When it comes to losing for the team, it’s very much given that the Management backs Hardik, but the players are in strong favor of Rohit. The hitman so far has not only been their Captain but also has been one of their biggest support systems. The majority of the players at the franchise are in favor of Rohit because of the way he treats his team-mates and keeps the communication clear. As per reports, Rohit Sharma has a massive backing from players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma. Moreover, if Rohit Sharma decides to leave the franchise, Mumbai Indians, the 87 million valued franchise as a brand is also expected to suffer heavy losses. Their associations with some of the major brands and sponsors are anticipated to come to an end or are expected to hit a low due to the decreased brand value of the team. Walking away from a person of caliber like Rohit Sharma may result in walking away from the brand value that he brings to the team as well. If Rohit Sharma leaves the Mumbai Indians, it could affect their brand value. Rohit is not just a player, he’s also the face of MI. With him being with the Mumbai Indians for over a decade, Rohit Sharma has helped them win many games. People know him well and like him, so if he leaves, some fans might feel disappointed and might not support the team as much. Also, Rohit is a popular player, so his departure could affect the team’s performance on the field. If they start losing more matches without him, it might make fans lose interest in the team. Sponsors might also be less interested in working with the team if they’re not doing well. So, if Rohit leaves, it could have a big impact on the Mumbai Indians’ brand value. In a similar scenario, when megastars like Ronaldo left Real Madrid and Messi left Barcelona, it hit the brand values of both teams. Ronaldo and Messi are not just incredible footballers; they are global icons with massive fan followings. Their departure meant a loss of star power and excitement for the teams. Fans who supported Real Madrid because of Ronaldo or Barcelona because of Messi might feel less connected to the teams without them. Additionally, sponsors and advertisers often associate themselves with successful and popular players, so their absence could affect the teams’ financial partnerships and revenue streams. Overall, losing Ronaldo and Messi was a blow to the brand values of Real Madrid and Barcelona, highlighting the significant influence that star players have on the perception and success of sports teams. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024: How Do IPL Players Get Paid? – A Complete Breakdown
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been a blockbuster this season. It’s been raining fours and sixes through the tournament. In the IPL 2024 auction, a lot of money was spent on players, especially two Australian champions who made a big impact. Australian captain Pat Cummins made history by getting a bid of INR 20 crore, the first-ever player to cross the 20 crore mark in the history of the tournament. Another star player, Mitchell Starc, amazed everyone, earning INR 24.74 crore. Undoubtedly, in the IPL, players get paid big bucks. Teams bid for them in an auction where bidding starts at a set price. The team that bids the highest gets the player, and the bid amount becomes the player’s salary for that season. This money is solely for the player, with no other claims on it. Each player’s salary is for one season only. So, if a player is bought for Rs 10 crore, they get that amount for one season. If they sign a multi-year contract, like three years, they get paid Rs 10 crore per season, depending on their availability. The BCCI, which organizes the IPL, gives 20% of a player’s earnings to their home cricket board. For example, if an Australian player is bought for Rs 10 crore, 2 crore goes to Cricket Australia. This comes from the IPL’s revenue pool. In the early days of the IPL, bid amounts and salaries were in US dollars, but later changed to Indian rupees. If a player is bought for one season and then retained for the next, their salary stays the same unless the team decides to give them a raise. How and when players get paid depends on the team’s finances. Some teams pay players all at once, while others split it, like 50% before the tournament and 50% during. Some use a 15-65-20 formula, paying 15% before the tournament, 65% during, and the remaining 20% afterward. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye. Also read : https://thesportzplanet.com/ipl-2024-prize-money-breakdown-paycheque-individual-awards-full-details/
IPL 2024: Prize Money Breakdown, Paycheque & Individual Awards – Full details
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is about to reach its playoffs stage. The excitement is at its peak, with the fans fully glued to their mobile screens expecting high-octane action. The world’s best cricketers are in the hunt to win the IPL, but knowingly or unknowingly they are also in the hunt for some big fat pay cheques, and individual awards too. The prize money in IPL 2024 is really big, which shows how much the league has grown and how many businesses are interested in it. The large cash prizes prove that the IPL is one of the most profitable sports events worldwide. This attracts talented players and lots of money from sponsors and TV channels. The IPL prize money system has stayed the same over the years, showing that the tournament is prestigious and fair. The champions get a big prize of Rs 20 crore, while the runners-up get Rs 13 crore. Teams that finish third and fourth also get good rewards, earning Rs 7 crore and Rs 6.5 crore respectively. Besides the Orange and Purple Cap awards, the IPL also gives prizes for other outstanding performances. The Emerging Player of the Tournament, Most Valuable Player, Power Player of the Season, Game Changer of the Season, and Super Striker of the Season all get significant cash rewards. This encourages players to do their best on the field. The 2023 IPL season was a grand success with plenty of award winners standing on the podium. Here’s a list of award winners in IPL 2023. IPL 2023 AWARD WINNERS Orange Cap Winner Shubman Gill (GT) – 890 Runs Purple Cap Winner Mohammed Shami (GT) – 28 Wickets Most Sixes Faf du Plessis (RCB) – 36 Sixes Most Fours Shubman Gill (GT) – 85 fours Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Season Shubman Gill (GT) Player of the Final – Man of the Match Devon Conway (CSK) Emerging player Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) Electric Striker of the Season Glenn Maxwell (RCB) Best Catch of the Season Rashid Khan (GT) Fair Play Award Delhi Capitals / Captain – David Warner Gamechanger of the Season Shubman Gill (GT) Longest six of the season Faf du Plessis (RCB) – 115 metres As IPL 2024 goes on, players try hard to make their mark in the tournament, aiming to win personal awards like the Orange and the Purple Caps, along with big cash prizes. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Travis Head and Virat Kohli are in the race for the orange cap this season. While the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshal Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy are in the run when it comes to the leading wicket takers. The orange cap winner, the purple cap winner and the super striker of the tournament this season are supposed to get the prize money of INR 15 lakhs. The Emerging Player of the season is supposed to receive an amount of INR 20 lakhs. On the other hand the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Power Player of the Tournament, Game Changer of the Tournament receives INR 12 lakhs. Similarly the one who hits the most number of sixes wins INR 12 lakhs. With the IPL 2024 on its last stage, it would be a fantastic battle to watch out for as the top run getters, wicket takers, six hitters, accelerators compete against each other to take their teams over the line and also to grab some awards for their individual heroics. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Gujarat Titans’ Special Jersey vs KKR Revealed, Know the reason
For their last IPL 2024 home game in the league against Kolkata Knight Riders, the Gujarat Titans will wear lavender jerseys instead of their usual dark blue ones. The Titans did the same thing in 2023 for a game against SRH. Lavender is a colour often used to raise awareness about esophageal cancer, but it’s also used to represent all types of cancer. The players want to show their support for fighting cancer during their final home game on May 13, 2024. They hope this gesture reminds people how important it is to detect cancer early and have good healthcare for better results. GT Captain, Shubman Gill believes it’s important for players to spread awareness and educate the community about such causes. Back in 2015, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) also wore lavender jerseys for the same reason. This idea came from Yuvraj Singh, who survived cancer and started the YouWeCan Foundation, which helps fight cancer in India. “The Gujarat Titans are taking a stand against cancer, stepping onto the field donning special lavender jerseys for the second year in a row,” ran a statement from the franchise. “This gesture will serve as a reminder of the importance of early detection and access to quality care for improving outcomes in patients of cancer.” The Gujarat Titans, who were the champions in IPL 2022 and runners-up in IPL 2023, have already played 11 of their 14 league matches in the IPL 2024 season. They will play the Chennai Super Kings on May 10th, 2024 and the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 13, 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Then, they’ll play against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 16 in Uppal. Although the Gujarat Titans are at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table with eight points from 11 games, they still have a small chance of making it to the playoffs, unlike Mumbai Indians, who are in ninth place. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024: Sanju Samson’s Dismissal – Is the Technology still not good enough?
An umpiring + technology controversy has grabbed eyeballs, more than the cricketing action in the IPL 2024. Everyone is talking about it. In the clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Sanju Samson’s dismissal was on everyone’s lips. While the Rajasthan fans were convinced that their skipper was wrongly given out, Delhi camp was confident that the right decision was made. DC posted 221 on the scoreboard batting first, and Rajasthan were in the hunt with skipper Sanju Samson still in the middle. With 60 runs required in less than fives overs to go, Samson was a man on a mission for the Royals. Little did the fans knew what was in store. The 16th over, bowled by Delhi pacer Mukesh Kumar produced high voltage drama, that fans will not forget for a very long time. Off the fourth ball Samson decided to go for a big six, but failed to connect it cleanly. As soon as Samson hit the ball, he knew there might be trouble because Shai Hope was positioned far away at long-on. The ball flew fast towards Hope, who caught it without stepping on the boundary cushions. It looked like Hope had caught the ball cleanly and might have sealed the game for the Delhi Capitals. Replays seemed to confirm this, but one angle made it unclear if the catch was valid. However, the third umpire trusted the first two replays and quickly decided that Samson was out. Samson was all in shock and clearly unhappy with the umpiring decision made. Sanju’s emotions overtook his mind as he went on showing his emotions in the middle of the field. Finally, after some uncertainty, Samson accepted the decision and left the field, looking unhappy about what had happened. One of the cricketing greats and famous voices of the sport, Navjot Singh Siddhu expressed his disbelief over the latest DRS technology on live camera. “The decision that changed the game was Sanju Samson’s dismissal. There could be differences of opinion, but if you look at the side-on angle, it touches the boundary twice. It was pretty clear. Either you don’t use technology, or if you’re using it and the technology is making a mistake, it’s like there’s a fly in milk, and someone asks you to drink it,” Sidhu said on Star Sports. Both teams had their reasons for their positions, but what surprised many was how quickly the third umpire made a decision in this case. This season, the BCCI introduced the Smart Review System to speed up third umpire calls, yet in some instances, like deciding on wide balls, the process took a long time. Ironically, there was a wide call just a couple of overs after Samson got out that took much longer to decide than confirming Hope’s catch. This inconsistency in umpiring has led to heated debates. Gone are the times when the verdict used to be in the favour of the batters. The contemporary cricketing era has been changing the dimensions of the game. With the inclusion of fast paced t20s, the decision making perhaps has shifted to the bowlers’ side. In shorter formats, it has been very evident that everyone wants to fasten things up given the way umpires made their decisions. If it had been someone like M.S. Dhoni, things both on and off the field might have unfolded differently. The decision-making panel might have taken more time to thoroughly analyse the situation before reaching a verdict. Fans would likely have been more invested and concerned, showing greater interest in the matter. Amidst the great cricket played by both teams, unfortunately, the discussion about the Samson catch will remain one of the main topics. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Do you know Suryakumar Yadav’s Diet Plan, Training & Fitness Secrets for IPL 2024?
Mumbai’s local boy, Suryakumar Yadav dazzled in front of a packed Wankhede as he went on belting a 51-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Surya’s match-winning unbeaten 102 helped the Mumbai Indians cruise home against the Orange Army, and with it also ended their 4-match-losing streak in the IPL. Suryakumar kept the fans entertained with a dazzling display of 12 boundaries and six sixes. He was like a man on a mission determined to finish the game against a top team like SRH led by Pat Cummins. Even after returning back from an injury, it looked like he had never left. SKY recently had to recover from a surgery undergone in January for a hernia. Thanks to his training, diet, and fitness regimen helped him make a stellar comeback. Let’s take a peek into his training regimen and diet plan which played a crucial role in his success. Training Routine:Suryakumar Yadav’s journey back to form wasn’t easy. It required dedication and hard work. He followed a structured training routine that focused on both physical fitness and skill enhancement. 1. Rehabilitation ExercisesAfter the injury, Suryakumar underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program under the guidance of his physiotherapist. These exercises helped him regain strength and flexibility in the injured area. 2. Strength TrainingYadav incorporated strength training into his regimen to build muscle and prevent further injuries. This included weightlifting, resistance band exercises, and bodyweight workouts. 3. Cardiovascular FitnessRunning, cycling, and interval training helped improve his cardiovascular endurance, crucial for maintaining stamina during long matches. 4. Skill Enhancement Despite the injury, Suryakumar continued to hone his cricketing skills. He spent hours in the nets, focusing on batting techniques, footwork, and shot selection. Diet Plan:A nutritious diet played a vital role in Suryakumar Yadav’s recovery and performance on the field. Here’s a glimpse of his dietary habits: 1. Suryakumar Yadav’s diet consisted of a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Carbs provided energy for training sessions, while proteins aided in muscle repair and recovery. 2. Nutrient-Rich Foods: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds were staples in his diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and immunity. 3. Adequate hydration was a priority for Suryakumar Yadav. He drank plenty of water throughout the day and replenished electrolytes lost through sweat during training sessions. 5. Suryakumar paid attention to the timing of his meals, consuming carbohydrates before workouts for energy and protein-rich foods post-exercise to aid recovery. Suryakumar Yadav’s dedication to his training and disciplined diet played a pivotal role in his successful comeback in the IPL 2024. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024: How Ayurveda and Sports Science Helped Rishabh Pant?
All eyes were on Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant at the start of the IPL 2024. It won’t be wrong to say that he has done more than enough to warrant a place back in the Indian T20 squad for the World Cup in the West Indies and the US. He is already the leading run-getter for Delhi in IPL 2024. In 11 matches. Pant has slammed 398 runs at an average of 44.22, and a strike rate of 158.56, thus putting the speculations to rest, about his fitness. All of this looked highly impossible, a year-and-a-half-back, when Rishabh Pant met with a brutal car crash in December 2022. Since then, Rishabh had been on the sidelines, watching his teammates play, and also cheering for them. However, he never gave up on his dream to play for India again. The road was tough, and he was ready to do the hard yards. The BCCI has also posted videos of Pant’s road to recovery. One of the biggest roadblocks during the recovery was to get Pant back in shape, which will allow him to play cricket, freely. As per reports, Pant lost 16 kilograms in the last four months, through rigorous training, diet, and discipline. He clearly had to play in the IPL 2024, much to the surprise of the doctors who treated him.. So, what all Rishabh Pant have to go through, during this tough period? Here’s a snapshot: 1. Taking Care of His StomachPant started by making his stomach healthier using a special powder made from herbs and spices. This helped him digest food better and avoided tummy troubles. 2. Eating KhichdiFor the first two weeks of his recovery, Pant ate a lot of Khichdi, a simple dish made of rice and lentils. It gave him all the nutrition he needed and was easy to digest. 3. Following Ayurvedic PrinciplesPant’s diet matched his body’s natural balance, focusing on home-cooked meals to help him heal and feel more energetic. 4. Drinking Healthy JuicesTo help with stomach problems, Pant drank special juices made from carrots, beets, amla, mint, coriander, celery, and cucumber. These ingredients helped reduce inflammation and acidity in his stomach. 5. Watching His PortionsBesides eating healthy, Pant also made sure to control how much he ate to help him lose weight. 6. Working OutPant’s fitness routine included exercises like deadlifts and rowing to help him burn fat and build muscle. Rishabh Pant used different kinds of exercises to lose weight. A lot of these methods were based on sports science, which helps athletes improve their performance in a safe and effective way. Additionally, he may have incorporated specific workout routines tailored to burn fat and build muscle effectively. Sports Psychologist Dr. MN Viswanath while speaking to the Sportz Planet, emphasized on the mental state of Pant, during the last four months. He went on calling Pant as a fighter with a positive mental attitude. “Rishabh Pant was positive, hopeful, optimistic and determined throughout the rehabilitation peroid. He returned to the Delhi Capitals team for IPL 2024. His decent performances in IPL has earned him a place for the T20 World Cup.” Dr. Viswanath M said. Sports science also encompasses techniques for improving endurance, agility, and overall athletic performance, which Pant may have incorporated into his training regimen to achieve his weight loss goals. With the guidance of sports science professionals, Pant would have likely followed a structured and evidence-based approach to his weight loss journey, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Now, with Pant back to near full fitness, it would be interesting to see whether his body can stand the demands of international cricket. So far, the signs have been good, and hopefully, Pant will take care of his physique to serve Indian cricket for a very long time. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye