Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul><li>Viacom18’s digital streaming platform <keyword id="4078236" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jiocinema" source="Orion">JioCinema</keyword> said its <keyword id="6354312" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ipl" source="Orion">IPL</keyword> 2023 videos have recorded over 1,300 crore views in the first five weeks. </li><li>So far, 56 out of the 74 matches have been played, and the league is entering its final phase. </li><li>Two matches involving the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings recorded the highest number of concurrent users. </li></ul>The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 received over 1,300 crore video views on JioCinema in the first five weeks, according to Viacom18. The company announced this after 56 out of the 74 scheduled matches were played during IPL 2023. Viacom18 is the digital streaming partner of IPL after having bagged the digital rights for the 2023-27 cycle for $2.7 billion. The IPL 2023 season is streaming for free, giving users access to matches in several Indian languages as well as English. In addition to these, JioCinema also offers the ability to use different modes like 360-degree, spider cam, bowler point of view, among others. “JioCinema continues to grow from strength to strength every week and it is based on clear evidence of consumer’s outright preference of catching the Tata IPL on digital [platforms],” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. In terms of concurrent users – that is, users watching the match simultaneously – JioCinema recorded a peak of 2.4 crore users in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) match on April 17, beating the previous record 2.23 crore viewers in the CSK vs Rajasthan Royals just five days earlier. <keyword id="46161" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="disney" source="Orion">Disney</keyword> Star, on the other hand, has the TV broadcasting rights, and the Disney-owned network reported that its IPL 2023 viewership in the first four weeks stood at 43.4 crore users. It’s the second-highest viewership in IPL’s 16-year history. It is worth noting that while JioCinema’s statistics talk about video views, Disney Star’s statistics refer to users, so the two are not directly comparable. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="After IPL, JioCinema scoops up HBO" comment="subhead" text="After IPL, JioCinema scoops up HBO">After IPL, JioCinema scoops up HBO</cmsannotation> Pulling another coup on Disney, Viacom18 entered into a multi-year agreement in April with Warner Bros. Discovery to make<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/from-succession-to-harry-potter-and-game-of-thrones-jiocinema-will-be-the-new-home-of-hbo-in-india-starting-may/articleshow/99813538.cms"> JioCinema the new home of HBO in India</a>. Starting May, JioCinema users will be able to stream HBO, Max Original and Warner Bros content on the app. In addition to this, JioCinema users will also get access to extremely popular movies and shows like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Succession, and animation series like Tom &amp; Jerry Kids and Dexter’s Laboratory, among others. Making the announcement, Ferzad Palia, head - SVOD &amp; International Business, Viacom18, said, “We are now on a mission to build the most magnetic destination for entertainment for all Indians.” With a growing content library thanks to sports like IPL, FIFA World Cup, LaLiga, MotoGP 2023, and now HBO content, JioCinema has been spotted testing a premium subscription plan. In April, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/jiocinema-may-soon-launch-premium-subscription-plans-offering-4k-content-starting-at-2-per-day/articleshow/99736111.cms">a test website of JioCinema revealed</a> the company’s premium plans, which start from as low as ₹2 per day, with the top tier platinum plan costing ₹599 per annum. This is cheaper than what other top players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar are charging – while Netflix starts at ₹1,788 per year for its mobile plan, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar charge ₹1,499 per year. That said, JioCinema’s premium plans are not yet live on the platform and it’s not known when or if they will be launched. All eyes will be on the company for more details. The loss of IPL and now HBO has eaten significantly into Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber base – according to the company, Disney+ Hotstar <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/disney-loses-4-mn-subscribers-as-fresh-layoff-round-approaches/articleshow/100153975.cms">lost 4.6 million subscribers</a> in the March quarter, increasing from the 3.8 million loss in the December quarter. Elara Capital’s Karan Taurani has<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/without-hbo-and-ipl-15-million-subscribers-could-flee-disney-hotstar-in-2023/articleshow/98517377.cms"> projected</a> that by the end of 2023, Disney+ Hotstar is likely to lose 15 million subscribers, falling to 43 million. From the existing subscriber base of 53 million, Disney+ Hostar is likely to lose another 10 million subscribers over the next three quarters. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/tv-audience-is-growing-in-complexity-as-idiot-box-turns-smart/articleshow/100122882.cms">TV audience is growing in complexity as idiot box turns smart</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/lt-q4-net-profit-rises-10-to-3987-crore-cautiously-optimistic-about-fy24/articleshow/100137513.cms">L&amp;T Q4 net profit rises 10% to ₹3,987 crore, cautiously optimistic about FY24</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/investment-supertrends-2023-ai-to-digitalisation-and-green-energy/articleshow/100126382.cms">AI to digitalisation and green energy: Supertrends defining investment for today and the future</a>

IPL 2023 scores over 1,300 crore video views on JioCinema in the first five weeks

<ul><li><keyword id="19940563" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JioCinema" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="JioCinema" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="JioCinema">JioCinema</keyword> has announced a new annual ad-free premium plan for individuals.</li><li>The premium subscription plan has been priced at ₹299 per year.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about JioCinema’s new <keyword id="21835315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="annual-subscription-plan" source="keywords">annual subscription plan</keyword>.</li></ul> Mukesh Ambani-owned streaming platform JioCinema has announced a new annual subscription plan, soon after announcing two <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-introduces-new-ad-free-premium-plans-starting-at-29/articleshow/109581033.cms">monthly premium plans</a>. The new annual premium subscription from the digital arm of <keyword id="19976121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Viacom18" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Viacom18" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Viacom18">Viacom18</keyword> offers ad-free content in 4K. After announcing two monthly plans, JioCinema has now announced an annual plan for individual users. The company is yet to announce an annual plan for family users. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="JioCinema annual plan price" comment="subhead" text="JioCinema annual plan price"><keyword id="17566564" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="JioCinema-annual-plan" source="Orion">JioCinema annual plan</keyword> price</cmsannotation> The JioCinema annual plan is priced at ₹299 per year, which is significantly cheaper than the monthly plan which costs ₹678 per year. While it is priced at ₹29 for the first month, the renewal costs ₹59 per month. The ₹299 annual plan is currently available at a discounted price. After the first year, the plan will cost ₹599. It is currently being offered at a 50% discount as part of an introductory offer. On the other hand, the family plan costs ₹89 per month and there is no annual plan available yet for families. Do note that sports content, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), will continue to be free with Jio’s ad-supported tier. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="JioCinema premium plan features" comment="subhead" text="JioCinema premium plan features"><keyword id="17402458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JioCinema-premium-plan" source="Orion">JioCinema premium plan</keyword> features</cmsannotation> The JioCinema <keyword id="21803687" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="premium-plan" source="keywords">premium plan</keyword> offers access to all premium content on the platform without any ads, except sports and live content, which will continue to show ads. JioCinema has announced several partnerships over the last few months, including with HBO and Paramount. The company has said that in addition to English, content from international studios will be available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi and Bengali. Users who subscribe to either of the premium plans will also be able to download the content and watch it offline on their device. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Plans from rivals" comment="subhead" text="Plans from rivals">Plans from rivals</cmsannotation> JioCinema’s offerings are considerably cheaper when compared to plans offered by its rivals. Netflix offers a mobile-only subscription at ₹149 a month, while Prime Video has a subscription fee of ₹299 per month of ₹1,499 per year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/awfis-space-solutions-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/110467409.cms">Awfis Space Solutions IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-f55-with-leather-back-launched-in-india-starting-at-26999/articleshow/110462026.cms">Samsung Galaxy F55 with leather back launched in India starting at ₹26,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/lenovo-loq-15-review/articleshow/110456546.cms">Lenovo LOQ 15 review – gaming laptop with a sturdy design</a>

JioCinema launches new annual ad-free subscription plan at a discount

<ul><li>Starting March 31, Disney+ <keyword id="2739840" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="hotstar" source="Orion">Hotstar</keyword> subscribers will no longer be able to stream popular <keyword id="71946" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="hbo" source="Orion">HBO</keyword> shows like Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us, among several others. </li><li>This is the second major setback for Disney+ Hotstar which lost IPL streaming rights to Mukesh Ambani-led Viacom18. </li><li>Outraged users are already demanding refunds, with some of them saying they won’t renew their subscriptions. </li><li>Missing out on IPL first, and HBO content now leaving the platform could result in a loss of 15 million subscribers, according to Elara Capital’s Karan Taurani. </li></ul>Bob Iger’s $5.5 billion cost-cutting plan could result in Disney+ Hotstar losing over a quarter of its subscribers in 2023. The loss of the eyeball-grabbing Indian Premier League (IPL), and now losing HBO content could lead to subscribers fleeing the streaming service in droves. Disney+ Hotstar, which was earlier just Hotstar in India, will lose access to HBO content starting March 31. Star India had partnered with HBO back in 2015, giving Hotstar users access to shows like Game of Thrones, Succession, The Wire and more recently, The Last of Us, among several others. All of that will soon go away, though, causing plenty of heartburn among subscribers. "Starting March 31, HBO content will be unavailable on Disney+ Hotstar. You can continue enjoying Disney+ Hotstar's vast library of content spanning over 100,000 hours of TV shows and movies in 10 languages and coverage of major global sporting events," Disney+ Hotstar said on its official social media account. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Second major setback for Disney+ Hotstar" comment="subhead" text="Second major setback for Disney+ Hotstar">Second major setback for Disney+ Hotstar</cmsannotation> This is the second major setback for Disney+ Hotstar – the first one was losing IPL streaming rights to Mukesh Ambani’s Viacom18. The impact of losing IPL rights was immediately visible in Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber base. The platform lost 3.8 million subscribers in the December quarter, bringing down the total paying customers to 57.5 million. “We believe the above will have a significant negative impact on paid subscribers for Hotstar India; we maintain that the loss of subscribers will continue to happen towards June 2023 quarter due to IPL,” said Karan Taurani, senior vice president, Elara Capital. With HBO also leaving the platform, Disney+ Hotstar could see over a quarter of its subscribers fleeing. “In terms of the recent HBO content moving out of Hotstar, we estimate the subscriber loss moving towards the upper end (around 25-30% in total), of the 61.5 million subscribers at peak,” Taurani added. This would bring Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber base in the 43-46 million range by the end of 2023. However, Taurani says that the existing library of TV content from Star, the upcoming T20 World Cup and the lucrative Star Wars, Marvel and Pixel franchises would offer some respite. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Outraged subscribers" comment="subhead" text="Outraged subscribers">Outraged subscribers</cmsannotation> The removal of HBO content from its platform outraged subscribers, who took to social media to vent their frustration. HBO’s content library includes some very famous titles like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, Succession, The Wire among others. With these shows going away, users vented their frustration, with some of them clearly unhappy about having to watch<a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Clif/status/1633480837462388739"> Indian soap operas</a>. While some users<a href="https://twitter.com/surajv369/status/1633376378124124160"> demanded</a> a refund, others said they<a href="https://twitter.com/Preetam_M_Rao/status/1633349086735900672"> won’t renew</a> their subscriptions. Here are the HBO shows leaving Disney+ Hotstar: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Ballers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Succession </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Band of Brothers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Baby </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Catch and Kill </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Gilded Age </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Curb Your Enth </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Last of Us </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Entourage </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Nevers </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Game of Thrones </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Sopranos </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">House of the Dragon </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Time Traveler's Wife </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mare of Easttown </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The Wire </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mind Over Murder </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Undercurrent </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Obama </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Watchmen </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Scenes from a Marriage </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">We Own This City </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Shaq </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6000000000000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Apple, Amazon and now Reliance – Disney’s mounting troubles" comment="subhead" text="Apple, Amazon and now Reliance – Disney’s mounting troubles">Apple, Amazon and now Reliance – <keyword id="46161" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="disney" source="Orion">Disney</keyword>’s mounting troubles</cmsannotation> While creating shows and movies and other content is the bread and butter of companies like Disney and Netflix, players like Apple and Amazon have been pumping money into their streaming services, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, respectively, using them as loss leaders to prop up their primary businesses. But for a company like Disney whose primary business is content, eating losses is not feasible in the long-term. It’s why the company brought back Bob Iger from retirement and asked him to course-correct – Iger’s first action was to lay out a $5.5 billion cost-cutting plan. While Disney lost IPL to Reliance’s Viacom18 before Iger was brought back, it did not really make much from its subscribers in India – according to the company’s December 2022 quarter results, Disney+ Hotstar subscribers contributed $0.74 per user per month on average, significantly lower than the $5.95 contribution from Disney+ subscribers in the US and Canada. The Disney+ Hotstar service is available only in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Netflix, which is far more expensive than Disney+ Hotstar in India, reported an average revenue per member of $7.69 in the Asia Pacific region. This is after a 25% reduction in its subscription prices, which now start from as low as ₹149 per month for the most basic plan, translating to ₹1,788 per year. Netflix’ top-tier plan costs ₹7,788 per year. In contrast, the most expensive Disney+ Hotstar plan costs ₹1,499 per year. Essentially, Disney+ Hotstar’s most premium plan is still cheaper than Netflix’ most basic plan. On the other hand, Viacom18, which bagged the lucrative IPL streaming rights for ₹23,758 crore, will provide 4K streaming for free via the JioCinema app. The way forward for Disney+ Hotstar is aggressive investments in creating original content, according to Taurani. However, it needs to click with subscribers who were so far used to HBO’s popular catalogue. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/fpis-continue-to-be-bearish-on-oil-gas-power-stocks-in-february-offload-equities-worth-7821-crore-in-the-two-sectors/articleshow/98511897.cms">FPIs continue to be bearish on oil &amp; gas, power stocks in February, offload equities worth ₹7,821 crore in the two sectors</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-gross-savings-and-investments-edge-higher-in-fy22-despite-inflation-says-sbi-research-report/articleshow/98444014.cms">India’s gross savings and investments edge higher in FY22 despite inflation, says SBI Research report</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indian-banks-decade-best-metrics-and-subdued-valuations-make-them-a-compelling-buy-bernstein/articleshow/98359442.cms">Indian banks’ decade-best metrics and subdued valuations make them a compelling buy: Bernstein</a>

Without HBO and IPL, 15 million subscribers could flee Disney+ Hotstar in 2023

<ul><li>A rapidly evolving technology landscape and consumer trends will shape how businesses perform, going forward.</li><li>A report by Wavemaker titled Spotlight23 has underlined the major trends that businesses will have to adapt to this year.</li><li>Some of the most prominent emerging technologies and consumer trends to watch out for in 2023 include artificial intelligence as a service (<keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="Orion">AI</keyword>aaS), generative AI like ChatGPT and increasing use of Reels.</li></ul>A rapidly evolving technology landscape and quickly changing consumer trends require businesses to evolve with them at the same pace or risk falling behind. From the way customers interact with businesses to how businesses attract customers with new innovations, several emerging trends like artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS), and increased focus on privacy and free speech have been identified in Wavemaker’s report titled Spotlight23. While ecommerce has existed for a long time, the Covid-19 pandemic changed how Indians look at it. According to a<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/covid-pandemic-hot-housed-e-commerce-growth-across-amea-region-survey/articleshow/94643528.cms"> survey</a>, 83% of Indian consumers have increased their purchases from ecommerce platforms in the last three years, and this momentum is expected to gain pace. But that is just one aspect of the evolving technology and consumer landscape. Here are other hot and emerging trends of 2023, according to the Spotlight23 report. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Generative AI to grow 10x in the next three years" comment="subhead" text="Generative AI to grow 10x in the next three years">Generative AI to grow 10x in the next three years</cmsannotation> Generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, like ChatGPT and Dall-E are expected to see a massive uptake in the next three years, growing from 1% of the data generated to 10% by 2025. Generative AIs like Dall-E, ChatGPT generate images and text using the inputs provided by users. For instance, ChatGPT can write articles, code or even compose music based on the inputs provided by users. OpenAI, which launched both Dall-E and ChatGPT, said that the latter was used by over 1 million users within the first 24 hours of its launch. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="AI as a Service (AIaaS)" comment="subhead" text="AI as a Service (AIaaS)"><keyword id="16177246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-as-a-Service" source="Orion">AI as a Service</keyword> (AIaaS)</cmsannotation> The gaining traction of low-code/no-code artificial intelligence (AI) tools has given businesses an opportunity to implement off-the-shelf AI tools in their services, instead of developing an in-house AI. This brings down the costs and also allows businesses to see what works and what doesn’t. Some of the use cases of AI as a Service include optimizing campaigns, predicting customer churn and engaging customers based on their usage patterns as predicted by the AI model. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Privacy and free speech to continue to gain prominence" comment="subhead" text="Privacy and free speech to continue to gain prominence">Privacy and free speech to continue to gain prominence</cmsannotation> Users are increasingly worried about their privacy, with 66% of internet users globally worried that their identity will be stolen, according to<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/296700/personal-data-security-perception-online/"> Statista</a>. Further enactment of privacy-focused laws like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has put the spotlight on data privacy. The Spotlight23 report states that businesses will invest in privacy-centric technologies as customers become increasingly sensitive about their data. Another aspect that has gained prominence is free speech, as evidenced by the Twitter takeover by Elon Musk, and the rise of decentralized social media platforms like Mastodon, which has seen an 800% increase in users since October 2022, with the user base now standing at 2.5 million. However, the report adds that advertisers will likely stay away from Twitter until a balance between free speech and brand safety is found. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Reel it – engagement and social commerce is evolving rapidly" comment="subhead" text="Reel it – engagement and social commerce is evolving rapidly">Reel it – engagement and social commerce is evolving rapidly</cmsannotation> Instagram Reels’ rise in popularity can be explained with this metric alone – in Q3 2022, Meta reported over 140 billion reels were played, which means over 1.55 billion reel plays every day during the quarter, or 1.08 million reels played every minute. This makes it critical for brands to create Reels to drive user engagement, according to the report. The opening up of WhatsApp Business API to everyone provides business with another opportunity to generate new leads. Many of those examples are already live – for instance, JioMart’s catalogue can be browsed through WhatsApp, allowing them to place orders and make payments. Reliance’s media arm Viacom18, which bagged IPL streaming rights, could help Jio accelerate social commerce via partnerships with brands, leveraging its user base of over 450 million. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Social commerce growth to result in increased influencer collaborations" comment="subhead" text="Social commerce growth to result in increased influencer collaborations">Social commerce growth to result in increased influencer collaborations</cmsannotation> Gaining prominence of social commerce is expected to result in an increase in brands collaborating with social influencers. According to Statista, sales through social media stood at $992 billion in 2022, and they are expected to increase to $2.9 trillion by 2026. “Influencer collaboration can boost a company's revenue. For instance, Petco worked with Gabby Douglas and used livestream shopping events to reach and engage customers,” the Spotlight23 report said. Conversational AI is also expected to further drive user engagement, with several brands like H&amp;M, Levi’s and others already using chatbots to give personalized recommendations to buyers. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="VR, AR and XR to deliver a more immersive shopping experience" comment="subhead" text="VR, AR and XR to deliver a more immersive shopping experience"><keyword id="6380951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="VR" source="Orion">VR</keyword>, <keyword id="11853" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AR" source="Orion">AR</keyword> and <keyword id="1786062" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="XR" source="Orion">XR</keyword> to deliver a more immersive shopping experience</cmsannotation> Technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR) are expected to enhance the shopping experience of users and make it more immersive. These technologies allow users to try on products virtually to see if they suit them or not – for instance, Lenskart has a 3D try-on feature that lets users check out eyeglasses and sunglasses virtually before buying them. Asian Paints’ app allows users to take a photo of their wall and picture how it looks with the diverse range of colours and textures offered by the company. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="ONDC could realize its potential in 2023" comment="subhead" text="ONDC could realize its potential in 2023">ONDC could realize its potential in 2023</cmsannotation> During a<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/democratising-commerce-ondc-could-be-the-upi-moment-for-small-retailers-msmes/articleshow/95393032.cms"> panel discussion</a> in November 2022, Thampy Koshy, the Chief Executive Officer of ONDC, said that Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is the Indian government’s attempt to democratise commerce. ONDC is an open platform that allows sellers to make their catalogues visible to every buyer on the platform. Koshy likened ONDC to UPI, saying “what UPI did was to essentially streamline and democratise the payment side of it. What ONDC is trying to do is a similar kind of transformation on the transaction side of goods and services.” ONDC is currently live in 83 cities, and it has 25 network participants along with over 700 merchants onboard. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2023-morgan-stanley-sees-focus-to-be-on-fiscal-consolidation-investment-led-growth/articleshow/97082715.cms">Budget 2023: Morgan Stanley sees focus to be on fiscal consolidation, investment-led growth</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/competitive-intensity-a-big-risk-for-dmart-say-analysts-after-company-misses-streets-q3-forecast/articleshow/97052145.cms">Competitive intensity a big risk for DMart say analysts after company misses Street’s Q3 forecast</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hiring-by-it-cos-down-96-in-q3-compared-to-preceding-7-quarters-even-as-attrition-cools/articleshow/97023873.cms">Hiring by IT cos down 96% in Q3 compared to preceding 7 quarters even as attrition cools</a>

AI as a Service to free speech platforms and social commerce, these are the big emerging trends of 2023

<keyword id="6354312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL" source="Orion">IPL</keyword> franchise owners of teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, <keyword id="1494441" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sunrisers-hyderabad" source="Orion">Sunrisers Hyderabad</keyword>, Rajasthan Royals and co-owners of Delhi Capitals on Wednesday were announced as winners of purchasing all six teams in South Africa's upcoming new T20 <keyword id="1910" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="league" source="Orion">League</keyword>. Through an official statement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said that the six franchise owners were confirmed following a rigorous process over the past few months. The open bid process, managed by Deloitte Corporate Finance, attracted over 29 entities who expressed interest in owning a franchise worldwide. Over 10 venues were made available for interested bidders to own a franchise and all 10 of them received expressions of interest. <keyword id="45442" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="reliance-industries-limited" source="Orion">Reliance Industries Limited</keyword>, owners of Mumbai Indians, will operate the Cape Town team based at Newlands while <keyword id="14506281" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rpsg-sports-private-limited" source="Orion">RPSG Sports Private Limited</keyword>, owners of Lucknow Super Giants, bought the Durban franchise based at Kingsmead. Sun TV Network Limited, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad, picked Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) franchise with home venue at St George's Park while Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, owners of Chennai Super Kings, acquired the Johannesburg franchise with base at Wanderers. <keyword id="14506282" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="royals-sports-group" source="Orion">Royals Sports Group</keyword>, owners of Rajasthan Royals, bought the Paarl franchise based at Boland Park while JSW Sports, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, bought the Pretoria franchise based at SuperSport Park. Graeme Smith, the Commissioner of the new T20 League in South Africa, welcomed all the new franchise owners of the league. "We are thrilled to welcome our new franchise owners to the <keyword id="377670" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="south-african-league" source="Orion">South African League</keyword> taking place in January and February 2023. This is truly an exciting time for South African cricket; the overwhelming interest shows that the country remains valued in the global cricketing eco-system. "A robust bidding process was followed to select the final six owners, the decision was informed by a scorecard based on various criteria to ensure the utmost professionalism, independence, and objectivity to the process. I would like to thank Deloitte as our advisors for doing a thoroughly professional job in helping South African cricket find partners who add substantial value to our game. "The strong sports background of the respective owners and the global brands they manage ensures that South African cricket and the broader industry will benefit from their expertise and resources, as they bring stability and experience to the League." The move means that the global expansion of the IPL franchises is moving at a fast pace. Fans in South Africa will have the opportunity to watch word-class cricketers, catch a glimpse of the next generation and experience the action first-hand when the festival takes off early next year. Smith concluded by hinting at announcing the international players of the new T20 League in near future. "We have already contracted a number of leading international players who will be announced shortly. Combined with our strong South African player base, fans and stakeholders can be assured that the new League will showcase exciting talent and skill." The upcoming T20 League, which CSA will organise in association with broadcasters SuperSport in the form of a new company, will be the third time South Africa would be attempting to launch a franchise T20 league in the country. In its previous attempts, the attempt to start Global League T20 failed to happen in 2017, while its replacement, the Mzansi Super League was held in 2018 and 2019 but didn't get the big broadcast rights, with the free-to-air South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) getting broadcast rights for a much smaller sum, before being halted by Covid-19 pandemic. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-k50i-mobile-phone-review/articleshow/93001395.cms">Redmi K50i review</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/netflix-is-losing-subscribers-and-hotstars-hybrid-model-can-be-right-choice-for-ott-platform/articleshow/93000111.cms">OTT platforms can survive in the Indian market if they go the Hotstar-way</a>

IPL franchise owners purchase all six teams in South Africa's upcoming new T20 League

Now that the <keyword id="2199782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pepsi-Indian-Premier-League-2014">Pepsi Indian Premier League 2014</keyword> is finally here and the first four matches have been sold out, according to organisers, diehard <keyword id="90391" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket-fans">cricket fans</keyword> must be <keyword id="6357415" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="missing">missing</keyword> the skills and thrills that go hand in hand with this <keyword id="1268790" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Twenty20-cricket-tournament">Twenty20 cricket tournament</keyword>. Unless you are spending the entire <keyword id="2057508" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPL-Season-7">IPL Season 7</keyword> in the <keyword id="6358356" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="UAE">UAE</keyword>, cheering for your favourite team and cricketers, here is another way to live life <keyword id="2199785" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ball-by-ball">ball by ball</keyword> and stay engaged even better than before. Keeping in mind the cricket frenzy in India, Bangalore-based <keyword id="2199786" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tech-start-up">tech start-up</keyword> <keyword id="2199768" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cooolio-Online">Cooolio Online</keyword> has introduced <keyword id="2199779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="The-Big-Toss">The Big Toss</keyword> app for <keyword id="74983" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cricket-lovers">cricket lovers</keyword>, which was initially launched in June 2013 and only catered to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-big-toss-cricket/id651878898?mt=8&amp;ign-mpt=uo%3D4">iOS</a> platform. However, an <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blsk.bigtoss">Android</a> version of the app was launched at the end of October 2013. The Big Toss now offers a whole bunch of exciting features, including a thrilling <keyword id="2199790" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Prediction-Game">prediction game</keyword> that will keep your adrenaline flowing. 
 
How it works So what all you get from this mobile cricket companion? Of course, there will be live scores and updates, latest news, <keyword id="6381696" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Highlights">highlights</keyword> and <keyword id="6814304" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="analyses">analyses</keyword> throughout the 45 days and 60 matches of <keyword id="1920549" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPL-7">IPL 7</keyword>. The app will also send you notifications when your favourite teams are playing and there is also a personalised stats section – your own little scorecard to share. Users can enter the <keyword id="1025807" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="locker-room">Locker Room</keyword> for lively discussions over each and every game, reliving those close finishes, exciting knocks, googlies and controversies. The app has been heavily integrated with <keyword id="23045" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="social-networks">social networks</keyword> (they call themselves a <keyword id="2199800" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Social-sports-platform">social sports platform</keyword>) and tweets with hashtags appear on the app feeds. And the read section acts like a <keyword id="2199803" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket-news-aggregator">cricket news aggregator</keyword>. Interestingly, there will be a Web version of The Big Toss this time that will allow you to engage with the social <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> platform from your PC or laptop. 
 
The Prediction Game But what we love about The Big Toss is the strong gamification element, the points you can earn from the ‘live’ game and the rewards you can win in real time for your cricketing ‘dare.’ Here, you can answer ‘live’ questions for every match you follow and earn points for correct predictions. One can also compete with <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword> by making <keyword id="16032" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Guess">guess</keyword>es on a variety of situations in a cricket match and scoring points if his guess is right. Moreover, you can strategise your game play by choosing how much stake/runs you would like to place on each question. Sounds a bit like <keyword id="85065" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket-Betting">cricket betting</keyword>? Never mind, you only earn <keyword id="1446162" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="reward-points">reward points</keyword> here and no money is involved. 
 Users can redeem their ‘Karma’ or reward points for power play like <keyword id="2199812" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Free-Hit">Free Hit</keyword>, <keyword id="2199813" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Doubler">Doubler</keyword> and <keyword id="2199815" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tripler">Tripler</keyword> that help boost your score. For instance, a Free Hit ensures that you won’t lose any point even if you get your prediction wrong. A Doubler will enable you to win twice your stake if you answer correctly while a Tripler allows you to win thrice as much as your original stake. The idea is to keep your accuracy level up and score as many runs as you can to top the leader board. If you can do that, you can unlock trophies, earn the bragging rights and get ‘The Guru’ or ‘Mr. Cricket’ title. In addition, you will win unique merchandise, memorabilia, clothing and other items. 
 
Traction &amp; business So how popular is The Big Toss? According to the start-up, more than 21,000 people have downloaded The Big Toss app till date. But with the new version of the app in place, the company is planning some exciting marketing campaigns for the first time this <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword> and expects a boatload of new users. The company also claims that an average user spends close to 6-7 minutes on the app and spends multiple sessions on each game Last we checked the <keyword id="749661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="iTunes-store">iTunes Store</keyword>, we found that the app requires <keyword id="75489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="IOS">iOS</keyword> 5.1 or later versions, and is optimised for <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword> 5. The <keyword id="2059284" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="App-rating">app rating</keyword> stood at 4.3 on <keyword id="6369511" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google-Play-Store">Google Play Store</keyword> while download numbers were ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 on <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> Play. But that is not surprising as the <keyword id="6355645" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="android">Android</keyword> app has been launched just a few months ago. 
 “IPL 7 is going to be a promising avenue for the app,” <keyword id="2199769" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Big-Toss-CEO">Big Toss CEO</keyword> <keyword id="2199772" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gappan-Annamalai">Gappan Annamalai</keyword> said when asked about the kind of business the company expects during the current IPL season. “The IPL is already the largest league after soccer and cricketers today are among the highest paid sportsmen in the world. So people are bound to follow this game.” 
 According to him, more than 150 million consumed cricket content online during IPL 6. “Over 46% of <keyword id="656249" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sports-fans">sports fans</keyword> use their <keyword id="6354775" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Smartphones">smartphones</keyword> to access sports content and more than 83% of sports fans will check <keyword id="2199819" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sports-updates">sports updates</keyword> on mobile while watching a game on TV. The Big Toss app is built keeping the consumer in mind and it addresses all their needs. And we hope to do really well as more cricket fans and advertisers come on board,” concluded Annamalai.

Time For The Big
Toss: This Cricket App Gamifies IPL Experience, Rewards Sports Fans

<ul><li>Indians love to have that ‘extra’ <keyword id="425731" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="FREE-FOOD">free food</keyword> with each delivery, according to Eat Cravings Report 2019 released by UberEats. </li><li>Extra Sauce’ topped the charts as the most popular food delivery request, followed by ‘Spicy’ and ‘Extra Onions.’ </li><li>According to a report by RedSeer Consulting, India’s food delivery industry is going to be worth $2.5-3 billion.</li></ul>When ordering food, Indians want a pinch of extra with everything be it extra sauce or extra mayo or even extra cheese. This is what a report by UberEats called Eat Cravings Report 2019 said. The report says that every order came with a special instruction. Topping this list is requests to make it ‘spicy’ along with extra onions. Chicken Biryani re-emerged as the favourite late night craving food in Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. As per a report by <keyword id="6358977" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="swiggy">Swiggy</keyword> in May too, chicken biryani was the top favourite. Ludhiana topped the dessert category, as it received highest orders for Gulab Jamun. Meanwhile, Bengalureans who spend hours in traffic don’t want to wait for too long for their food. The city ordered two-minute food, Maggi in large numbers from UberEats. As the world celebrates International Sushi day, Swiggy too released a report which said that Delhites love Japanese dish. But cities like Guwahati, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Amritsar seem to prefer Sushi dinner. According to a report by RedSeer Consulting, India’s food delivery industry will be worth $2.5-3 billion. <keyword id="830092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zomato">Zomato</keyword> and Swiggy are the leaders in the space with their volumes hitting millions per month. In a report released earlier this month, Swiggy has <a href="https://qz.com/india/1635965/in-2018-swiggy-beat-zomato-olas-foodpanda-uber-eats-by-a-mile/">36% market share</a>, followed by FoodPanda with 32% while Zomato was trailing at 23%. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/chennai-super-kings-mumbai-indians-final-swiggy-orders-and-zomato-predictions/articleshow/69290747.cms">From Chicken Biryani to Samosas, here’s what Indians ate while watching the IPL</a>

UberEats is making some 'extra' money while pushing its main menu into Indian homes

The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t just a game of cricket, it is a festival of joy for Indians who love their game. So, when we don’t enjoy other festivals alone, but with family, friends and food, why not enjoy IPL at the restaurants, pubs and bars where they are serving stadium experience along with food and drinks? 
 
Sounds good, right! And there is a lot more to be excited about—right from dish names based on the game or cricket players to 1+1 free offers when your favourite team scores a six...the list is endless. Every restaurant owner is coming up innovating ideas aiming for that perfect shot, which helps ‘you’ enjoy the game in its entirety and helps ‘them’ (restaurant owners) raise revenues on the occasion. 
 
Though we are all used to giant screen at the corner giving a different aspect of pleasure-viewing, The Ancient Barbeque restaurant in Noida has charged up its ambience using the IPL team flags and an altogether different theme. For this, they have divided the restaurant in two parts depending on the teams; the plan is to let the customers support respective teams sitting at their designated team space. Apart from design, they also have offers like 1+1 domestic liquor after each boundary and 1+1 imported liquor after each six. 
 
What more would a cricket fan ask for during a cricket match. Manish Agarwal, a 26 year old techie instantly snaps, “Watching IPL at stadium is an experience. But enjoying IPL with same minded people at your favourite bar with unlimited food and drinks is definitely something we look forward to every season.” 
 
With eyes glued to the giant screen and gulping down beer, Manish and his friends at a posh South Delhi restaurant are not the only exception in the national capital where people prefer to enjoy matches at a closed eatery over food and wine. 
 
Even during the last IPL season that was held at UAE, restaurants pulled in more crowds as then people didn’t have much option to watch matches on the screen than at the stadium. 
 Rishi Kumar, General Manager of <keyword id="1554538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Rodeo">Rodeo</keyword> in Delhi confirmed that IPL’s last season was a crowd puller. He said, “We have acknowledged a great footfall of approximately 20-30 % and did pretty good business last season. The timings (this time) of the matches are very favourable and will attract crowds to restaurants that are offering live viewing and other special packages.” 
 
Rodeo, being a tex mex place at Connaught Place, Draught Beer and cocktails are the drinks people prefer while watching the matches. 
 
Offering unlimited liquor is just another way to lure customers during any festivity. Walking the known path, hotels in outskirts of Mumbai including Hotel Sahara Star in Parle is offering the same. 
 
Not very far from the national capital, Golden Tulip Ambient Resort &amp; Spa at Chandigarh is expecting minimum 600 guests over the next 2 months and expects to earn Rs 4.25 lakh over the season. 
 It’s mostly the locals and not people flying in from other cities to watch <keyword id="101077" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL-matches">IPL matches</keyword>. While restaurants gain revenue and there is a boost in earnings from food and drinks even during lean periods, hotels don’t profit much during IPL season. Why hotels fail to gain much from the IPL fever is a different topic altogether, which we may touch upon some other day, but as of now the only message that we would like to share with you is: don’t waste your weekend sitting at home, just go out with friends and family in the evening and celebrate the ongoing ‘India ka Tyohar’ with food, drinks and cheer! 
 
(Image: India Times)

Enjoying IPL matches at home is just so passé. Head to restaurants that are serving stadium experience everywhere!

In the flamboyant world that is the <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword>, two titles in three years isn't a bad track record for the very un-flamboyant <keyword id="13839" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Gautam-Gambhir">Gautam Gambhir</keyword>. He tells TNN how he will never do somersaults after a title win and how he gets along with team owner Shah Rukh Khan. 
 
So when do we see you doing cartwheels after a win? 
 Never. That's not me. There was a point when I wasn't even wanting to get into the celebrations, wasn't willing to go to <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> to do all this felicitation and stuff, because I think for me it all finished as soon as we won the IPL. 
 
The pure detached philosophy of the previous years? 
 
I don't know... I've always believed that a sportsman is someone who will not see IPL as entertainment. I would personally see IPL as proper cricket. I think for me, IPL is all about what my team does on the field. What KKR does, what Shah Rukh or other owners do off the cricket field is their perspective. For me, I think it is all about how we play and people should recognize us for what we've done on the field. If you see the first three years of IPL, KKR was far more popular for things they were doing off the field. So when I took over, my only personal ambition was that it should be remembered as a team which does really well on the field. So for me, I felt finished as soon as we won the IPL. It was never about celebrations. It was never about doing cartwheels and going crazy after the win. 
 
As a captain now, who's done this, winning the IPL, twice in three years, what are your takeaways, temperamentally? 
 
You need to think out of the box. Second, you need to take some strong decisions, which is very important. I think there are times in this tournament we've taken very strong decisions. Someone making Kallis sit out is always a big decision. Someone with his stature, someone with his aura. Then, I've always been a strong believer that transparency and selflessness is the biggest attitude for any leader. After the first three games where I couldn't score a run, lots of people told me, "You should try and bat in the middle order, so that at least you'll get some runs on the board and get some confidence and go at the top of the order." I never wanted to do that. 
 Just in that one game against <keyword id="28161" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="king">King</keyword>'s XI where I batted number three, it was only the team's point of view. After four games, I had one run. Then I realized that as a leader you can never shield yourself in any situation. The day you're trying to protect yourself, it will impact the entire squad too. Other people will also start shielding themselves. They will try and say, "Let us score our own runs and let us concentrate on our performances." So I took a decision that I will open the batting and I will face the first ball in the next match against Rajasthan Royals, and I had decided already in my mind that if I don't perform, I would rather drop myself than shield myself and come in the middle order. Because that is not the way a leader goes about his business. It is always better to drop yourself from the playing 11 rather than shielding yourself, because the day you try to shield yourself as a leader, there'll be massive problems in the team. For someone who scored only one run in the first four games, it is very difficult for him to go and face the first ball. 
This tournament could be an interesting chapter in your biography someday. Because it began as absolutely the worst as a batsman and a captain as well. 
 
It taught me a lot of lessons as a leader as well. Maybe I would've never experienced these things, I would've never thought on these lines if I would've started this tournament on a high, if I'd scored runs. 
 
What would've been your team owner's perspective if you dropped yourself? 
 Nothing. They've never interfered with my job. They've never questioned my team selection, they've never questioned who should play, who should not play. And they've never interfered in my cricketing matters. I think if I don't deserve to be in the best playing 11, I should not be part of the playing 11. Yeah, if I deserve to be part of the playing 11, then I can lead this side. That is how I want to go about things. I don't want to go about things where people are saying that, "Okay Gautam, captain, and then the ten." No. Gautam first as a <keyword id="491" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="player">player</keyword> who was part of the best playing 11, who can go out there and do the job for the team. And then, if you think that I have the capability to lead those ten men, I will do that. If I don't deserve to be part of the best playing 11, if I'm not contributing to the best playing 11, then I should drop myself. 
 
This is a very "putting the team ahead" perspective, but there's also a contra point to this approach. While interviewing Hugh Jackman, we asked him - since he follows cricket fairly religiously - of all the X-Men mutants, who would make the best cricketer? His point was, "You know, it's not about the playing." So he was talking about, say, how the English took Mike Brearly as a captain, who's a strategist first and therefore captain by virtue of his mind - not his batting. 
 
But if you see, the Australians have gone completely the other way. They have always talked about selecting the best playing 11 and then choosing a captain. I'm a complete supporter of the model. If you don't deserve to be part of the best playing 11, how can you earn the respect of the entire team? You should not be there as a leader just because you're a great strategist. Then it's like you're playing ten vs eleven. 
 
My first job, when I go in the middle, as a batsman, is to contribute and try and score runs and that is when I'm only thinking about myself as a batter, that I want to put my team in a situation where they can dominate. And whether I score runs or don't, I get out for a few minutes, I sulk for a few minutes, I take off my pads and go and sit in the dugout, and then I'm sitting as a leader. Then I'm thinking from the team's point of view. Then I'm thinking what decisions I need to make. Whether we need to shuffle the order or not. But when I go in as a batter, I go in as a batter and not a captain. My captaincy skills only happen when I go on the field or when I've finished my batting. So I first get selected as a batsman who contributes. And then as a captain. 
 
How does a team respond when the skipper takes a call saying, 'We'll do this', which is against logic, but is going purely by his gut. Do people give you a look? 
 
I think it's the boss who is answerable when you don't do well. It's the boss who is in the firing line and I've always told Shah Rukh this. In the first year, when I was picked, I was obviously a little nervous about how much interference there will be. And he said, "This is your team. If you want to make it, you make it. You want to break it, you break it." And I told him that we will not talk in the middle of the tournament. I think there is no point discussing what is happening and what is not happening. After the tournament, however we perform, I will be answerable to all your questions. Whatever you throw at me, I will be as honest and as transparent as I can. So you can ask me any question, but once the tournament is finished. Whether we've done well, whether we've never done well. 
 
And he was so happy because he thought I made a lot of sense. Because I was so clear in my mind. Whatever I want to do in the middle of the tournament, let me take that call. Because ultimately, I know that I'm going to be in the firing line, I have to be answerable to my players as well. If someone is batting at number three, you make him bat at number five, he would come up to you and ask, "Why am I not batting at number three? What have I done wrong?" You have to answer him because you have been given that job. You have to be answerable to the owner, to the media as well. So, because you're answerable to everyone, you should have the right to take all the calls. And I'm very happy that whatever has happened the last four years with KKR, I have taken all the calls on the cricket field. 
 
So there is no 'Shah Rukh calling' on your phone after losing the first four games? 
 
Never. I can say it from my heart that in the last four years, there has never been even one call. There has never been any interference about who should play, what to do. I think we've discussed this a couple of times. He explained to me that if someone tells him about acting, how bad he'd feel. And he said, "If someone comes up to you and tells you about cricket, I can imagine how bad you'd feel. You're the best guy in cricketing matters, so you should take all the calls." I'm very happy, and from that point of view, I've been very secure. And I've had a free hand. 
 
You and Shah Rukh look to be totally opposite temperaments. Is it easier to work with somebody who has a different temperament, or is it complicated? 
 
As I said earlier, for me, IPL is all about what we do on the cricket field. How KKR is playing on the field and what kind of cricket we are playing. After that, whatever happens, I personally don't want to be a part of it. I don't like it because for me, as I said, IPL finished as soon as the entire team lifted the cup. After that, I don't even remember who was doing what and Shah Rukh was doing what and other owners were doing what. 
 
Obviously I can't change him. He's the owner, he's the big boss. He's given me the liberty, the way I want to go about my business. So there has been no interference, it has been an easy ride. Because if there would have been a lot of interference with someone like me, with my temperament, it would have been difficult. Because I want a lot of free hand, I like taking my own decisions, I like taking my own calls. Whether we are poles apart or not, he has never made my life difficult. 
 
A small example from that point of view, when Sunil Narine was picked, it is a very interesting decision that happened. I still remember, I was in Australia during that time. We were on tour, the Indian team was in Australia. Our CEO called me and asked, "Tomorrow is the auction, so who do you think we should go for?" I said, "Let's go for Sunil Narine." "So who's this guy?" he asked. I said, "Just remember the name, forget about who's this guy. Just remember him." Obviously, he must have spoken to Shah Rukh and other owners, then he called me back and told me, "No one knows who this guy is!" And Shah Rukh called me - me and Natasha were in a mall - and he said, "Should we go for someone else? You're saying that we need to go with Sunil Narine?" I said, "Till what budget do you want to go in the auction? How much is the limit?" He said, "Two million. But who is this guy? Are you sure you want him?" I said, "Yes. And if the limit is two million, go to two million. We don't need anyone else."And he replied, "If you want him, we'll get him." And see what he's done. I think neither Shah Rukh nor our CEO knew who he was because he had only played one game for West Indies before that. And when he got picked, he himself was surprised. So that is the sort of free hand which has been given to me. 
 
We see you doing far fewer ads than many of your colleagues. 
 
I'm very conservative. The second thing is I'm just too shy for all these things. A lot of people after winning the IPL would've shown their emotions. I still remember going in the press conference and they asked me how I feel. And I said the same thing, "For me, mission accomplished. That's about it." They said, "Has it sunk in?" "There's nothing to sink in. We were here to win the IPL and we did it." That's what I've been picked for. I've not done anyone a favour, I've not done myself a favour. I've not done the team a favour. I think they've picked me with this objective that we will win the IPL. We have won the IPL. There is nothing to be surprised, there is nothing to be going over the top about because this was my job - to play the finals and win. They don't pay me so that I look beautiful or I talk well or I do different things or celebrate better. They're giving me money so that I can perform and I can lead the team the right way, and try and win, and that is what we've done. This has always been my point of view when I've walked down the field, and other than that, I've just been too shy. I'm just too closed at times. 
 
But you must be getting more offers for ads you refused perhaps? Or you are seen as somebody who'll not come out and say yes? 
 
Eventually, you need to realize what you want to achieve out of cricket. Do you want to achieve the limelight, that people should recognize you, or do you want to be known as someone who's gone out there and done something. Two IPL wins, no one can take these away from me. And there are a lot of other cricketers who would never have this in their CV. They can be everywhere, they can be seen on every billboard, but these records and performances will live with me forever. This is what you need to realize. Whether I'm playing or doing well so that I get more ads, or I want to be satisfied coming back home saying, "Yes, I was picked to do something and I've achieved it." That is a far better feeling for me than thinking, if I do well and if I get more ads, that is more satisfactory than winning the IPL. 
 
For me, winning the IPL, scoring runs, and my performance and the team's performance, gives me more happiness than any other thing. So it is just your perspective of what you want to get out of cricket. And I've always been a strong believer that I want to do well for the team so that every time I walk out of the field I want to come back a winner. For me, winning does matter a lot. You must have heard a lot of people saying that results do not matter. You go out there, do your processes right, give your 100%. If winning is not everything, then why do people keep scores? Why do we always talk about who won this game? Why do we not say "Who's given more effort?" Even when you watch a cricket match, you ask, "Who's won?" You don't ask, "Is KKR putting in more effort or is the other team putting effort?" 
 
For me, winning is everything. You might take it the wrong way, that how can someone say that winning is everything? But for me, it is. It fascinates me, it keeps me happy, it keeps me on my toes. It keeps me from complacency. Someone asked me after five games, I was giving a press conference, and they said, "I hope KKR does not get complacent." I said, "My team will never get complacent." They asked, "Why?" I said, "For me, winning is everything." Next time I walk on the field, I will not be thinking that we won five games in a row. For me it will only be about winning that game at any cost. Obviously, within the rules, but at any cost. So that always keeps me on my toes. That always makes me happy. Winning is the fascination which I have.

Gambhir: Didn't Want To Go For IPL Felicitation

<ul><li> <keyword id="9951693" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="fantasy-sports-platforms" source="Orion">Fantasy Sports Platforms</keyword> are on the rise in India with revenues tripling since FY20.</li><li>The next phase of <keyword id="1759314" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="fantasy-sports" source="Orion">fantasy sports</keyword> will have AI generated avatars competing.</li><li>Meta11, one such AI-generated FSP, aims to earn revenue via hosting <keyword id="1612654" type="General" weightage="30" keywordseo="original-content" source="Orion">original content</keyword> and streaming the games.</li></ul> The ICC World Cup fever is gripping the nation. Right from stock brokers to central bank governors, few are able to make a statement without a cricket pun. But that’s not where the fun stops. It’s also the season for cricket lovers to engage in fantasy gaming. It’s now a serious business with revenues tripling in the ongoing financial year from FY20, according to a Deloitte report. Seasoned cricket players are taking to this as well and former Sri Lankan skipper, Kumar Sangakkara, has co-founded one such company -- Meta11, an AI-generated <keyword id="1759314" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="fantasy-sports" source="Orion">fantasy sports</keyword> platform, which aims to earn revenue via hosting <keyword id="1612654" type="General" weightage="30" keywordseo="original-content" source="Orion">original content</keyword> and streaming the games. Business Insider India caught up with Sangakkara and Krishan Deegalla, CEO of Behaviol, the company focusing on bringing fantasy sports on the metaverse via Meta11. Edited excerpts. Question: Sangakkara, you are one of the few cricketers who is also a startup founder. Why does the business of fantasy sport interest you? Sangakkara: It came from a thinking that – how do we really give everyone access to cricket? Not everyone has the ability to pick up a bat and ball and play. But there's so much love for this sport. How do we actually make sure that cricket is for everyone? Web based gaming has a great opportunity for that. That was the starting point for this and then when we brainstormed and came up with the concept of Meta11. It has AI controlled avatars playing the sport, being able to predict outcomes and others. It's amazing to see so many people being able to live out their cricketing dreams on our platform, and that is the real key – cricket is for everyone. Cricket has such a strong emotional connection. Once you're a cricket fan, you're always a cricket fan. Who knows, some of our strategies and tactics and game moments might even influence tactical decision making later on in real life cricket as well. Question If I don't know the first thing about playing cricket other than watching it, am I a target audience? Sanga Anyone can play this because the avatars are artificial intelligence led. So, they learn as a player in the game. If you own your own avatar, you can expose your avatar to training to more match play, the more experience they get they learn on their own. It's a great tool to spread awareness about cricket as well in its globalisation drive. Question There are a lot of fantasy gaming apps in India. How do you differentiate yourself? Sanga Our game is so simple to log in, and you play the game and you get rewards for playing not for paying. Our tech platform, our avatars, our digital creations are cutting edge and industry leading in terms of cricket games out there. So we are very differentiated and we want to keep to that model. Question Do you have any plans to introduce match-wise games like normal fantasy sports? Krishan We want to see how we can connect the digital worlds and the physical, the real cricket. There is an opportunity for us to bring that into play. Where in the game, you can create a super avatar, or super digital player. You can pick five players out of both squads. And if that player does well in real life, you can earn points. We will never do just a fantasy app. It will always be linked to the game. Sanga It has the ability to drop real world cricketers into the game as well. A franchise team can play real world cricket and a fan community can play against each other on our platform. Question So, is there a possibility that one day we could be teammates on this platform? Sanga Absolutely. There is no doubt about that. You could play against me, you could play against other cricketers. Hopefully, you could play against your friends, your family members. Question Could you explain how you intend to increase engagement, and make it more interesting for the not-so-avid fan? Krishan To get the engagement, ownership is a key, allowing people to have that meaningful relationship with digital avatars. We have to train them, and create our own teams. We are also having tournaments, which will be team leagues to the platform exciting. Question The government has introduced 28% GST on fantasy gaming. Is that a cause for worry and will it eat into your earnings? Sanga I think that (28% GST) that's for the pay-to-play model. Ours is free-to-play. No user has to put his/her own money into playing. It's a very different kind of foundation we work on. Krishan If you look at traditional fantasy games, they rely on real games. There is no real content there. With us, we generate our own content. All the content that gets streamed, is owned by us. Now, we have a pathway to monetise this and give rewards back to the users. It's like organising real games. We can also expect sponsorship money, streaming rights and we can distribute it back to the community. Question You talked about streaming. If you could go into the monetisation aspect of it. Krishan We had 30,000 users on the first day. There is a huge appetite for advertising on alternative channels apart from Google, Facebook etc. That is why if you look at IPL TV rights it goes for billions of dollars. So, I think we will be a good alternative for that. The game is exciting. People will be able to relate to it and that means it will be engaging. With that we should be able to monetise it – through sponsorships and streaming. Question What’s the vision for Meta11 down the line? Krishan It is quite an evolution to have AI characters play cricket and allow people to own them. Within this framework, we have opportunities that even we have not thought about. I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities. The vision still remains to allow democratising the sport and give access to the masses. And to keep on making the platform interesting and scalable.

You Searched For "watch ipl free" and got 10 results

IPL 2023 scores over 1,300 crore video views on JioCinema in the first five weeks

Rounak Jain

JioCinema launches new annual ad-free subscription plan at a discount

Sourabh Jain

Without HBO and IPL, 15 million subscribers could flee Disney+ Hotstar in 2023

Rounak Jain

AI as a Service to free speech platforms and social commerce, these are the big emerging trends of 2023

Rounak Jain

IPL franchise owners purchase all six teams in South Africa's upcoming new T20 League

IANS

Time For The Big Toss: This Cricket App Gamifies IPL Experience, Rewards Sports Fans

Sanghamitra Mandal

UberEats is making some 'extra' money while pushing its main menu into Indian homes

BI India Bureau

Enjoying IPL matches at home is just so passé. Head to restaurants that are serving stadium experience everywhere!

Suchayan Mandal

Gambhir: Didn't Want To Go For IPL Felicitation

gocricket

Can’t hit a ball? You can still play cricket in the metaverse

Abhishek Jha

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides