IPL 2025 has introduced a creative addition to its coverage with a robo dog named ‘Champak,’ chosen through a fan vote. This AI-powered quadruped, equipped with a camera, can walk, run, jump, and respond to various voice commands. Designed to bring a fresh dynamic to this season’s T20 coverage, it has quickly gained popularity among fans.
Cricketers have also embraced ‘Champak,’ with several stars engaging in playful interactions with the robo dog. Following its debut on Sunday, April 13, ahead of the double-header, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni, a globally admired cricketer, picked up ‘Champak,’ gave it a fist bump, and even made it imitate a dog pose.
Another video of MS Dhoni flipping the robo dog upside down went viral on social media.
You can watch the video here:
How can anyone hate him 😭?? @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/q1y2sqVYP5
— HemaPriya (@attitudegirl___) April 16, 2025
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant is enduring a challenging IPL 2025 season. Bought for a massive ₹27 crore at the mega auction, he has scored just 110 runs in nine innings, averaging 12.22 with a strike rate of 98.21.
When Kaptaan saab met Champak 💙😂 pic.twitter.com/GtBwLE6nU1
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 28, 2025
Rishabh Pant and Sunil Gavaskar Share Fun Moments with ‘Champak’ After LSG vs MI Match
After the LSG vs Mumbai Indians (MI) match on April 28, Rishabh Pant briefly put aside his struggles and enjoyed some fun moments with ‘Champak.’ Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, 75, also showed his youthful energy by taking time to play with the robo dog, having a great time, as shown in the video.
Looks like Sunny G found a new friend 😊 #TATAIPL | #RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/VPX7CU2ZMb
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2025
Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel, known for his humor, was thoroughly impressed by ‘Champak’ and even tried interacting with the robo dog in Gujarati. DC posted a funny video of Axar’s playful exchange with ‘Champak’ on their official X handle.
When Kaptaan saab met Champak 💙😂 pic.twitter.com/GtBwLE6nU1
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 28, 2025
MI captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya endorsed the fan-chosen name for IPL 2025’s robo dog. In a video posted on Mumbai’s official X handle, he shared his thoughts:
“Aisa hi naam accha lagta hai.” (This is a good name). “Aisa hi naam accha lagta hai.” (This is a good name).
"Aisa hi naam accha lagta hai" 💯
HP's seal of approval for Champak ✅🤖#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/J6GsTLVf5s
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 21, 2025
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