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Off The Field

Gully Gully: A Travelogue Chronicling 2023 CWC Journey of Team India

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What does the world’s largest cricket-crazy country, India, look and feel like when it hosts a World Cup? Especially during an edition that saw the very best of the Indian team, yet ended in heartbreak?

Published by Penguin Random House India,Gully Gully: Travels Around India during the 2023 World Cup, written by Aditya Iyer, reveals not only what cricket means to India, but also what billions of Indians mean to cricket by capturing the best and the worst of us, along with the grit and the grime of the land.

For all but the final day of six electric weeks during the winter of 2023, India’s campaign at a home World Cup blazed and sparkled, warming the soul of a cricket-crazed nation. As Rohit Sharma’s dominant side took their show on the road, from delirious city to hysterical town, stretching from the sunburnt coast of Chennai to the frozen mountains of Dharamshala, the greatest cricket team to not win a World Cup edition unified a vast and diverse country in their shade of blue.

Apart from the cricket and the travel, Aditya offers exclusive previews into India’s cricket-verse in his debut book, featuring interviews and conversations with those who live and breathe the game in each city, such as Virat Kohli’s coach, Rajkumar Sharma, in Delhi; the yellow-painted Dhoni fanatic, Saravanan Hari, in Chennai; the only cricketer from the state of Himachal Pradesh to make it to the Indian team, Rishi Dhawan, in Dharamshala; the first-ever television commentator, Fredun DeVitre, in Mumbai; or even a failed cricketer turned IIM professor in Ahmedabad. The list goes on.  

Gully Gully: Travels Around India during the 2023 World Cup is far from a book on just cricket. It takes you on a journey through India, introducing you to flower sellers hooked to radio commentary in Tamil Nadu, a taxi driver experiencing heroin withdrawal in Punjab, or even to an alcohol bootlegger in a dimly-lit alley in Gujarat.

This book is as much about a fabulous team brimming with legends as it is about the game’s other, often forgotten heroes: nameless and faceless Indian fans, emerging from all those gullies.

It is currently available on e-commerce platforms and in bookstores across the country.

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Cricket News

Stadium Experience: The Surge in Fans for Ultimate Participation

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Image Courtesy: Bharat Army Community

New Delhi: It’s amazing to see how Cricket as a game has evolved, and so has the fan experience. Back in the day, following the Indian team was more about the passion and the journey. But now, fans have the means to make it a truly luxurious experience.


We are seeing a surge in demand for premium packages. People want more than just a ticket.


They want VIP access, exclusive meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes tours. It’s like they are not just watching a match; they are living the experience.


And it’s not just about the match itself. The entire travel experience is becoming a luxury.


People are willing to splurge on premium flights, high-end hotels, and exclusive dining experiences. It’s a full-blown sports tourism industry now.


This shift has also impacted the way we engage with our fans. We are constantly exploring new ways to make their experience more personalized and memorable. Whether it’s through exclusive merchandise, virtual reality experiences, or personalized fan clubs, we are always looking to push the boundaries.


For example, we have partnered with high-end travel agencies to curate bespoke travel packages that include everything from flight tickets and hotel bookings to stadium transfers and match tickets. These packages are designed to cater to the needs of the most discerning fans, offering a truly unforgettable experience.


The rising spending capacity of fans is also driving innovation in the sports industry. We are seeing more and more stadiums investing in state-of-the-art facilities, such as premium lounges, gourmet dining options, and virtual reality experiences. These advancements are further enhancing the fan experience and justifying the premium prices.


But, while it’s exciting to see fans invest more in the sport, we must also be mindful of the core values of the game. It’s important to balance commercialization with the passion and spirit that has always defined cricket. We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their budget, can enjoy the game and feel connected to the team.


Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable and inclusive fan experience that benefits both the fans and the sport. By striking the right balance between commercialization and fan engagement, we can continue to grow the sport and inspire future generations of fans.

About The Author: Rakesh was born in London in 1974 and was destined to fall in love with the game from a very early age. Over the last 25 years, Rakesh has led what in the early years was just a bunch of hardcore Indian Cricket fans who shared the same passion for the game, to growing one of the largest sporting fan clubs in the world.

It was during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999 where Rakesh met 3 like minded individuals
that shared the same passion and love of the game and where post this tournament The Bharat Army was born.

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Off The Field

JetSynthesys Real Sports Talent Roster with Indian Badminton Prodigy Malvika Bansod

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Dedicated to nurturing and providing comprehensive support to young and blossoming Indian sports talent, JetSynthesys, a global leader in sports management, digital entertainment and technology, has welcomed Indian badminton prodigy Malvika Bansod to its talent management company, Real Sports.

This latest addition to an already stellar roster, which includes icons like Saina Nehwal, cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy, among others, reinforces Real Sports’ commitment to empowering outstanding athletes.

At 23, Malvika has cemented her place as one of Indian badminton’s brightest stars. Ranked World No. 34 by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), she made history this year as the first Indian to reach the Hylo Open finals and joined the elite ranks of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal by advancing to the quarter-finals of the Super 1000 China Open.

With five international titles under her belt, Malvika represents the new generation of Indian sporting excellence.

Speaking about her partnership with Real Sports, Malvika Bansod said, “I am truly excited to join the Real Sports family at this pivotal stage of my career. With their expertise and vision, I am confident we can explore new opportunities that align with our shared goals and values. I look forward to a dynamic partnership and the chance to create impactful collaborations in the future.”

Speaking about the association, Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO, JetSynthesys, said, “At JetSynthesys, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes who inspire the nation. Malvika’s journey is a story of talent, grit and perseverance, which is what Real Sports also stands for, in our mission to support and nurture world-class athletes from India. Our partnerships with athletes from multiple sports have demonstrated how our integrated approach can unlock new opportunities for stars, both on and off the field.”

Tarish Bhatt, Chief Business Officer, Real Sports, added, “Malvika Bansod represents the next wave of Indian badminton talent, and we are honoured to welcome her to Real Sports. Our goal is to empower athletes by providing them with opportunities that go beyond traditional partnerships, helping them create a lasting impact on the sports ecosystem. With Malvika, we see immense potential to drive meaningful engagement for both, her and her growing fan base.”

Real Sports has built a strong record of accomplishment in sports talent management by providing athletes with access to strategic brand collaborations, holistic career development, and cutting-edge digital engagement tools.

Jetsynthesys has been at the forefront of unearthing and supporting grassroots-level young sports talent in India through its various initiatives. Apart from Real Sports, which identifies and nurtures young, promising talent, it owns and manages Ratnagiri Jets, the reigning champions in the Maharashtra Premier League.

Ratnagiri Jets boasts of some of India’s most exciting cricketing talent in its squad, including Azim Kazi, Nikhil Naik, Kiran Chormale among others. Jetsynthesys is also committed to growing and nurturing esports in India with its various initiatives, including its flagship Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL).

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Off The Field

Watch: Krunal Pandya offers Prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple

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Swashbuckling Cricketer, Krunal Pandya along with his family visited Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

He offered prayers, had darshan of Lord Mahakal from ‘Jal Dwar’.

Stating Ujjain visit, as a booster for him and his family, Krunal said “Lord Mahakal always enlightened him with power and right path.”

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