Audience interaction with IPL has changed ‘tremendously’: Samir Kochhar

By Siddhi Jain

New Delhi, April 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Samir Kochhar, 'Sacred Games' actor and Indian Premier League (IPL) host, says that audience interaction with the popular cricket series has changed "tremendously" ever since its debut in 2008. Not just in terms of digital broadcast options and advent of formats like fantasy sport and interactive quiz shows, but "even the sheer number of people who have started following cricket, has really increased since the inception of this tournament", Kochhar tells IANSlife.

"From housewives and kids to the older folk, it really is amazing how within households there are people who are backing different teams whilst eating on the same dining table. You also now have multiple ways in which you can watch the tournament, I think it's really gone leaps and bounds from where it started off and will only get bigger. If you compare it with leagues from across the world, which have been there for decades, this is only in its 14th season. With time, once it reaches its 25th or 30th season, it will just get bigger," says Kochhar.

He adds: "We will also get to witness some stunning talent emerge from it. We've already seen so many of these players now representing India and, according to me, this is only going to grow."

The television presenter is also hosting a Flipkart Video interactive quiz show where viewers can put their cricketing knowledge and predictive skills to the test and could win prizes.

He has hosted 'The Bid And Win Show' for the same platform last year. Targeting the "cricket expert" in everyone who may be watching this edge-of-the-seat thrilling series ending in late May, the show 'Power Play with Champions' will have Kochhar co-host with iconic cricketer Virender Sehwag for this twist to IPL-watching experience. The expert duo will also discuss various aspects of the upcoming matches. Flipkart app users can access the show via the Video icon at the bottom right of the app's homepage.

IANSlife chats with Kochhar as IPL Season 14 continues to keep India hooked to the screens:

How did 'Power Play with Champions' on the Flipkart app come about? This comes on the heels of the success of 'The Bid & Win' Show?

Kochhar: At the start of 2020, the Flipkart Video team wanted to create something engaging around the Indian cricketing season. The goal was to create a show that reaches out to sport loyalists and beyond, enabling them to play along, predict, analyse and win prizes. When asked to host, I obviously agreed and suggested that there is no better co-host than the legend himself, Virender Sehwag.

However, post the initial planning, the pandemic hit us, and we had no clarity about the upcoming season. However, when things began opening up, I associated with Flipkart Video for 'The Bid and Win Show'. Post this, the cricket season was announced, and we began work for 'Power Play with Champions'. There was a fabulous set created, the teams ideated on the format and began working towards its launch. The combination of me and Viru Paaji worked wonders. Close to 10 million played the game with loads of prizes given out. Now, here we are months later in our second edition and I couldn't be more excited.

Like I've said before, horses with chains can't keep me away from the world of cricket. The show embodies the way I like to watch cricket, it's fun and not too serious. The questions aren't just binary, they're MCQ's and to back those you have lovely stories, insights and anecdotes from the world of cricket. In the 'Straight Drive' segment, Viru Paaji and I put ourselves on the spot and talk about a lot of things.

What is the most exciting part of IPL for you?

Kochhar: It's such an amazing part of my life and people's lives and there's not just one thing that you can pinpoint. It's been such an incredible part of my journey in Mumbai. It's my 14th edition hosting it and it's truly special. Every edition of IPL, no matter what platform it's on, I'm very close to it. I've seen it from the first season, I've seen it from game number two, which I hosted and here I am 14 years down.

I was a single guy when I started hosting this tournament, I have a wife and have two kids now. So, it is a lovely journey for me, it's been remarkable that I've had this tournament in my life. From watching youngsters emerge in the field, people who nobody knows about, and at the domestic circuit, they're coming out and shining, scoring those big runs, taking those great wickets, to seeing the international heavyweights which are usually seen playing against India, now playing alongside these teams, it's exciting. Seeing them play together as a unit, the world's finest cricketers joining hands with India's finest talent, it truly is a place where talent meets opportunity. I really enjoy each season and look forward to all the banter, meeting great legends of the sport, hanging out with them, hosting and doing live television with them, I've really enjoyed it all. It's such a big high. To me, that's just excitement all around. They call it a carnival. And they call it for a reason.

What's keeping you busy in addition to this show?

Kochhar: This time of year I dedicate myself towards cricket but I'm doing a lot of web series and also a few films. I am also working on the third season of 'Four More Shots Please'. In addition, I am also shooting for a Netflix film called 'Kala'. I'm also doing the show 'Mind the Malhotras', the second edition, where I'm going to be doing a small guest appearance. Additionally, through my production house, I'm creating concepts, ideas for a few other shows.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in)

Source: IANS