IPL Players Losing Their Shine: A Look at the Losing Streak
Potential Loss of Prominence for Pant and Jadeja amidst the Rise of Emerging Cricket Stars
Hey there, IPL fans! This season, we've witnessed extraordinary performances and the emergence of fresh talents. From teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal, the newcomers have surely captured the hearts of fans and the marketing world alike.
On the flip side, some players have experienced a dip in form and popularity. According to eDART IPL'25 data from CrispInsight and Kadence International, these include Rishabh Pant of Lucknow Super Giants, Rinku Singh from Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja.
But the story doesn't end here. Other Indian players like Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings), CSK icon MS Dhoni, and Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) also appear on the list of those seemingly losing steam in terms of fan following.
Rishabh Pant, despite having endorsements with Swiggy, Dream11, and Thums Up, has struggled this season. Ritesh Ghosal, partner at CrispInsight, notes that Pant's popularity has marginally decreased compared to the start of the IPL. However, his leadership role and LSG's improved performance could balance things out.
It's still too early to tell how badly Pant or Jadeja may be hit in terms of endorsements. Brands might adopt a wait-and-watch approach before making any changes. Ghosal also emphasizes that on-field performance plays only a part in a star's appeal; they must also captivate fans and the media to maintain their value.
Interestingly, MS Dhoni, despite a poor season, continues to be a fan favorite. Ghosal points out that Dhoni's brand appeal has surpassed his on-field performance and has become a timeless asset for brands. In contrast, players like Rishabh Pant, with a single underwhelming season, might not face the same level of commitment from brands.
Now, here's an exciting observation: Brands often gravitate towards breakout moments rather than consistency. Rajnish Rawat, co-founder & CEO of Social Pill, points out that players like Neeraj Chopra and Shefali Verma have been trending among brands, and the same might be true for new talents like Vignesh Puthur, Tilak Varma, Sai Sudarsan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
As for the emerging star, Vaignesh Suryavanshi, while he's been catching attention on the field, he has yet to secure any brand deals. Experts advise him to avoid overexposure and wait for the right opportunity.
In conclusion, while the IPL continues to churn out spectacular performances and budding talents, some players are facing challenges. Fans and brands will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on these developments, and the race for stardom and endorsements is far from over.
Fun Fact: The market for cricket stars isn't just about on-field performance. Cricketers need to market themselves off the field through social media, podcasts, and videos to remain relevant and attractive to brands.
- Abhishek Sharma's consistent performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad have been met with a decrease in fan following, raising concerns about his future endorsement deals.
- Virat Kohli, known as the talisman of Indian cricket, maintains a strong brand appeal, surpassing his performance on the field, which could provide him with a competitive edge in the market despite a less-than-stellar season.
- Rishabh Pant, despite having endorsement deals with Swiggy, Dream11, and Thums Up, is facing market challenges due to his underwhelming form in the IPL this season.
- Newcomers in the IPL, like Vignesh Puthur, Tilak Varma, Sai Sudarsan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, might attract sponsorship deals due to their breakout moments, rather than depending solely on consistency.
