IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar plays with robo dog ‘Champak' before RCB vs RR match; video goes viral
Cricket fans were treated to a heartwarming and unexpected sight before the India Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar–affectionately called 'The Little Master'–stole the spotlight with his light-hearted antics alongside Champak, the popular robot dog that has become a recurring part of IPL this season.
Gavaskar, 75, was all smiles as he interacted with Champak before the match, even running and mimicking playful moves. The robo pup responded in sync by mirroring his actions. The clip, shared by the official IPL handle, quickly took off across social media platforms, drawing praise and delight from fans.
Watch the video:
Sunil Gavaskar playing with IPL Pet 😄👌 pic.twitter.com/FWQwtdFuyV
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 24, 2025
The video went viral and netizens poured in their reactions, admiring Gavaskar's energy and playful spirit. A user wrote, 'Gavaskar's playful moment with IPL pet adds charm to cricket vibes.' Another user said, 'Beautiful Moments in IPL 2025.'
A third individual commented, '75 years old with the energy of a 25 year old, this man has failed Kohli.' A fourth user wrote, 'Moj masti nhi rukni chaiye (The fun shouldn't stop).'
Champak, who debuted earlier this season, is no ordinary robot. With the ability to walk, jump, turn, and even stand on its hind legs, the four-legged machine has become a sensation in its own right. Fitted with a camera on its head, it provides unique broadcast visuals from the sidelines and dugouts. It also brings the coin out for the toss and has even helped umpires by delivering drinks and towels during matches.
Before Gavaskar, MS Dhoni and Axar Patel have interacted with the robo dog. A few days ago, a video showing Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya playing with the robo dog, along with MI -owner Akash Ambani, had gone viral.
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to field first. RCB came out firing, with Virat Kohli smashing a brilliant 70 off 42 balls, and Devdutt Padikkal adding a rapid fifty from just 26 deliveries, helping their team post a solid 205/5.
Rajasthan's young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave the team a dream start with the franchise posting 113 runs in just 10 overs. But RCB clawed their way back late in the innings. Josh Hazlewood turned the game around with a sensational 19th over–conceding only one run and picking up two wickets. His clutch performance sealed the win for RCB and earned him his first 'Man of the Match' award this season.
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