Sports
IPL 19 records 96.8 ad index as advertisers and categories decline: TAM Sports report
Fewer categories and advertisers as tech and FMCG brands reshape IPL ad mix
NEW DELHI: The on-field action remains strong, but advertising activity during the Indian Premier League has shown a slight shift this season. A report from TAM Sports, a division of TAM Media Research, indicates that the first 13 matches of IPL 19 have recorded a marginal decline in commercial volumes compared to the same phase last year.
Indexed ad volumes stood at 96.8, down from 100 in IPL 18. The number of advertising categories fell from over 50 to 40, while the advertiser base reduced from 65 to 45. At the same time, the number of channels broadcasting the tournament declined from 28 to 25.
Mouth Fresheners emerged as the leading category, contributing over 14 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-Other Services and Ecom-Wallets followed, maintaining a strong presence during the early part of the tournament.
The technology sector has gained prominence this season. Google ranked as the top advertiser, accounting for over 13 per cent of ad share. The company focused on promoting its Google Search Engine and Google Gemini AI platform. In contrast, categories such as Ecom-Gaming and Cellular Phones-Smart Phones did not feature among the leading segments this year.
TAM Sports analyst Arjun Sharma said the decline in volumes reflects a more focused approach by advertisers, with fewer but more prominent players dominating the space.
The report also identified new entrants, with ten additional categories including Chocolates, Laptops/Notebooks, and Hair Care products. Among companies, Vishnu Packaging and Reliance Consumer Products remained key advertisers, while Havells India and K P Pan Foods continued to feature prominently.
Among brands, Vimal Pan Masala and Kamla Pasand Silver Coated Elaichi recorded high visibility, while Cadburys Dairy Milk Chocolate was among the notable new entrants.
With the tournament still underway, advertising activity may increase in the coming weeks as more brands look to capitalise on IPL viewership.
Sports
The king vs the hitman: Five iconic RCB-MI clashes that defined IPL rivalry
From Wankhede thrillers to Super Over drama, Kohli and Rohit reignite rivalry ahead
MUMBAI: Cricket’s fiercest modern rivalry is set to return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Mumbai Indians on April 12, 2026, reigniting a contest that has come to define the emotional core of the Indian Premier League.
Beyond points and playoff equations, this fixture has become synonymous with the duel between two of Indian cricket’s biggest names, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. One carries the reputation of relentless pursuit, the other the legacy of five title-winning campaigns, and together they have turned this rivalry into appointment viewing.
Over the years, RCB and MI have delivered moments that live long in the memory. From record-breaking partnerships to last-ball finishes, the contest has repeatedly swung between dominance and drama.
In 2015 at Wankhede, Kohli and AB de Villiers produced a breathtaking 215-run stand, dismantling Mumbai’s attack and setting a benchmark for IPL batting brilliance. Three years later in 2018, Rohit Sharma answered with authority, smashing 94 off 52 balls after MI were rocked early, steering his side to a commanding total.
The 2020 Dubai encounter added a new layer of tension as the match went into a Super Over. Kohli held his nerve against Jasprit Bumrah in a finish that showcased fine margins and sharper tactical battles between the two sides.
Controversy followed in 2019 when a missed no-ball call on the final delivery handed MI a narrow win. A fuming Virat Kohli famously stated,, “We are not playing club cricket,” reflecting the intensity and stakes of the rivalry.
More recently, in 2025, RCB finally broke their long-standing Wankhede jinx, securing their first win at the venue in a decade and signalling what many fans called a shift in momentum.
With the next chapter set to unfold, anticipation is building once again. Whether it is Kohli’s elegance under pressure or Rohit’s calm leadership, this fixture continues to deliver theatre, tension and turning points in equal measure.
As the teams prepare to clash again, fans can expect another high-voltage evening where reputations are tested and history is never far away.
