Brands
MyTeam11 Onboards Cricket Star Shikhar Dhawan as Brand Ambassador
Mumbai: MyTeam11 has appointed star Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as their new brand ambassador. MyTeam11 is dedicated to providing the best fantasy sports experience for fans in India and with Shikhar Dhawan on board, the brand hopes to attract more sports enthusiasts to the platform. The newly appointed skipper of the IPL franchise Punjab Kings will soon appear in a series of promotional campaigns for MyTeam11, this year.
Dhawan is known for his aggressive style and jovial personality. Fondly known as ‘Gabbar’ across the cricket fraternity, Dhawan was one of the most influential players in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. A team player and a cricketer who has always been known for his swashbuckling playing style he has always been an ideal role model inspiring young cricketers to play the game with the right spirit.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Dhawan said, “MyTeam11 empowers the fans to be a part of the on-field action and put their knowledge of sports to test. It allows the fans to step in the shoes of a captain and make decisions which help their team to win. I am thrilled to associate with MyTeam11, a brand which takes fan engagement to a whole new level and makes the fans more connected to the game.”
While commenting on the decision to rope Dhawan as the brand ambassador, MyTeam11Co founder & CEO Vinit Godara said, “We are extremely delighted to have Shikhar on board as our brand ambassador. Over the years, Shikhar has been a consistent performer in international cricket for India and is admired throughout the nation. His ability to fearlessly face the toughest situations and lead as the anchor resonates with our brand’s core values. He also enjoys a high level of popularity and credibility in the cricket community which is consistent with the brand’s goal of becoming the most reputable and trustworthy homegrown fantasy sports app in India. With his addition to our team, we hope to further spark the growth of our brand in India.”
Speaking on the versatility of MyTeam11 being the pioneers of fantasy gaming for multiple sports on their platforms, Dhawan added, “Just not cricket, I was an active participant in football and volleyball during my younger years. So, I can connect with the vision of MyTeam11 as it’s a multi-sport fantasy destination for users.”
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
