iWorld
VETO teams up with cricket stars for T20 World Cup content push
Aakash Chopra, Ashwin, Badrinath and Samip Rajguru to deliver previews, analysis and watch-alongs.
MUMBAI: VETO isn’t just streaming cricket, it’s calling the shots with a star-studded commentary team. The family-first CTV OTT platform has unveiled a creator-led content strategy for the T20 World Cup, roping in some of India’s most respected cricket voices to build a trusted second-screen destination.
The lineup features commentator Aakash Chopra, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, ex-India batsman S. Badrinath and senior journalist Samip Rajguru. Coverage spans match previews, post-match breakdowns, tactical deep dives, interactive watch-alongs, exclusive chats and behind-the-scenes insights, all exclusive to VETO.
VETO Streaming Media Pvt Ltd, managing director Ritu Dhawan said, “This initiative strengthens VETO’s vision of becoming a trusted, family-centric digital ecosystem. The T20 World Cup is a high-attention moment, and by bringing together respected former cricketers, credible journalists, and influential digital creators, we are building a differentiated cricket destination. Our goal is to move beyond fragmented consumption and offer audiences one reliable platform for expert analysis, real-time updates, and meaningful engagement throughout the tournament.”
Positioned as the “Second Screen for the T20 World Cup,” VETO aims to give serious fans deeper context and expert takes beyond live broadcasts, all on the big screen in a seamless Connected TV experience. The move signals a longer play too – building a year-round cricket content hub that outlives marquee events by consolidating authoritative voices in one place.
In a crowded streaming landscape, VETO’s bet on credibility and community could turn casual viewers into loyal couch companions. Whether you’re watching with kids or debating DRS calls, the platform wants to be the family-friendly voice of reason when the stumps are flying.
iWorld
Rusk Media announces Battleground Season 2 on Amazon MX Player
Fitness reality show returns in April 2026 with bigger challenges and mentors.
MUMBAI: The arena is reopening and this time the competition promises even more sweat, strategy and spectacle. Rusk Media has confirmed the return of its fitness reality format Battleground for a second season, set to stream on Amazon MX Player from April 2026. The announcement follows the breakout success of the show’s debut season, which positioned itself as a high energy blend of sport, strategy and reality television. Season 1 brought together 16 contestants for a 28 day test of endurance and discipline, as aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts competed in physically demanding challenges and team based battles.
Divided into four teams, the participants trained under a panel of mentors drawn from the fitness and lifestyle space, with former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan serving as the show’s Super Mentor.
The format quickly found an audience among digital viewers and was listed among the most binged titles on Amazon MX Player. The show also picked up industry recognition, winning the “Most Popular Non Fiction Show” honour at the IWMBuzz Digital Awards 2025.
The first season also drew a slate of brand partnerships, including Honda Bigwing, Charged, American Pistachio Growers, Bigmuscles Nutrition, Ritebite Max Protein, Plix and Sparsh CCTV, highlighting the show’s appeal to brands targeting India’s rapidly growing youth and fitness audience.
For Season 2, the producers say the format will evolve with tougher physical challenges, a sharper competitive structure and deeper mentor involvement while continuing to focus on discovering the next generation of Indian fitness personalities.
Rusk Media, chief executive officer and co founder Mayank Yadav said the first season proved the appetite for competitive fitness storytelling. “Battleground was always envisioned as more than a show. Season 1 demonstrated that there is a massive audience for aspirational fitness competition at scale. With Season 2 we are going even bigger in ambition, intensity and opportunities for contestants and partners,” he said.
Rusk Ads lead Rahul Arora added that the series has also evolved into a strong platform for brand integration and advertiser engagement. “Season 1 showed that Battleground is not just compelling content but a powerful brand ecosystem. As we move into Season 2, we are looking to deepen brand collaborations and build more integrated partnerships,” he said.
With a larger format, an expanding fan base and a new season set to arrive in April 2026, Battleground is positioning itself as one of India’s emerging fitness reality franchises in the digital entertainment space.
