Sunil Gavaskar’s playful moments with IPL robot dog Champak (Screengrab)
NEW DELHI: A new video from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is spreading quickly online. It shows cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar enjoying a light moment with the Indian Premier League’s new robot dog, named Champak.
The scene took place on Thursday evening ahead of the IPL encounter between
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
and Rajasthan Royals.
The IPL introduced the four‑legged robot earlier this season and asked fans to choose a name in an online poll.
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In Thursday’s short clip, 75‑year‑old Gavaskar played with Champak as he jumped and ran with the robo dog.
The IPL social‑media team posted the video with the caption: “Looks like Sunny G found a new friend.”
Watch:
“Champak” won easily. The choice struck a familiar note with viewers of the long‑running Hindi comedy show "
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
", where the wise grandfather character is called Champaklal Gada.
Many fans posted jokes and memes saying the TV “grandpa” would be proud of his new mechanical namesake.
Champak is built on a high‑tech frame similar to well‑known research robots.
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It can walk, trot, turn, jump, and even balance on its hind legs. A camera on its head sends live pictures to TV crews, giving fresh angles from the boundary edge or team dug‑outs.
The robot also carries the coin out to the middle for the toss and has delivered drinks and towels to umpires during breaks.
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