Mumbai: At a lively fireside chat titled “Sports 2.0: The India Playbook”, former Indian cricketer, coach and commentator Dinesh Karthik sat down with Ishan Chatterjee, CEO, Sports at JioStar, to explore the evolution of Indian sport, the rise of technology in broadcasting, and the dynamic shifts shaping the next decade of the country’s sporting economy.
Karthik opened the session with trademark wit, joking about morning audiences and cricket attendance, setting an engaging tone for a conversation that moved seamlessly between nostalgia, insight, and foresight. What unfolded was an illuminating dialogue on India’s transformation into a sports powerhouse — economically, technologically, and culturally.
Chatterjee highlighted the immense growth potential of India’s sports economy, citing a Deloitte study projecting expansion from $30 billion to $70 billion by 2030. “The next five to ten years are going to be crazy for the sports economy,” he said, adding that while men’s cricket continues to anchor the industry, the rise of other sports — from kabaddi and football to esports — represents India’s next big leap.
Karthik reflected on how technology has revolutionized not just broadcasting, but the sport itself. Recalling how early resistance to data-driven insights has given way to tech-enabled precision, he noted that “the beauty of technology is the questions you ask of it.” Chatterjee agreed, emphasizing that India’s rapid adoption of emerging technologies — from AI to immersive viewing experiences — is reshaping how fans consume sport. “Our vision is a completely personalized, one-to-one feed for every viewer,” he explained. “If you and I are watching the same match, what you see could be entirely different based on your preferences.”
The conversation also touched on inclusivity and the exponential rise of women’s cricket, with Chatterjee pointing out its growing commercial and cultural relevance. “It’s one of our biggest priorities,” he said. “For India’s sporting culture to be truly representative, women’s cricket must thrive. The WPL is already transforming that landscape.”
Discussing the coexistence of cricket’s three formats, both agreed that while T20 drives commercial success, Test and ODI formats remain crucial for the sport’s depth and heritage. Chatterjee emphasized that the scale of Indian cricket provides the momentum to nurture other sports, using the fandom of men’s cricket to promote leagues like the Premier League, Kabaddi, and even the Olympics.
As the session closed, Karthik’s blend of humour and candour brought the discussion full circle — from big-picture economics to the passion that fuels every game. He recalled his unforgettable 2018 Nidahas Trophy innings in Colombo, describing it as a moment when “the stars aligned” — a reminder that even in a tech-driven sports era, the human element remains irreplaceable.
The chat, rich in data, anecdotes, and forward-looking perspectives, underscored a shared optimism — that India’s sporting story is no longer just about cricket, but about a nation ready to redefine what sport means in the 21st century.
