Virat Kohli Opens Up About Frustration with IPL’s Robot Dog ‘Champak’

The Intrusion of Technology on the Cricket Field

In the modern era of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the line between spectator entertainment and player privacy is becoming increasingly blurred. The latest point of contention in this ongoing debate is ‘Champak,’ the BCCI’s robotic dog equipped with a high-definition camera designed to capture candid moments on the field. While the technology is intended to provide fans with closer access to their icons, it has drawn the ire of one of the sport’s biggest names: Virat Kohli.

What is ‘Champak’?

Introduced in the 2025 season, Champak is a sophisticated piece of broadcast equipment developed by wTVision. The robot features a custom-built gimbal system to stabilize footage, a pan-tilt mechanism, and a wireless video RF system, all housed in a durable 3D-printed shell. Its primary function is to roam the ground, reacting in real-time to the actions of players, umpires, and fans. However, what was intended to be an innovative broadcasting tool has become a source of significant irritation for the athletes on the field.

Kohli’s Candid Assessment

During a recent appearance on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli did not hold back when discussing the constant presence of the robotic dog. The star batter highlighted a specific incident involving former Sunrisers Hyderabad and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 7, Kohli and Williamson were engaged in an intimate, private conversation. During this moment, the robotic dog approached them, began wagging its mechanical paw, and filmed the interaction.

“This is my honest assessment. It gets too much, I don’t like it,” Kohli remarked during the podcast. “I was talking to Kane the other day, and there’s that robot thing wagging its paw at us. I’m thinking, why is this thing doing that? I’m trying to have a serious conversation with a friend.”

The Need for Player Privacy

Kohli’s primary concern is not the technology itself, but the lack of consideration regarding when and where it is deployed. He argued that the BCCI and broadcasters must strike a balance between commercial requirements and the mental comfort of the players. The constant fear of being recorded means that even simple, friendly interactions between players—who have often known each other since their Under-19 cricket days—become fodder for social media analysis and headlines.

“I looked at the robot and I ignored it. Eventually, I had to tell the operator, ‘Man, please take him away. Let me talk in peace; he is my friend.’ I can’t even have a normal conversation without it becoming a ‘moment’ for the cameras,” Kohli added. He expressed genuine fatigue at the fact that any interaction he has on the field is immediately scrutinized by fans and the media, turning private friendships into public spectacles.

Looking Ahead

The incident raises a broader question about the future of in-stadium entertainment. As technology continues to evolve, sports organizations must determine how to enhance the viewer experience without alienating the very individuals who make the sport possible. Kohli’s stance serves as a reminder that players are human beings who require space to decompress, celebrate, or commiserate without the unblinking eye of a robot tracking their every movement.

As the IPL continues to lead the world in sports technology, the feedback from high-profile players like Kohli will be instrumental in setting boundaries. The balance between ‘entertainment’ and ‘intrusion’ remains a delicate one, and it is clear that the players are now calling for more discretion in how these technological assets are utilized during matches.