Virat Kohli Expresses Frustration Over BCCI’s ‘Champak’ Robot Dog
The Price of Progress: Virat Kohli on the Intrusive Nature of ‘Champak’
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, technology has always played a pivotal role in enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide. From advanced ball-tracking to high-speed cameras, the IPL has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. However, the introduction of the BCCI‘s new robot dog, nicknamed ‘Champak’, has sparked a heated debate regarding player privacy and the limits of broadcast technology.
What is Champak?
Introduced during the 2025 season, Champak is a specialized robot dog equipped with a sophisticated camera system designed to capture candid moments on the cricket field. Developed by wTVision, the robot features a custom-built gimbal system for stabilization, a pan-tilt mechanism, and a high-performance video RF system. All of this is housed within a durable, 3D-printed shell, allowing it to navigate the uneven terrain of a cricket pitch with ease.
The robot was intended to provide a unique, real-time perspective of the emotions and reactions of players, umpires, and fans. Yet, what was designed as a creative broadcast tool has increasingly become a source of irritation for some of the game’s biggest stars.
The Breaking Point: A Private Moment Interrupted
Virat Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper, recently opened up on the RCB Podcast about his personal experiences with the machine. Kohli expressed deep frustration, particularly regarding an incident during the IPL 2026 campaign. Following an RCB loss to the Lucknow Super Giants on May 7, Kohli was engaged in a serious conversation with his longtime friend and former New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson.
As the two players shared a private moment, the robot dog reportedly approached them, even wagging its robotic paw. Kohli did not hold back in his assessment of the encounter. ‘This is my honest assessment. It gets too much, I don’t like it. I was talking to Kane the other day, and there’s that robot thing doing [wagging its paw at them], and I’m like why is this guy doing like this. I’m talking to him about something serious,’ Kohli explained.
The Call for Player Consideration
Kohli’s grievances go beyond a single incident. He highlighted a broader issue regarding how technology is deployed in the modern game. According to the batting icon, there is a lack of consideration for whether players are comfortable with being monitored at every second of the match.
‘How to do [filming interactions between players]? When to do? Is the player okay with being filmed at all times? I think those kinds of things really need to be taken into account,’ Kohli stated. For professional athletes, the pitch is their workplace, and the constant presence of automated cameras can be mentally taxing, especially after a tough defeat.
During the interaction with Williamson, Kohli eventually had to intervene and ask the operator to move the robot away. He expressed his desire to have a conversation with his friend without it being transformed into a viral social media moment. ‘I looked at him, and I ignored him. Then I told the guy, ‘Man, please take him away. You know, let me talk in peace, he is my friend. I can’t have a conversation with him without it becoming a moment,’ he added.
Why Friendships are Misinterpreted
Kohli lamented that he has known players like Williamson since their Under-19 days, and these connections are genuine. However, because of the constant surveillance, every gesture or conversation is analyzed under a microscope. ‘What is this? He is a friend… The poor guy is saying something; at least let me talk to him. If I talk to anyone outside, it becomes big news. So, I think it is a bit much,’ he concluded.
As cricket continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, the balance between fan engagement and player well-being remains delicate. While technological advancements are essential for the growth of the IPL, the concerns raised by senior players like Virat Kohli serve as a necessary reminder that even the most high-tech innovations must respect the human element of the sport.
