Virat Kohli Expresses Frustration Over BCCI’s Robotic Camera ‘Champak’

The Rise of Surveillance in Modern Cricket

As technology continues to reshape the landscape of professional sports, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been at the forefront of innovation. From advanced analytics to cutting-edge broadcast tools, the league is constantly evolving. However, one specific piece of hardware introduced in IPL 2025 has become a point of contention for one of the sport’s biggest icons: Virat Kohli.

Known as ‘Champak’, the BCCI’s robotic dog—a camera-equipped unit designed to capture real-time reactions and interactions on the pitch—has recently come under fire. While the robot was intended to enhance fan engagement, it seems to have overstepped the boundaries of player privacy during high-stakes matches.

What is ‘Champak’?

Designed by wTVision, the robot camera is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a custom-built gimbal system designed to stabilize footage over the uneven surfaces of a cricket field, paired with a sophisticated pan-tilt mechanism and a robust video RF system. All of this technology is housed within a durable, custom 3D-printed shell, allowing the robot to navigate the stadium environment with ease.

The intention behind its creation was simple: to bring fans closer to the action by capturing spontaneous moments between players, umpires, and even the crowd. Yet, as Virat Kohli recently shared on the RCB Podcast, the reality of having a robot roaming the field can be significantly more intrusive than anticipated.

Kohli’s Stance on Player Privacy

The frustration boiled over during an incident following a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants on May 7. Kohli, who shares a long-standing friendship with former New Zealand skipper and current LSG Strategic Advisor Kane Williamson, found his private conversation interrupted by the robotic dog.

“This is my honest assessment. It gets too much, I don’t like it,” Kohli remarked during the podcast. He described a scenario where he was attempting to have a serious, personal conversation with Williamson, only for the robot to begin wagging its mechanical paw at them. For Kohli, this was not just an annoyance; it was a distraction that highlighted a larger issue regarding the constant presence of cameras.

The Need for Boundaries

Kohli’s critique is not directed at the technology itself, but rather at the lack of consideration for the players’ personal space. He argued that the BCCI and broadcasters must consider whether a player is comfortable being filmed during every single moment, especially during downtime or private discussions with peers.

“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,” he stated. The star batter expressed that he had to personally request the operator to move the robot away, as he felt he could not have a simple conversation with a friend without it being turned into a viral social media moment.

The Pressure of the Spotlight

The incident underlines the immense pressure modern cricketers face. Every gesture, every conversation, and every facial expression is analyzed and often taken out of context by fans and media alike. For players like Kohli and Williamson, who have known each other since their Under-19 days, the field should be a place where they can interact naturally. Instead, the constant surveillance makes even basic human interaction feel performative.

“I can’t have a conversation with him without it becoming a moment of ‘Oh, Kane Mama and Virat Kohli,'” Kohli noted. “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.”

Looking Ahead

As the IPL continues to lead the way in technological integration, the feedback from high-profile players like Virat Kohli serves as a necessary reminder that innovation must be balanced with respect. Whether the BCCI will adjust the operations of ‘Champak’ or similar technologies in the future remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: for the players who define the sport, the line between entertainment and intrusion is one that should not be crossed lightly.