Virat Kohli Slams BCCI’s ‘Champak’ Robot: “I Hate Being Filmed All the Time”
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The Rise of Intrusive Technology in IPL 2026
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in cricket. From Spidercams to Zing bails, the league constantly seeks new ways to bring fans closer to the action. However, the introduction of the BCCI‘s new robotic dog, affectionately named ‘Champak,’ seems to have crossed a line for one of the game’s biggest icons. Virat Kohli, the backbone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), recently opened up about his growing frustration with being constantly filmed, particularly by this new mobile technology during the IPL 2026 season.
The ‘Champak’ Incident: Kohli vs. The Robot
The friction between the star batter and the robotic cameraman came to a head following RCB’s encounter with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on May 7. After a hard-fought match, Kohli sought a moment of quiet camaraderie with his long-time friend and contemporary, Kane Williamson. Williamson, currently serving as the Strategic Advisor for LSG, has shared a bond with Kohli since their early days in Under-19 cricket. However, their post-match conversation was interrupted by the presence of Champak.
Kohli recounted the incident on the RCB Podcast, describing his disbelief as the robot maneuvered around them while they were trying to have a serious discussion. “This is my honest assessment. It gets too much, I don’t like it,” Kohli stated. “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.”
Who is ‘Champak’? A Look at the Technology
To understand why this device is so pervasive, one must look at its design. Developed by wTVision, Champak is not a stationary camera but a highly mobile robotic unit. It features a custom-built gimbal system designed specifically to stabilize high-definition footage while traversing the often-uneven surfaces of a cricket ground. The robot includes a sophisticated pan-tilt mechanism and a video RF system, all housed within a 3D-printed shell that is both durable and compact.
While the BCCI and broadcasters intended for the robot to react in real-time to players, umpires, and fans to create a more ‘immersive’ experience, players like Kohli feel it has become a robotic stalker. The ability of the robot to follow players into what were previously considered ‘safe’ or ‘quiet’ zones on the field has raised significant questions about the balance between entertainment and privacy.
The Privacy Paradox in Modern Cricket
For a player of Virat Kohli’s stature, privacy is a rare commodity. Every gesture, word, and expression is scrutinized by millions. Kohli’s primary grievance lies in the lack of player consent regarding these new filming methods. “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 argued.
The frustration isn’t just about the physical presence of the robot, but the immediate impact those recordings have on the digital landscape. Kohli noted that he had to eventually ask the operator to move the robot away so he could speak with Williamson in peace. The RCB legend expressed concern that every minor interaction is now curated to become a ‘viral moment’ on social media, often stripping the interaction of its genuine human value.
The ‘Kane Mama’ and Virat Kohli Social Media Obsession
Kohli specifically mentioned how the narrative around his friendship with Williamson is often distorted by the lens of social media. Williamson, fondly known as ‘Kane Mama’ by fans, shares a deep history with Kohli. “The poor guy is saying something; at least let me talk to him. I have to go to the dressing room now. If I talk to anyone outside, it becomes big news. So, I think it is a bit much,” Kohli added. By filming these moments so closely, broadcasters are effectively forcing players to retreat to the dressing rooms earlier than they might like, just to escape the prying eyes of Champak and similar devices.
A Call for Boundaries
As the IPL continues to evolve, the feedback from its primary stakeholders—the players—will be crucial. Kohli’s comments serve as a significant critique of the ‘always-on’ culture of modern sports broadcasting. While fans crave content, the elite athletes who provide that content are beginning to push back against the encroachment of technology into their personal interactions on the field. Whether the BCCI will limit the movements of ‘Champak’ or similar robotic units in future seasons remains to be seen, but the message from the RCB camp is clear: players need their space, even in the middle of a packed stadium.
