Saurav Ganguli AI Avatar: Dada Digital Debuts
Saurav Ganguli AI Avatar debuts as Ikonz launches a groundbreaking digital version of the cricket legend using Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) technology in Kolkata.
In a move that would make even the most futuristic of science fiction writers tip their hats (or turbans), Ikonz, the Hyderabad-based wizards of AI and digital wizardry, have only gone and done it—they’ve turned Sourav Ganguly, the Prince of Kolkata and the man who once waved his shirt at Lord’s, into a full-blown Saurav Ganguli AI Avatar. And not just any avatar, mind you, but one that talks, moves, and carries himself with all the swagger and suaveness that made Dada the darling of cricket fans worldwide.
The grand unveiling took place at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, which for a brief moment became less a five-star hotel and more a set straight out of Black Mirror—but, you know, in a good way. The star of the show was none other than Dada himself (in real flesh and blood, not just circuits and code), flanked by the ever-enthusiastic team at Ikonz, headed by the delightfully visionary Mr Abinav Varma Kalidindi.
“Off the Mark with a Boundary!”
Speaking on this brave new foray into digital cricketing territory, Ganguly quipped with characteristic charm,
“I’m excited to see my digital avatar come to life and to explore its potential across sports, entertainment, education, and beyond.”
Frankly, one wouldn’t be surprised if his AI twin starts giving straight bat life advice or teaches cover drives with the same panache he once reserved for Brett Lee.
Kalidindi, looking every bit the tech tycoon on a mission, didn’t miss a beat:
“Sourav Ganguly has always been at the forefront of cricketing excellence and innovation. With this digital avatar, we’re bringing his presence to audiences and industries far beyond the cricket pitch.”
Let’s face it, if anyone can pull off a cover drive in the metaverse, it’s Dada.
The Tech Behind the Tales
The avatar isn’t some lazy cartoon cut-out either. No, no. The chaps at Ikonz have thrown everything at it: neural synthesis, motion capture, holography, and possibly even a bit of magic from Harry Potter’s wand (though they remain tight-lipped about that).
And here’s the real googly—Ikonz now holds exclusive global rights to Ganguly’s voice, likeness, and mannerisms. So, if you fancy Dada appearing in a bank ad, teaching cricket in a virtual classroom, or guiding you through a podcast with that unmistakable Bengali twang—you’ll need to go through Ikonz first, thank you very much.
What’s Next? Coaching in the Cloud?
The use cases are dizzyingly vast:
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Personalised brand endorsements
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Retail and banking experiences (imagine Dada reminding you not to overspend!)
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Interactive fan engagement in the metaverse
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Educational content, sports coaching, and even documentary narration
Honestly, with this kind of tech, it’s only a matter of time before Ganguly’s avatar starts giving pep talks to school kids or critiquing your footwork over Zoom.
Ikonz: Not Just Playing the Field, Redefining It
This isn’t Ikonz’s first innings either. In June 2023, they welcomed Amitabh Bachchan as a strategic partner (because clearly, subtlety isn’t their thing). And by December 2024, they’d already bowled over the world with the first-ever AI avatar of the Big B himself. So really, bringing in Ganguly was just them playing a straight bat down the track of inevitability.
And just in case you thought they might slow down, they’re already prepping for a Series A funding round worth $20-25 million. Not too shabby, eh?
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