Virat Kohli Frustrated by BCCI’s ‘Champak’ Robot Camera in IPL
Virat Kohli Reveals Frustration with BCCI‘s ‘Champak’ Robot Camera
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Virat Kohli has candidly expressed his annoyance regarding the incessant filming during IPL matches, particularly in the recent IPL 2026 season. Kohli’s frustration primarily targets the BCCI’s new robot dog, affectionately dubbed ‘Champak’, which has become a constant presence on the field, capturing player interactions.
The seasoned cricketer elaborated on a specific incident that occurred after RCB’s loss to LSG in Lucknow on May 7. He was filmed engaging in a serious discussion with former Sunrisers Hyderabad and New Zealand skipper, and current Lucknow Super Giants’ Strategic Advisor, Kane Williamson. This seemingly innocuous interaction, however, became a focal point of Kohli’s discontent with the pervasive nature of the robotic camera.
The Rise of ‘Champak’: BCCI’s Robotic Innovation
Introduced by the BCCI and the IPL in 2025, the robotic camera, ‘Champak’, was initially conceived to bring fans closer to the action. Its design mandate was to react in real-time, capturing spontaneous moments involving players, umpires, and even the cheering crowds within the stadium. The technology aimed to provide a unique, ground-level perspective rarely seen before.
Designed by wTVision, this innovative robot camera boasts impressive specifications. It features a custom-built gimbal system engineered to stabilize footage even across uneven playing surfaces, ensuring smooth and high-quality video. Furthermore, it integrates a sophisticated pan-tilt mechanism and a video RF system for seamless operation and transmission. All these advanced components are housed within a custom 3D-printed shell, which not only ensures the robotic dog remains compact and durable but also maintains its agility and performance without compromise.
Kohli’s Unfiltered Thoughts: A Call for Player Consideration
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli did not hold back his thoughts on being constantly filmed, specifically singling out ‘Champak’. He emphasized the critical need for the BCCI and broadcasters to factor in player considerations before deploying such advanced technology, highlighting that the human element should not be overlooked in the pursuit of innovative content.
“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, underscoring his belief that consent and context are paramount.
His remarks suggest a broader concern about the boundaries of media coverage and the personal space of athletes, who are increasingly under constant scrutiny, even in moments that might traditionally be considered private or informal.
The Infamous Interaction: Williamson and the Wagging Paw
Kohli recounted the specific incident involving Kane Williamson with a palpable sense of frustration. He described how ‘Champak’ added to his annoyance by seemingly
