Author: Neel Achary

IPL 2026 Fan Behaviour Shifts as RCB Leads Support and Multi-Screen Viewing Dominates: Hansa Research Study

Mumbai, May 26 : Hansa Research Group, through its IPLomania study tracking audience behaviour during the first six weeks of IPL 2026, has revealed emerging trends across viewership, consumer engagement, brand visibility, and fandom patterns. The findings highlight how the IPL is steadily evolving into a multi-platform entertainment ecosystem, driven by dual-screen consumption, digital-first engagement, and growing interaction with short-format content and highlights.

The study reveals that IPL consumption in 2026 is being driven by extremely high engagement intensity among core fans, with audiences increasingly treating the tournament as a daily entertainment habit rather than an occasional sporting event. Over 41.18% viewers reported watching 7+ IPL matches weekly, while another 29.78% viewers watched 6–7 matches every week. The average IPL viewer consumed 6.12 matches weekly during the tournament period, indicating sustained and habitual engagement across the season.

The IPLomania study further reveals that audiences are increasingly shifting how they consume the tournament, with multi-platform and digital-first viewing behaviour continuing to strengthen during IPL 2026. Nearly 70% viewers now consume IPL across both television and OTT platforms, making dual-screen viewing the dominant mode of tournament consumption.

While only 18.98% viewers now watch IPL exclusively on television, 38.26% viewers mainly consume IPL on TV while simultaneously engaging through OTT platforms, and another 31.16% viewers primarily consume through OTT while continuing partial TV viewing. According to Hansa Research’s IPLomania trends, exclusive linear TV viewership has declined from nearly 27% earlier to 18.98% in IPL 2026, indicating a clear migration toward connected TVs, mobile streaming, and digital-first viewing habits.

The findings also highlight the rapid rise of short-format and catch-up IPL consumption beyond live broadcasts. Around 13.64% viewers actively consume IPL through social media highlights and reels, while another 8.40% audiences engage with match highlights on YouTube. Among engagement-led formats, “Super Sixes” emerged as the most consumed content category at 36.33%, followed by “Moment of the Day” at 33.66%, “Fall of Wicket” clips at 32.99%, “Winning Moments” at 32.14%, and “Action Replay” content at 28.38%.

On the advertising front, CEAT emerged as the most recalled brand during IPL 2026 with a recall score of 59.61, followed by RuPay at 56.45, Amul at 54.99, and TATA AIG at 54.00. Other strongly recalled brands included Groww, Rajshree Pan Masala, Mutual Fund Sahi Hai, Asian Paints, Google Gemini, and Angel One.

The IPLomania study also evaluated the strongest sponsorship properties for brand visibility during IPL broadcasts. Player jerseys emerged as the highest-performing branding asset, with 55.06% viewers recalling brands displayed on jerseys. This was followed by on-ground and pitch branding at 49.48%, boundary rope branding at 47.36%, commentator and presentation backdrops at 44.75%, helmet branding at 40.27%, player pants branding at 38.20%, and perimeter LCD branding at 36.45%.

The research further captured a major shift in IPL fandom during the 2026 season. Royal Challengers Bangalore  emerged as the most supported IPL franchise this year with 20.25% support share, overtaking Chennai Super Kings (19.35%) and Mumbai Indians (17.83%), both of which witnessed declines compared to the previous season. Rajasthan Royals also recorded notable fan growth, increasing from 5% support in 2025 to 7.28% in 2026.

Among emerging players, Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as the biggest breakout player of IPL 2026 with 18.56% audience preference, establishing a significant lead over all other emerging cricketers tracked in the study. Ayush Mhatre followed at 5.09%, while Noor Ahmad, Priyansh Arya, Sameer Rizvi, Jacob Bethell, and Tristan Stubbs also emerged among the key young players attracting audience interest this season.

Commenting on the findings, Pramod Pawar, Quantitative Research – Vice President, Hansa Research Group said,

“The way audiences are interacting with IPL is becoming far more fragmented and continuous than before. Fans today are not just following full matches, but are actively engaging with key moments, highlights, replays, and cricket conversations throughout the day across multiple platforms. This evolution is creating a far more dynamic engagement environment for broadcasters, teams, sponsors, and digital platforms, where audience attention is increasingly distributed across formats, screens, and content moments rather than concentrated only around live television viewing.” 

IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: RCB, Gujarat Titans Lock Horns for Direct Final Spot

New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): In a high-stakes showdown, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, with a direct spot in the final up for grabs.

Both teams finished the league stage level on points and were separated only by net run rate, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter between two of the tournament’s most consistent sides. The winner of the contest will seal a place in the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2.

The clash marks the first-ever playoff meeting between Bengaluru and Gujarat, despite both franchises making the playoffs four times in the last five seasons. Their rivalry has remained finely balanced, with both teams sharing four wins each in eight previous meetings.

RCB head into the contest with a formidable batting line-up led by experienced campaigners and explosive finishers, giving them depth and flexibility in pressure situations. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, will bank heavily on their in-form top order, with captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler expected to shoulder the responsibility.

One of the key battles to watch could be between RCB pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Gujarat’s top-order batters. The veteran pacer has enjoyed notable success against Gill and Buttler in the T20 format, making the opening exchanges potentially decisive.

RCB will also rely on the experience of Virat Kohli in pressure matches, while skipper Rajat Patidar could play a crucial role in the middle order. Gujarat’s hopes may rest on the bowling brilliance of Rashid Khan and pace ace Kagiso Rabada, especially if the Dharamsala surface assists seam and bounce.

The HPCA Stadium pitch is expected to provide movement and carry for fast bowlers early in the innings, though batters are likely to enjoy stroke play once settled. Chasing teams have traditionally found success at the venue during evening matches.

Weather conditions in Dharamsala are expected to remain pleasant, with only a slight chance of rain earlier in the evening. Officials expect conditions to clear well before the toss, allowing for an uninterrupted contest.

The toss for the much-anticipated Qualifier 1 will take place at 7 PM IST, while the match begins at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can catch the action live on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on JioHotstar.

With power hitters, proven match-winners and a place in the final at stake, cricket fans can expect towering sixes, game-changing wickets and intense playoff drama in what promises to be one of the biggest clashes of IPL 2026.

Anytime Fitness India Earns ‘Master Franchise Of The Year ’ At Franchise India Awards 2026 In Fitness Category

New Delhi May 26 : Continuing its strong growth momentum, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise chain, has recently been awarded with the prestigious ‘Master Franchise of the Year’ in Fitness category at the Franchise India Awards 2026 held at the Yashobhoomi India International Convention and Expo Centre. The recognition highlights another milestone in the brand’s rapid expansion, strong presence and fitness facilities all across India.

The award was received by Head of Marketing – Ryan Rocque; Regional Manager Franchise Sales North and East – Mayank Bhatia and Arvind Raj. The event was attended by some of the world’s biggest franchises, entrepreneurs and business leaders to celebrate innovation and excellence.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said:

“We are extremely delighted to get honoured with the ‘Master Franchise of the Year- Fitness’ award at Franchise India Awards 2026. This marks a significant achievement in our journey towards making a community-driven fitness conscious India. It is truly encouraging to see our efforts, vision and commitment being recognised on such a prestigious platform.”

The award further reinforces Anytime Fitness India as one of the country’s leading fitness franchise brands, driven by its vision of building a healthier, fitter, and more active India. Since entering the Indian market in 2013, the brand has established itself as a convenient, accessible, and quality fitness destination catering to people across different fitness goals and experience levels. Its continued focus on innovation, inclusivity, customer experience, and a sustainable franchise-led growth model has helped build a loyal fitness community while empowering franchise partners nationwide.

Today, Anytime Fitness India operates close to 200 gyms across 45 cities, serving nearly 175,000 members. The company witnessed strong growth momentum over the past year with around 35 new clubs launched, while nearly 50 more are planned this year. Over the next three years, the brand aims to add another 200 gyms, further strengthening its nationwide presence.

While metro cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, continue to drive strong demand, the next phase of expansion is increasingly being led by emerging markets including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and several other fast-growing cities. These markets are showing greater intent towards structured fitness and wellness investments, reflecting the growing adoption of healthier lifestyles across India. Beyond its fitness centres, the brand has also introduced community-driven initiatives such as FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living and strengthen India’s evolving fitness culture.

CNG Prices Rise Again as Fuel Costs Continue Upward Trend

New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were increased by ₹2 per kilogram in the national capital on Tuesday, marking yet another rise in fuel costs amid continued volatility in global energy markets and mounting pressure on domestic fuel companies.

 Representational image

With the latest revision by authorities, the price of CNG in Delhi has increased to ₹83.09 per kg from ₹81.09 per kg. The hike comes as part of a series of fuel price revisions witnessed over the past two weeks, during which CNG rates have gone up multiple times.

The revised rates have also impacted neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR). Consumers in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida will now pay ₹91.70 per kg, while the price in Gurugram has risen to ₹88.12 per kg. In other cities, CNG prices climbed to ₹92.44 per kg in Ajmer and ₹95 per kg in Chennai.

The latest increase follows a ₹1 per kg hike announced just days ago, making it the fourth upward revision in a short span. Alongside CNG, petrol and diesel prices have also seen repeated increases recently, adding to concerns over rising transportation and household expenses.

Industry experts attribute the continued fuel price surge to elevated global crude oil prices and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in West Asia. Concerns over disruptions around key oil transit routes have intensified market volatility, increasing import costs for countries heavily dependent on energy imports, including India.

The repeated hikes are expected to impact commuters, transport operators and businesses relying on fuel, potentially leading to higher transportation and logistics costs across sectors.

TVS Motor Ranked No 1 Globally for Shareholder Value Creation in Durable Consumer Goods

Chandigarh, May 26 : TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, has been ranked no 1 globally in the ‘Durable Consumer Goods’ category in the annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’, ranking published exclusively by Germany’s leading business weekly WirtschaftsWoche, based on the Boston Consulting Group Value Creators analysis.

WirtschaftsWoche, founded in 1926 and celebrating its centenary this year, is Germany’s largest weekly business publication, widely read by senior executives, institutional investors and corporate decision-makers across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’ analysis is one of the most widely cited rankings of listed companies in the German-speaking region.

The independent study evaluated more than 2,000 listed companies across 35 industries worldwide. Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, TVS Motor Company delivered an average annual Total Shareholder Return of approximately 51 per cent   the highest in its global category, ahead of established peers from Japan, China, the United States, and India.

According to the analysis, TVS Motor’s performance was driven primarily by strong revenue growth (22 percentage points) and a premium market valuation (18 percentage points), complemented by improving profitability and continuous strengthening of the balance sheet. Notably, this profile aligns closely with the criteria the study identifies for resilient companies — profitable, growth-oriented, and financially disciplined, with reserves to withstand volatile market conditions.

Professor Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Mentor, TVS Motor Company, comments:

“This recognition by WirtschaftsWoche and BCG is the result of the consistent implementation of Chairman Sudarshan Venu’s clear strategic vision. His passion for the company, deep understanding of markets and customers, openness to new technology, and attentiveness to the workforce create a values-based environment in which creativity and performance can flourish. Equally exemplary is the strong commitment to social responsibility.

With this mindset – the ‘TVS Way’ – and under outstanding corporate leadership, the TVS team wins numerous international awards year after year, including accolades for environmental stewardship and exceptional product quality. TVS is synonymous with quality and a strong commitment to the environment, rooted in the skill of its people and built on manufacturing excellence. In symbiosis with this commitment, the company continues to advance energy‑efficient solutions and strengthen its leadership in electric mobility.

Under TVS Motor Company’s ownership, Norton’s global resurgence is now clear. This storied and deeply revered brand is once again delivering a compelling combination of technology, design integrity and dynamism. I am confident TVS Motor Company is strongly positioned for the future – delivering sustainable growth, strengthening global competitiveness and creating long-term shareholder value – recognition goes to the whole TVS team for their hard work and commitment.”

In its most recent financial year (2025–26), TVS Motor Company has built further on this momentum, recording its highest-ever annual sales of 5.89 million units, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year, with international business growing 33 per cent across more than 90 markets. Revenue grew 30 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 47,270 crore, with operating PBT up 40 per cent to Rs. 4,975 crore and operating EBITDA margin improving 60 basis points to 12.9 per cent.