MUMBAI: The Pepsi IPL is more than just a cricketing tournament. It is about entertainment as well as the game. And to keep the excitement alive, Extraaa Innings T20, the match analysis show has returned.
Sony Max and Six, the official broadcasters of the Pepsi IPL 2014 have once again roped in Archana Vijaya and Shibani Dandekar to host Extraaa Innings T20. The duo along with male hosts, Samir Kochhar and Gaurav Kapur will bring analysis, excitement and a whole lot of fun for the viewers across the country.
A vibrant, vivacious and effervescent set has been designed for the show. The set is a palate of myriad colours that signifies a cathedral of cricket for cricket fans. The arrangement is integrated with towering arches, heritage artwork and wall-paintings of the cricketers that resemble a larger-than-life set up for a program that showcases the biggest T20 festival in the world.
Commenting on the show, MAX executive VP and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “Extraaa Innings T20 has always engaged and attracted audiences across age groups and regions, be it true cricket enthusiasts or viewers who look forward for the entertainment quotient , EI T20 possesses a perfect blend of both. We are very happy that Archana Vijaya and Shibani Dandekar are back to add to the glam quotient along with the proficient anchors Samir Kochhar and Gaurav Kapur.”
Being a part of Max Extraaa Innings T20 once again, an elated Vijaya said “The Pepsi IPL is the home of cricket and entertainment and therefore when Max approached me to host the tournament it was right up my alley. We as hosts help bring cricket and entertainment to the fans and I don’t think there is any better platform than the IPL.”
Dandekar added, “IPL is the biggest sporting and entertainment event of the year and it is great to be a part of it. Therefore, it was a no brainer when the chance came to host Extraaa Innings. Being out there in the stadium with the atmosphere, the ambience, the vibe and being so close to the action is something that anyone would love to do and we are very lucky to do that.” When questioned about her thoughts on the marketing campaign ‘Bulaava Aaya Hai’ and the rapidly getting popular collar-up mnemonic ‘Buckram’, she said , “I’m very excited about it and I'll encourage the winning team to give interviews with their collar up and will urge the fans of the IPL to watch the matches with their collar up too.”
Commenting on his association with Extraaa Innings T20, Kapur said, “I have been a huge fan of cricket since the age of 5 and on the other hand I also love watching live television. Hosting Extraaa Innings is like two of my favourite things coming together so I am always thrilled and excited to take on this role.”
Similarly, Kochhar said, “I have been the part of IPL since its inception. After hosting the first season I fell in love with it and since then there has been no looking back. I am very fortunate to be a part of such a great property and look forward to another splendid season”. Talking about the ‘Bulaava Aaya Hai’ campaign he says, “Buckram is the new word of this season. I would want all the cricket fans to put up their collar and watch the IPL in style.”
That’s not all! Max will also bring forth to the viewer’s an in-depth analysis in Hindi with comments from the expert panel which includes cricket stalwarts like Navjot Singh Sidhu with his inimitable ‘Siddhuisms’ along with the inevitable Ajay Jadeja. For the first time ever former Pakistan captain and coach Waqar Younis will be associated with the show along with the regulars like Ramiz Raja, Arun Lal and Isa Guha.
