Be it cricket ground or the advertising industry, ‘Dada’ has always amazed us with his brilliant performances. Needless to say, Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has not only left an indelible mark on the cricket world but has also made a significant footprint on the ads industry in recent times. 

July 13, 2002, marks the emergence of a ‘new’ Team India under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly, the “Bengal Tiger ” who aggressively waved his shirt in the air on the Lord’s balcony after India’s historic win against England in the Natwest Trophy Final Match.

Following his retirement from his cricket career, Ganguly’s charismatic persona and influential image propelled him into the television and Ads world. His dynamic personality has made him a highly coveted face to represent numerous businesses. How about exploring the impact of Ganguly’s stalwart image on several reputed Indian brands in driving high leads and traffic?

Let’s proceed.

The Prince of Calcutta 

Sourav Ganguly, “The Prince of Calcutta,” was born to the noble Ganguly family on July 7, 1982, at their ancestral house at Behala, located in the city of Calcutta. His parents lovingly call him “ Maharaja,” The former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott termed him “The Prince of Calcutta” for the glorious vibe and glamour he carries. 

His immense love and passion for cricket made him one of the most courageous Indian cricket team captains of all time.  His subtlety, aggression, and self-confidence make him the ‘Bengal Tiger.’ After completing 16 years of an illustrious cricket career, the “God of Offside” retired from international cricket in 2008 after the home series against Australia. Since then, he began his second innings as a leading advertising personality, endorsing numerous brands in recent years

How Ganguly’s Personality Aligns to Advertising Industry

Ganguly’s collaboration with the television and ads industry unleashed a positive influence, raising brand awareness and consumer interest. His esteemed presence helps a range of businesses reflect reliability and trust, connects with audiences from all walks of life, and, last but not least, inspires millions to strive for excellence. 

Reflection of Strength, Reliability, and Trust

Ganguly stands at the forefront of Indian cricket history for his exceptional leadership skills on and off the field. His astute decision-making ability led the Indian cricket team in the right direction during challenging situations, designating him as an icon in the cricket world. Renowned Indian companies have recognized the potential of associating their products or services with Ganguly’s influential qualities, leading to a rapid surge in endorsement deals. The former Indian captain’s endorsement of brands like Puma, Captain TMT, and Burnpur Cement reflects his powerful persona as a symbol of strength, reliability, and trust.

Connection with the Masses

Dada’s popularity extends beyond solely cricket enthusiasts. The warmth and politeness in his way of interaction connect with people from all domains, making him an iconic figure in the advertising industry. His down-to-earth nature and inspiring career graph have designated him a popular image among the masses. Brands like Senco Gold and Diamonds, Bandhan Bank, Lux Cozi, Ajanta Shoes, Fortune Rice Bran Oil, and Cycle Agarbatti have identified Ganguly’s mass appeal, using his personality to capture a broader consumer base. The brands’ partnership with Ganguly helped them gain credibility and relatability, influencing their market presence.

Reinforced Regional Identity

Ganguly, hailing from Calcutta, the city known for its rich culture and heritage, has reinforced regional identity. His association with Ayurvedic brands like Vicco and endorsing regional brands like Senco Gold and Burnpur Cement reflects his bond to his roots. Not only Ganguly empowers local businesses with these brands’ promotion, but it also empowers the regional identity. The connection to one’s home ground resonates with consumers, establishing a sense of familiarity and trust among them.

Inspiration for Youth

The journey from being a promising batsman to becoming one of the most successful captains in international cricket has inspired countless youngsters. His determination and resilience to overcome challenging situations set him as an idol for numerous aspiring athletes. Brands like My 11 Circle App, DreamSetGo, and actyv.ai showcased Ganguly’s image to inspire the youth, positioning him as a role model on the path to success. His endorsement deals have enhanced his brand value and motivated young minds to strive for excellence.

A Televisión Maestro

Besides doing endorsements, the man ventured into the television industry, hosting the super popular quiz show “Dadagiri” on a widely recognized cable and satellite channel.  Our ‘captain’ has won the viewers’ hearts nationwide with utmost dedication and tremendous screen performance. The show is one of the most popular regional shows in eastern India. Earlier, he was also seen anchoring another show named “Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti.” His stellar image reaches the shows to a more extensive audience base, and the venture allowed him to tap into the entertainment industry.

How Does His Persona Contribute to Digital Space

Like celebrity marketing, influencer marketing has also impacted the digital marketing space to a greater extent. Influencers have numerous followers on social media platforms, leading them to attract a wide range of audiences when promoting a brand and increasing brand awareness. Marketers can distinctly gain the credibility and authenticity of a brand among the targeted audiences. The association of Ganguly as an influencer in the marketing world significantly impacts the purchase decision of the audiences. The man who used to nail the cricket ground once with his brilliant sports performance now easily connects to the audiences’ values and personalities as a perfect role model.

Ganguly’s Screen Presence – Commanding Brand Image and Consumer Perception

Brands across industries experienced a significant influence when Sourav Ganguly branded their products and services. His alliance brought a wave of positive impact, boosting brand visibility and consumer engagement.

For instance, when Ganguly became the face of Puma, one of the highly renowned sports apparel brands, the sales department experienced a boom. His collaboration with the brand brings high credibility and authenticity to their products. His followers and aspiring athletes felt inspired to wear what their cricket hero endorsed, boosting Puma’s market presence to the sky.

When Ganguly started endorsing Captain TMT, one of the leading steel bar manufacturers, the brand image experienced a substantial boost. His reputation as a strong and dependable leader resonated perfectly with Captain TMT’s commitment to providing high-quality construction materials. The connection allowed the brand to reach a broader audience in the real estate and construction sectors, increasing sales and brand recognition.

Dada’s presence also significantly impacts brands like Ajanta Shoes, Cycle Agarbatti, Lloyd and Vicco. With Ganguly as their brand ambassador, Ajanta Shoes witnessed a surge in sales as consumers viewed the footwear as a symbol of power and determination. The partnership with Cycle Agarbatti added a touch of freshness and positive essence, drawing a broader customer base. 

Ganguly’s presence is not limited to the sales figures alone but also impacts the brand image and consumer perception. His engagement instilled a sense of reliability and trustworthiness among consumers, who worship Ganguly as an inspiration.

Yet to Contribute More…

Ganguly’s involvement in the advertising industry is simply tremendous. As an internationally recognized sports personality, his iconic brand image and leadership qualities are attributed to his mass appeal, root connection, and inspiration for the youth. His patronage boosts these brands’ visibility and strikes a personal chord with the masses. From the days spent on cricket grounds to the phase devoted to brand promotion and television shows, Ganguly has much to cover. The victory snatched from the mouth of opponents has now paved its way through the ads industry holding the hand of the “God of Offside.” 

Are you are a brand owner and want to enhance your brand awareness and conversion rates with strategic digital marketing, contact us at Exnovation. Our marketing professionals will guide you toward success with practical yet influential marketing tactics.

Ref:

( Source –  indiatimes )

( Source –  telegraphindia )

( Source –   indiablooms )