[WATCH] IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya operates IPL's robot dog Champak with remote control, scares Akash Ambani

Hardik Pandya and Akash Ambani. (Photo Source- Twitter/X)

Mumbai Indians (MI) roared back into the race to the playoffs after registering a hat-trick of wins on Sunday, April 20, beating long-time rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After the comprehensive performance, MI skipper had some fun with team owner Akash Ambani.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcast team's newest member, the robot dog, which got its name - 'Champak' - ahead of the MI versus CSK clash, was being operated by Hardik after the match by a remote control. The Baroda all-rounder scared Ambani by making it jump towards him. Hardik was having a blast whilst trying to figure out how to run Champak.

Areyy Idhi remote control kukka naa 🤣, nenu inni rojulu robo kukka anukuntunna pic.twitter.com/SL4RoNQ1qO

— EpicCommentsTelugu (@EpicCmntsTelugu) April 21, 2025

The four-legged device has won the hearts of players and fans alike. It has interacted with many players after being unveiled by ace commentator and former New Zealand pacer Danny Morrison a couple of weeks ago. Champak is an innovative tool which has taken rapid strides in the quest to enhance the experience of viewers.

MI ease past CSK in one-sided IPL El Clasico

Hardik won an important toss on Sunday and opted to field first. CSK had one of their best starts in the powerplay this season, thanks to debutant Ayush Mhatre's quickfire 32 off 15. However, Shaik Rasheed played a peculiar knock from the other end, scoring a 20-ball 19.

Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube's partnership flourished towards the end, but they took a lot of time to get themselves set at the crease. Both left-handed batters scored half-centuries to help CSK post 176/5 in their 20 overs. However, with dew already making its presence felt, CSK bowlers had their task cut out.

Jadeja got rid of Ryan Rickelton after the South African opener added 63 runs for the first wicket with Rohit Sharma inside the first seven overs. After Rickelton's dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav joined forces with Rohit, and the experienced duo forged an unbeaten 114-run partnership off 54 balls to take their team home.

While Rohit finished on an unbeaten 76 off 45 balls, Suryakumar smashed 68 not out off 30 deliveries as MI won by nine wickets and 26 balls to spare. The five-time champions climbed to No. 6 on the points table with the win.