Virat Kohli Expresses Frustration Over BCCI’s ‘Champak’ Robot Camera

The Rise of Technology in the IPL

The Indian Premier League has long been a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewer experience. From advanced ball-tracking systems to high-speed cameras, the tournament constantly evolves to bring fans closer to the action. However, the introduction of ‘Champak,’ a robotic dog equipped with a camera, has sparked a debate about the boundaries of player privacy and the intrusion of technology on the cricket field.

What is ‘Champak’?

Introduced during the 2025 season, ‘Champak’ is a specialized robotic dog designed to capture unique perspectives of the action on the ground. Developed by wTVision, this piece of hardware is equipped with a custom-built gimbal system for stabilization, a sophisticated pan-tilt mechanism, and a high-end video RF system. All of this is housed within a durable 3D-printed shell, allowing it to navigate the uneven surfaces of cricket outfields with ease. While the machine was designed to react in real-time to the atmosphere of the stadium, its presence has not gone unnoticed by the players themselves.

Kohli’s Candid Admission on the RCB Podcast

In a recent appearance on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli did not shy away from expressing his genuine frustration with the constant surveillance. For a player who has spent his entire career in the intense spotlight of international cricket, the addition of a mechanical observer has crossed a line. Kohli emphasized that while technology is beneficial for the game, the BCCI and broadcasters must consider the players’ comfort levels.

Kohli raised a critical question: ‘How to do [filming interactions]? 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.’

The Kane Williamson Incident

The frustration boiled over following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 7. While speaking with former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson, Kohli was continuously approached by the robotic unit. The situation became particularly irritating when the device began wagging its mechanical paw, interrupting a serious conversation between the two veteran cricketers.

‘This is my honest assessment. It gets too much, I don’t like it,’ Kohli explained. ‘I was talking to Kane the other day, and there’s that robot thing doing [wagging its paw], and I’m like why is this guy doing like this. I’m talking to him about something serious.’

Kohli further detailed that he eventually had to intervene and ask the operator to move the device away. He expressed that he simply wanted to have a private, meaningful conversation with a long-time friend without it being turned into a viral social media moment. Having known Williamson since their Under-19 days, Kohli values these interactions but feels they are being commodified at the cost of his personal comfort.

The Balance Between Fans and Privacy

Kohli’s critique highlights a growing tension in modern sports: the desire for 24/7 content versus the human need for privacy. Every gesture, conversation, or casual exchange between teammates and opponents is now scrutinized, edited, and shared across global platforms. For athletes, the cricket ground is their workplace, and the constant presence of automated cameras can make it feel like they are never truly off the clock.

By speaking out, Kohli is advocating for a more balanced approach where technology serves the game without compromising the players’ ability to act like human beings. As the IPL continues to lead the way in technological integration, the feedback from high-profile players like Kohli will undoubtedly influence how these tools are deployed in future seasons. For now, the debate remains open: how much access is too much access?