There was a time when brand endorsements belonged to the six-hitting, jersey-ripping, cricketers in their prime. But lately? It’s the ‘Dada’ of cricket - the legend who has hung up his boots who is getting the calls (and the scripts). And he is not just lending his face - he is bringing in wisdom, wit, and a whole lot of credibility, often wrapped in delightfully unexpected roles.
Sourav Ganguly, born on July 8, 1972, remains one of India’s most influential and iconic personalities both on and off the cricket field. Ganguly is celebrated not just for transforming India’s cricketing mindset but also for his enduring legacy as a brand ambassador and cultural figure whose impact extends far beyond the pitch.
In a recent delightful ad by Bare Bones Collective for Google India, Sourav Ganguly transforms into the mischievous 'Sourav Gangoogly'. He playfully quizzes fellow cricketers like Sehwag, Kaif, Kumble, and even Shane Watson with offbeat questions, sparking their curiosity.
“I think we chose him because we wanted a cricketer to troll his peers and Sourav has the correct amount of mischief in his eyes. We always thought he would be able to pull this off and not disappoint us. The thing is when we started thinking who would be right for this, who would have the look of ‘I can trouble you’, for us it was Sourav Ganguly,” says Girish Narayandass and Anuya Jakatdar, Co-founders of Bare Bones Collective.
As a former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly has long lived in the public eye, with every lifestyle choice and habit closely followed by fans. His genuine commitment to health and discipline makes him a natural fit for a brand like Fortune especially for a product like Fortune Soya Chunks, known for its high protein content and nutritional value.
“Fortune Soya Chunks entered a market long dominated by established brands. Our association with Sourav Ganguly allowed us to stand out as a challenger brand, building a bold yet meaningful narrative around Fortune Soya Chunks as a protein-rich source for health and nutrition,” says Jignesh Shah, Head – Media and Digital Marketing, AWL Agri Business Limited.
His contribution went far beyond just star power, he brought a deep sense of cultural authenticity, particularly in Eastern India, where his impact and connection with the audience are unmatched. “This was clearly demonstrated with last year’s ‘Banao Kuchh Hatke’ campaign, narrated by Ganguly himself in Bengali, which generated significant digital engagement and markedly increased product recall.”
On the other side of the brand spectrum is Olyv, a young fintech brand that’s betting big on trust and inclusivity and they found the perfect face in Sourav Ganguly as brand ambassador.
“He’s a symbol of resilience, transformation, and leadership,” says Shashwat Vatsa, AVP–Brand at Olyv. “His journey mirrors that of many underserved individuals we aim to empower.” Ganguly’s transformation from cricket captain to institutional leader gave Olyv the credibility and gravitas they needed to democratize access to credit.
Their campaigns have used Ganguly to break down complex financial concepts with ease and relatability. “We’re not just building a brand, we’re building trust and Dada’s presence helped us gain first-time users from newer geographies,” Vatsa shares.
Interestingly, while Ganguly naturally has a stronghold in Bengal, Olyv noticed strong traction in southern and western markets as well. Their use of vernacular creatives with Ganguly helped the brand cut across geographies, reinforcing his Pan-India appeal.
“We see this as a force multiplier partnership,” Vatsa affirms, hinting at future campaigns where Ganguly’s real-life insights might be integrated with Olyv’s AI-driven offerings.
In Ganguly brands see figures who are both aspirational and grounded. Whether it’s Ganguly dishing out protein-packed punches with Fortune, demystifying credit with Olyv, or pulling a fast one on his teammates for Google, the icon is redefining what brand storytelling looks like.
Turns out, when the stadium lights dim and the cricket gear is packed away, the legends aren’t heading for the pavilion, they’re stepping into ad films, campaign narratives, and family living rooms across India. And they’re doing it with a mix of heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom.
