Bank of Baroda has appointed cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador in a significant move to boost its brand presence. This three-year partnership aims to align the bank’s core values of excellence and trust with Tendulkar’s iconic global reputation. With his immense popularity and positive public image, the bank believes Sachin will help elevate its brand on a global level. The announcement was made on Monday, marking the start of a fresh chapter for the bank, which is planning rapid business growth in the coming years.
First Campaign: “Play the Masterstroke” with Sachin
To kickstart this collaboration, Bank of Baroda has launched a campaign named “Play the Masterstroke”, which aims to inspire customers to achieve their financial goals by making the right financial decisions. Using cricket as an analogy, the campaign encourages people to “score big” in their financial journeys, just as Sachin has done in his career. This initiative underscores the bank’s vision of empowering its customers through trusted and reliable services.
A Strategic Move for Bank of Baroda
Sachin’s association with the Bank of Baroda is not the first time the bank has collaborated with a cricket star. In 2005, the bank appointed Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. This move is part of a broader strategy by banks across the country to connect with the masses through sports personalities. In recent years, we’ve seen various banks appointing sports icons as their brand ambassadors, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently becoming the face of the State Bank of India and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank roping in boxer Mary Kom and footballer Sunil Chhetri.
Why Sachin Tendulkar?
Sachin Tendulkar’s stature goes beyond cricket. He is a global icon whose values resonate with millions of people, making him the perfect fit for Bank of Baroda’s vision. Bank of Baroda’s Managing Director and CEO, Debdutt Chand, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Sachin Tendulkar is not just a cricket legend but a symbol of leadership, excellence, and integrity—qualities that have been the foundation of our century-old institution. We are thrilled to have him represent our brand.”
Tendulkar will be involved in a range of branding campaigns, customer education initiatives, financial literacy programs, fraud prevention awareness, and employee engagement activities. His widespread appeal across different regions of India and abroad will help the bank reinforce its presence in the 17 countries where it operates.
A New Phase of Growth for Bank of Baroda
This collaboration comes at a crucial time for the Bank of Baroda as it enters a new phase of growth. The bank is set to roll out several innovative products and services that cater to the evolving needs of its customers. With a legacy of over a century, the Bank of Baroda has established itself as a trusted banking partner to millions. The bank hopes that its association with Sachin Tendulkar will not only enhance its brand value but also attract a wider customer base.
Launch of ‘BOB Masterstroke Savings Account’
As part of its campaign, the Bank of Baroda has also introduced a new product—the ‘BOB Masterstroke Savings Account’. This premium savings account is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking top-notch banking services. The account offers a range of benefits, including higher interest rates on balances, concessional rates on loans, priority banking services, and access to a suite of exclusive financial products like the BOB World Opulence Visa Infinite Debit Card (Metal Edition) and the Eterna Credit Card.
To enjoy these benefits, customers will need to maintain a quarterly average balance of Rs 10 lakh in their accounts. The BOB Masterstroke Account is aimed at customers looking for reliable financial planning and high-quality banking services.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Views on the Partnership
On the occasion of the partnership announcement, Sachin Tendulkar shared his thoughts on the collaboration. He said, “I am excited to be associated with the Bank of Baroda, an institution that has stood the test of time for over a century. The bank’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation mirrors the values I hold dear. This partnership feels meaningful to me as it reflects the ethos of progress and trust.”
Sachin further added that Bank of Baroda’s journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s leading banking institutions, is an inspiration. He expressed his delight in being part of a brand that is dedicated to helping its customers succeed financially, much like how he has strived to excel on the cricket field.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador, Bank of Baroda is poised to reach new heights. The bank is confident that this partnership will strengthen its image as a trusted and innovative financial institution, while also attracting a younger, more diverse audience. By aligning with one of India’s most beloved sports icons, the Bank of Baroda is reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class services to its customers.
