> Advertisers make beeline for Ganguly

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In a comeback of sorts 'Prince of Kolkata' Sourav Ganguly has proved his worth not only on the field but off it as well with companies making a beeline for him to endorse their brands.

The 'Bengal Tiger', once the darling of advertisers, who wanted to cash in on the southpaw's aggressive attitude as a captain, seemed to have deserted him following his ouster from the national team.

"However, following his comeback, things have changed and we have received enquiries from various corporate and are in talks with 4-5 big companies who want to sign up Ganguly," Vinita Bangard, vice-president of Percept D'Mark, which handles commercial endorsements for Ganguly, said from Mumbai.

Ganguly, who used to endorse nine brands till last year, was left with just four following his poor run, though Bangard insists that "none of them pulled out but the companies just decided to change focus".

Currently, Ganguly -- whose brand value is between Rs 1-1.25 crore -- endorses brands like Pepsi, Hero Honda, Lupin and Tata Indicom.

"In fact, he has recently been signed up by a consumer electronics brand and a real estate form," Bangard said, pointing out that the former Indian captain was still in the reckoning when it came to endorsements.

Asked what pulled advertisers to Ganguly, she said, "He has come back with a bang and he is the only player, we feel, who identifies with young India."

Bangard -- whose company has a contract with the player till 2008 -- said Ganguly's attraction also came from his personality and his achievements as a captain. "Its about the player and what he has done for the country as a captain that attracts companies towards him," she said.

Stressing on the rising popularity of one of India's most successful skippers among advertisers, she added, "Its just one month since he is back in the team. There is no reason why the endorsements should not increase further."
Indiatimes