Krunal Pandya at Phoenix Shopping League Launch

In the fiercely competitive world of international cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) superstar cricketer Krunal Pandya has built his reputation on resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A proven match-winner and one of Indian cricket’s most dependable all-rounders, the (RCB) star has consistently delivered under pressure, earning admiration not only for his performances on the field but also for the quiet confidence and maturity he brings to the game.

It is this winning spirit that makes him the perfect face of the Phoenix Shopping League… an innovative retail campaign that transforms shopping into an immersive celebration of sport, entertainment and rewarding experiences. By bringing the thrill of cricket into the world of retail, the Phoenix Shopping League encourages shoppers to engage, compete, unlock exciting rewards and enjoy shopping in an entirely new way, making every visit to the mall an experience rather than just a transaction.

…Yet beyond the roar of packed stadiums and the exhilaration of victory lies a man whose definition of success has evolved with time. Today, luxury for Krunal is no longer measured by material possessions but by life’s most precious moments… quality time with family, meaningful experiences, personal well-being and the ability to simply be present. Grounded, authentic and deeply reflective, he believes that true success lies not in what one acquires, but in the memories one creates and the relationships one nurtures.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, RCB superstar and Indian cricket star Krunal Pandya talks about his association with the Phoenix Shopping League, how luxury has evolved from possessions to experiences, the striking similarities between elite sport and luxury brands, and why, despite a career filled with extraordinary achievements, uninterrupted time with family remains the greatest luxury of all…

Over To Krunal Pandya at Phoenix Shopping League Launch

As someone who has performed on some of the biggest stages in cricket, what does luxury mean to you today? Has your definition of luxury evolved from material indulgence to experiences, time and personal well-being?

Krunal Pandya – Absolutely. Earlier, like most young athletes, luxury often meant owning something aspirational or achieving certain milestones. Over time, my definition has evolved significantly. Today, luxury is having quality time with family, being able to switch off from a demanding schedule, prioritising my physical and mental well-being and creating meaningful experiences. In a profession where time is always limited, the ability to spend uninterrupted moments with loved ones or simply take care of yourself feels far more valuable than any material possession.

The Phoenix Shopping League cleverly combines sport, entertainment and retail into one immersive experience. What excited you most about associating with a campaign that transforms shopping into a celebration rather than just a transaction?

Krunal Pandya – What stood out for me was the way it takes something familiar and turns it into a completely new experience. Sports naturally bring excitement, anticipation, participation and a sense of achievement. Phoenix Shopping League brings all those emotions into the shopping journey. Instead of simply shopping and leaving, people become part of an experience where they can engage, compete, unlock rewards and celebrate their progress. That idea of making shopping more interactive and enjoyable is what excited me the most.

Much like cricket, luxury retail today is becoming increasingly experience-driven. Do you think consumers are now looking for memorable moments and emotional connections rather than simply purchasing products?

Krunal Pandya – Without a doubt. Consumers today want stories, experiences and connections. Whether it’s sport, travel, hospitality, or retail, people remember how something made them feel. Products are important, but memorable experiences create lasting impressions. I think that’s why experiential concepts are resonating so strongly today. They give people something meaningful to take away beyond the purchase itself.

Professional sport teaches discipline, precision, and consistency. Interestingly, these are also qualities associated with true luxury brands. Do you see parallels between high-performance sport and the world of luxury?

Krunal Pandya -Definitely. At the highest level, success in sport is built on attention to detail, consistency, preparation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The same principles apply to luxury brands. True luxury is not just about appearance; it’s about craftsmanship, quality and delivering excellence consistently over time. Whether you’re preparing for a big match or building a premium brand, the commitment to getting every detail right remains the same.

The Phoenix Shopping League brings the excitement and community spirit of cricket into a retail environment. How important do you think shared experiences are in creating lasting memories, whether on the cricket field or in luxury spaces?

Krunal Pandya – Shared experiences are incredibly powerful because they bring people together. Some of my most cherished memories in cricket are not individual achievements but moments celebrated with teammates, family and fans. The same applies outside sport. Whether it’s attending an event, discovering a new experience, or celebrating a milestone, those moments become special because they’re shared. That’s what makes concepts like Phoenix Shopping League interesting. It creates opportunities for people to experience something together rather than individually.

Today’s luxury consumers, especially younger audiences, are seeking authenticity and individuality. What are some of the qualities that personally draw you towards a brand, experience, or destination?

Krunal Pandya – Authenticity is probably the biggest factor for me. I naturally gravitate towards brands and experiences that have a genuine story and stay true to their values. Consistency, quality and attention to detail are also important. Beyond that, I appreciate experiences that feel personal rather than generic. Whether it’s a brand, a destination, or a service, people connect more deeply when they feel understood and valued.

Between a luxury holiday, an exclusive dining experience, front-row access to a major sporting event, or uninterrupted time with family… which would you choose and why? Has success changed your idea of what truly feels luxurious?

Krunal Pandya – Without hesitation, I would choose uninterrupted time with my family. Cricket has given me incredible opportunities and experiences around the world and I feel grateful for all of them. But as responsibilities grow and schedules become busier, quality time with loved ones becomes increasingly precious. Success has definitely changed my perspective on luxury. Today, luxury is less about access and more about presence. The ability to be fully present with the people who matter most. Those moments are priceless and for me, the ultimate luxury.