Sachin Tendulkar has invested in Metasports Interactive, the Bengaluru‑based startup behind the mobile cricket strategy game Hitwicket.
Key takeaways
- Investment details: The size and valuation of Tendulkar’s stake were not disclosed.
- Strategic role: Tendulkar will appear in the game’s experiences, content and brand activations.
- Funding background: Hitwicket has raised more than $23 million in six years, including a $20 million round from London firm Metica in April.
- Market context: India’s gaming market surpassed $1 billion in 2025, with 511 million gamers and rapid growth in non‑battle‑royale titles.
- Competitive landscape: Rival LightFury Games is preparing a competing cricket title, eCricket, backed by several Indian stars.
Investment and partnership
Tendulkar joins former commentator Harsha Bhogle, who invested in Hitwicket in 2024. Metasports co‑founder and CEO Kashyap Reddy said Tendulkar’s involvement helps the team understand elite‑player thinking and boost engagement.
Funding history
The startup’s largest financing came in April when Metica provided $20 million to expand marketing and user acquisition. Metica also advises on monetisation through ads and in‑app purchases.
Game description and performance
Hitwicket lets users act as owner, coach and captain of a cricket team on smartphones and tablets. The app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Metasports claims a global base of 20 million users in 120 countries, averaging 51 minutes of daily play. Revenue grew 100 % in the last six months, with over 97 % coming from in‑app purchases. The company aims for 100 million downloads within three years.
Industry backdrop
India’s gaming sector recorded a 14.8 % year‑on‑year revenue increase in 2025, according to Niko Partners. As digital adoption rises, players are exploring strategy and sports titles beyond traditional battle‑royale games.
Why it matters: Tendulkar’s backing highlights growing investor interest in India’s expanding gaming market and signals increased competition among cricket‑themed mobile games, a genre that could capture a large share of the country’s 511 million gamers.