MS Dhoni joins Acko as investor and brand ambassador
Dhoni
- the Indian cricket icon, join forces with
Acko
, the fastest growing
D2C insurer
, as both an investor and
brand ambassador
.
As part of this long-term partnership, Dhoni has made a strategic investment in Acko through his family office, Midas Deals. His move signals a strong belief in Acko's mission to build India's most loved insurance brand, one that reimagines insurance as simple, intuitive, and accessible for the urban modern Indian.
Commenting on the association,
MS Dhoni
said, 'As an
automobile enthusiast
, I've often found insurance to be unnecessarily complicated.' 'Acko brings clarity where there was confusion. Their tech-first, customer-centric approach reflects the way new India wants to engage with insurance. I'm excited to support a brand that's focused on trust and transformation.'
Welcoming Dhoni to the Acko family,
Varun Dua
, founder, Acko, said, 'Dhoni's association with Acko isn't just a brand collaboration but it is a meeting of mindsets. He mirrors the values that have shaped Acko's journey: customer-first thinking, simplicity, and bold innovation. Dhoni represents everything we stand for - trust, discipline, and the ability to stay calm while reinventing the game. His presence strengthens our resolve to rewrite the playbook for insurance in India. Together, we aim to make insurance simpler, more relatable, and truly loved by the people.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
27 minutes ago
- India.com
Stuart Broad Mocks Washington Sundar's Prediction After India's Defeat In 3rd Test vs England
In a series filled with fierce competition, riveting comebacks, and high-stakes drama, the India vs England 2025 Test series has lived up to the billing — and then some. But amid the intense cricketing action, it was a tongue-in-cheek remark from England's veteran pacer Stuart Broad that stole headlines ahead of the decisive final day at The Oval. Speaking to Sky Sports, Broad cheekily named his "favourite moment" from the series — and it had less to do with wickets or runs and more to do with confidence gone awry. 'Washington Sundar said after Day 4 at Lord's that 'India would definitely win this Test'. Then he chipped one back to Jofra Archer and went back for a duck. It did make me smile,' Broad said with a grin. His comment was aimed at Washington Sundar's bold assertion before India's fourth innings collapse in the third Test. With India needing just 193 to win and four wickets down by stumps on Day 4, Sundar's confidence seemed justified. But cricket has its own script. India's Painful Collapse at Lord's: The Turning Point? The Lord's Test, now etched in memory for both fans and players, was perhaps the most pivotal game of the series. India, needing a modest total to secure a win, looked poised for a stunning chase with Ravindra Jadeja leading a gritty lower-order fightback alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. But England's disciplined attack held their nerve. India eventually fell short by 22 runs — a narrow defeat that could haunt them if England complete the 3-1 series win on Day 5 of the ongoing fifth Test. Series Decider at The Oval: England on the Brink, India Clinging On Heading into the final day at The Oval, England need just 35 runs to win the match and the series. Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) delivered masterclasses in pressure batting, stitching together a 195-run stand that swung momentum heavily in England's favour. Despite rain and bad light delaying the inevitable, the equation is simple: England are favourites, but India — needing four wickets — will throw everything at the hosts in a bid to square the series 2-2. Currently, Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) are at the crease with England on 339/6 chasing 374. What Washington Sundar's Moment Teaches Us While Stuart Broad's remark may come off as playful banter, it highlights the psychological battles within Test cricket. Confidence can galvanize a team — or backfire spectacularly. Sundar, known for his composure under pressure, made a brave call. But as Broad's quip underlines, in cricket, results speak louder than words. Still, the 2025 series has been a revelation for young Indian talents. Shubman Gill's maturity, Ravindra Jadeja's resilience, and Jasprit Bumrah's aggressive spells have all provided bright spots — even as England's tactical superiority and batting depth have often tilted the balance. Day 5: One Hour to Decide a Series As fans gear up for a nerve-wracking final day, the spotlight will be on how India's bowlers approach the task. Can Bumrah produce magic with the second new ball? Will Ravichandran Ashwin, whose role has been subdued this series, step up? Or will England's batters calmly finish the chase? Whatever happens, this IND vs ENG series — capped off by Stuart Broad's humorous jab — has reminded fans why Test cricket remains the ultimate test of skill, character, and unpredictability.
Hindustan Times
27 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
'Hats off to…': Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's praise after India's miraculous Oval test win against England
Google CEO Sundar Pichai made his commentary debut last week during Day 3 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval in London. A known cricket enthusiast, Pichai joined veteran broadcaster Harsha Bhogle in the commentary box during India's second innings. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (left); India captain Shubman Gill and pacer Mohammed Siraj after India's victory against England in the fifth and final test match at the Oval on Monday. (ANI) Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, another cricket enthusiast, couldn't resist expressing his views after India's miraculous victory in the final test on Monday. Taking to social media platform X, Satya Nadella called it a testament to the enduring charm of Test cricket. Nadella's post summarises the essence of the thrilling five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 draw after 25 days of intensely-fought battle on the grounds of England. "25 days. 5 battles. Scores tied 2-2. This isn't just a game — it's Test Cricket in all its timeless glory. A series for the ages. Hats off to IND & ENG for the drama, grit, and greatness,' wrote Nadella, praising both Indian and English sides. England versus India 2025 will go down as one of cricket's greatest test series of all time. More than 7,000 runs were scored, including a record-equalling 21 individual centuries, the sun shone most of the time and every match went into the fifth day. The stadiums were packed and although tensions flared at times on the pitch - perhaps inevitable given the immense pressure - it was a series that featured all the best things that make test cricket such compulsive viewing. With more and more one-day cricket around the world, it was a timely boost for the longest format of the sport which many people believe is fighting for its existence. Pacer Mohammed Siraj was star in India's stunning win in the fifth Test against England that which helped them square the intensely-fought five-match series. Mohammed Siraj (5/104) was the standout performer, delivering one of his finest performances under pressure. He finished the series with 23 wickets — the highest across both teams. Set a record target of 374, England were well-placed at 339 for six at stumps on the penultimate day, before bad light and rain halted play. However, India picked up the remaining four wickets quickly on the final morning to bowl England out for 367.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
27 minutes ago
- First Post
Trump pledges to raise tariffs on India over Russian oil. Why this may not deter New Delhi
Donald Trump has doubled down on India purchasing oil from Russia. The US president has threatened to raise tariffs 'substantially' on goods over its continued purchase of crude. But New Delhi, it seems, will continue to source oil from Moscow read more A Russian crude oil tanker transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. File image/Reuters To buy or not to buy… That's the question India is having to ask after US President Donald Trump has stepped up his attacks against the country for its purchase of oil from the Vladimir Putin-led nation. On Monday, the US leader threatened to 'substantially' raise tariffs on goods from India over its purchase of Russian oil. This came after Trump has already announced a 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi along with a 'penalty' for buying Russian crude. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since last week, Trump has taken aim at India along with his officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, questioning India's purchase of Russian oil. However, the question is — will Prime Minister Modi acquiesce to Trump's demands and stop buying Russian oil? The answer: it seems quite unlikely, and here's why. Trump's threats to India on Russian oil The current tension between India and the US stems from when Donald Trump first announced that he would slap tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a peace deal with Ukraine by August 7-9. Then last week, Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi's levies on US products and purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. While India was 'our friend', it had always bought most of its military equipment from Russia and was 'Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — all things not good'! Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on July 30. This was followed up by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the purchase of Russian crude was a 'point of irritation' in US-Indo ties, telling Fox News that while India was an 'ally' and 'strategic partner', Delhi's purchase of Russian oil was hampering its relationship with Washington. US President Donald Trump and some of his officials from the administration have been pressuring India to forego its oil trade with Russia in the past one week. File image/Reuters Then on Sunday (August 3), Trump's top aide accused India of financing Russia's war in Ukraine by buying oil from Moscow. 'What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia,' said Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and one of Trump's most influential aides, in an interview with Fox News, adding, 'People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That's an astonishing fact.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And Trump himself doubled down on the pressure on Monday (August 4) with a fresh post on Truth Social, in which he accused India of buying 'massive amounts' of oil from Russia and then 'selling it on the open market for big profits.' 'They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA,' he said. India's purchase of Russian oil The strain in India-US ties has also to do with oil, namely Russian oil. Earlier, India purchased most of its oil from West Asia, but this changed after Russia began selling its oil at discounted rates after the West shunned it as punishment for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In fact, an US Energy Information Administration report reveals that India increased its purchases of Russian oil more than sixfold after the conflict broke out. Moreover, the International Energy Agency notes that 70 per cent of Russian crude was exported to India in 2024. Compiling data, Bloomberg reports that India, on an average, has been buying Russian crude at about 1.7 million barrels a day so far this year. Bloomberg reports that India, on an average, has been buying Russian crude at about 1.7 million barrels a day so far this year. Representational image/Reuters India's stance on Russian oil On Monday (August 4), a little after Trump threatened additional tariffs on India, India responded to the situation, indicating that it wouldn't stop purchasing crude and even stated that 'the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable'. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement said that India has 'been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He called out the US and Europe's double standards noting that while they criticised India, they themselves were carrying out trade with Russia. 'India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion. 'The European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of €67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at €17.2 billion in 2023. This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5 million tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. 'Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals.' He further noted that India began importing from Russia traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. Other officials in the Indian administration note that despite Trump's threats, India will continue its trade with Russia for a number of reasons. Representational image/Reuters Let the Russian oil flow Other officials in the Indian administration note that despite Trump's threats, India will continue its trade with Russia for a number of reasons. Firstly, they noted that there was a growing sense within the administration that it shouldn't allow for American policymaking to shape its choices on vital energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people. Analysts and officials from the government also note that if even India suspended its oil trade with Moscow it wouldn't help the US. As Pankaj Saran, a former Indian deputy national security adviser and ambassador to Moscow, told the New York Times, 'What we also have to keep in mind is that even if India may cut to zero, China is not going to. You will have a kind of a bizarre situation where Russia will sell to China at cheap prices, and so you would have China being the ultimate beneficiary.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, Indian experts note that it was owing to its purchase of oil that helped keep global oil prices in check. Indians kept the Russian oil flowing at the capped price, helping to shrink Russia's revenue but also ensuring that global prices would remain in check. One source was quoted as telling the Mint, 'Had India not absorbed discounted Russian crude combined with OPEC production cuts of 5.86 mb/d, global oil prices could have surged well beyond the March 2022 peak of US$137/bbl, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide.' In fact, former US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had lauded New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil in 2024. In the now widely circulated video, Garcetti is heard saying, 'They (India) bought Russian oil because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil at a price cap. That was not a violation or anything. It was actually the design of the policy because, as a commodity, we didn't want the oil prices going up, and they fulfilled that.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD "India brought Russian Oil, because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil...", says US ambassador Garcetti on India buying Russian oil ; Adds,'no Price Cap violation, we did not want oil prices to go up..' — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 11, 2024 Experts also noted that India's contracts are long-term and 'it's not so simple to just stop buying overnight'. Trade research body GTRI also noted, 'India's oil trade with Russia has taken place with full transparency and broad understanding with the US. One of the key reasons India stepped up Russian oil purchases was to help stabilise global oil markets after Western sanctions disrupted traditional supply chains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'By maintaining diversified and affordable energy access, India contributed to preventing a global oil price shock. Trump's decision to raise tariffs on India citing oil trade is not only unjustified — it ignores market realities misrepresents trade data, and undermines a key strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.' India also has to consider the price of moving away from Russian oil. New Delhi would have to pay more if it went with sources of oil like Saudi Arabia, who sells at a higher price to Asian countries because of a policy called the 'Asian premium' maintained by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Ospec). We will just have to wait and watch to see what happens next — will Trump drop his demand or will India give in. With inputs from agencies
