Yusuf Pathan wins Most Valuable Player award from HDFC

HDFC Standard Life presented most valuable player award of the match, a cheque of US$1000 to Yusuf Pathan for his brilliant 62 run in just 30 balls against Delhi Daredevils on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. It was no looking back after that as Pathan went on to bludgeons the Delhi bowlers.

The royals were tottering at 64 for 5 after Shane Warne’s dismissal when Yusuf walked in to join Smith. The two started off by picking ones and twos before Yusuf got stuck into Daniel Vettori first in the 13th over and then in the 16th, yielding in a total of 32 runs of the two overs to turn the game on its head and bring the Royals back in the comfort zone.

Commenting on this award Shane Warne said “This award is a very thoughtful gesture from HDFC Standard Life. Every player looks forward to being recognized for his contribution to the team. This will add on to the motivation of our young team to give their best in every match”.

On this association, Sanjay Tripathy, Executive Vice President & Head- Marketing, HDFC Standard Life said, “We are extremely proud to be associated with Rajasthan Royals, the winners of the inaugural IPL tournament. The Rajputs of Rajasthan are known for their courage, strength and fighting prowess - qualities epitomised by the Rajasthan Royals in IPL. During last IPL, though branded as ‘underdogs’, the players believed in themselves and performed to their potential and eventually emerged as Champions. This spirit goes well with our brand thought ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’.

HDFC Standard Life has a national presence and always looks at events and associations which give us national reach and good return on investment. Sports has got an excellent connect with our target audience and cricket being the number one sport in India it is only natural for us to form partnership with a champion team, Rajasthan Royals”.

Shilpa Shetty, film star and co-owner, Rajasthan Royals added, “I would like to thank HDFC Standard Life for partnering with Rajasthan Royals. We are happy to be associated with a brand that is one of India’s leading private life insurance players, as the Associate Sponsors and Insurance Partner.” “We look forward to a fruitful relationship with them”, she added.

In addition to the sponsorship of the Rajasthan Royals, HDFC Standard Life will also be initiating an award, rewarding excellence in the field with the “Sar Utha Ke Jiyo” – Most Valuable Player of the Match award. The Rajasthan Royals coaching staff including Shane Warne will select the Most Valuable Player of the Day from the Rajasthan Royals team, who will receive this honour along with a cash incentive of USD 1000 for each match.