FUNDING

Sachin Tendulkar Backs Hitwicket Maker Metasports Interactive, Targeting 100M Downloads

By Thanushree

Sachin Tendulkar has invested in Metasports Interactive, the gaming startup behind mobile cricket strategy game Hitwicket. The investment makes Tendulkar a strategic investor in the company, which is aiming to reach 100 million downloads over the next 3 years. 

• The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed.

• We will also see Tendulkar ‌feature in Hitwicket's in-game experiences, content and brand activities. 

• The investment comes as Metasports is looking to expand its global player base and strengthen its position in the mobile sports gaming market.

Sachin Tendulkar Invests in Metasports Interactive: What We Know

Former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar has acquired a strategic stake in Metasports Interactive, the company that developed Hitwicket.

According to reports, Tendulkar has acquired a significant minority stake in the startup. However, the company has not revealed the investment amount or its valuation.

• Beyond the investment, Tendulkar will serve as the brand ambassador and participate in the game's promotional activities. 

• His likeness will also be introduced as a playable character in Hitwicket.

• The association is expected to bring cricketing expertise into the game's development. 

• Tendulkar's experience of reading bowlers, understanding field placements and making match decisions could help Metasports improve the strategic elements of the game.

• Tendulkar said that Hitwicket stood out because it captures the strategic thinking involved in cricket rather than focusing only on reflexes and shot-making.

What Is Metasports Interactive and What Is Hitwicket?

Metasports Interactive is a gaming startup founded by Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh. Its flagship game, Hitwicket, is a mobile-first multiplayer cricket strategy game launched in 2020.

Unlike traditional cricket games that focus mainly on batting, bowling and fielding controls, Hitwicket emphasises strategic decision-making.

Players can take on the roles of a cricket team owner, coach and captain. They build teams, develop players and compete against other users while making decisions during matches.

Some of the game's key features include:

• Team management: Build and manage a virtual cricket team.

• Match strategy: Decide when to attack, defend or change tactics.

• Player development: Build a competitive squad and improve its performance.

• Multiplayer competition: Compete against players from different countries.

• In-game purchases: Access additional features and content through purchases.

The game aims to recreate the thinking involved in cricket and make strategic decisions central to the gaming experience.

Hitwicket Records 20 Million Players Across 120 Countries

Hitwicket has built a global player base since its launch in 2020. According to Metasports Interactive, the game has crossed 20 million players across more than 120 countries.

The company has also reported strong growth in user engagement and revenue. 

• The company has reported that users spend an average of 51 minutes per day playing Hitwicket. 

• It has also said that its revenue doubled over the six months preceding the November 2026 announcement.

• More than 97% of Hitwicket's revenue comes from in-app purchases, according to company-reported figures. 

• This indicates that the startup's business model relies heavily on monetising its existing player base rather than advertising alone.

Here are the key business figures reported by the company:

Why Is Sachin Tendulkar Investing in Hitwicket?

Tendulkar's investment reflects his interest in Hitwicket's approach to cricket gaming.

Traditional cricket video games generally focus on simulating on-field action, including batting, bowling and fielding. Hitwicket takes a different approach by focusing on the tactical decisions that influence match outcomes.

These include:

• Reading the opposition's bowling strategy.

• Selecting the right batting approach.

• Assessing field placements.

• Managing players and team combinations.

• Making decisions based on match situations.

Tendulkar believes that the game captures an important part of cricket: the thinking that happens before and during every delivery.

For Metasports, his involvement offers more than financial backing. His cricketing experience could help the development team understand how professional players approach different match situations and translate those insights into gameplay.

His presence as a strategic investor and brand ambassador could also strengthen Hitwicket's visibility among cricket fans in India and international markets.

Metasports Interactive Previously Received $20 Million from Metica

Sachin Tendulkar's investment follows another major funding development for Metasports Interactive.

In April 2026, London-based growth financing company Metica provided $20 million in user acquisition funding to the gaming startup.

The funding was intended to support Hitwicket's user acquisition and international expansion. Metica also supports the company in improving its monetisation strategy through in-app purchases and advertising.

Metasports has also received backing from investors and industry figures, including:

• Prime Venture Partners

• Horizon Ventures

• The Chennai Angels

• Harsha Bhogle

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had also invested in the startup in 2024.

The latest investment from Tendulkar adds another prominent cricket personality to the company's investor base.

What Are Metasports Interactive's Future Plans?

Metasports Interactive aims to expand Hitwicket beyond its existing user base and establish it as a globally recognised mobile sports gaming title.

The company has set a target of reaching 100 million downloads within three years. Reaching this milestone will require expansion into international markets, stronger player engagement and continued investment in game development.

Its future plans include:

1. Expanding into international markets

Hitwicket already has players across more than 120 countries. The United Kingdom, the United States and Australia are among its important overseas markets. The company wants to build on this presence.

2. Introducing AI-powered gaming experiences

The startup is exploring generative AI for features such as real-time commentary and personalised gameplay. Its existing AI-backed commentary experience also uses cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle's voice.

3. Expanding beyond cricket

Metasports is exploring opportunities to develop mobile games across multiple sports. Its broader ambition is to build a mobile sports gaming business with the potential to compete in the global gaming market.

4. Improving monetisation

The company is exploring subscription offerings for its core users and selectively expanding opt-in advertising while continuing to focus on in-app purchases.

What Sachin Tendulkar's Investment Means for India's Gaming Industry

Tendulkar's investment highlights the growing interest in India's mobile gaming sector, particularly in games built around sports and interactive experiences.

Cricket already has a large following in India, making it a natural market for mobile cricket games. However, companies such as Metasports Interactive are also looking beyond the domestic market to attract international users.

The investment also reflects a shift in how gaming startups approach growth. Beyond developing games, companies are focusing on player retention, monetisation, technology and global distribution.

For Metasports, Tendulkar's association could help strengthen its brand credibility while providing access to cricketing insights that can influence product development.

However, reaching 100 million downloads will depend on the company's ability to attract new users, retain existing players and compete with established cricket and sports gaming titles.

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