Innovation met the cricketing world in the latest episode of Shark Tank India 4 when Str8bat founders Madhusudan R, Gagan Daga, and Rahul Nagar pitched their groundbreaking deep-tech device. Their smart bat sensor, a lightweight and pocket-sized innovation, attaches to any cricket bat, providing real-time data on bat speed, ball impact, hand motion, and overall performance. The founders proudly stated, “You can’t improve what you can’t measure,” emphasizing their mission to revolutionize cricket training.
With an impressive statistic—91% of users showing improved batting—the Str8bat team entered the tank with a bold ask of ₹1.5 crore for just 1% equity, showcasing their confidence in the product. They highlighted how international cricketers and budding players alike are already benefiting from their data-driven insights.

The Sharks were eager to experience the product firsthand. Aman Gupta, a cricket enthusiast, immediately connected with the concept and praised the team’s journey—from sports lovers to corporate professionals, now turning their passion into a game-changing business.

While Aman was intrigued, Ritesh Agarwal, Kunal Bahl, and Vineeta Singh decided to step out, stating that their visions didn’t align with the product. Meanwhile, Namita Thapar saw potential and made an offer, but the founders were hesitant about lowering their valuation.

As negotiations continued, Aman challenged the founders, asking whether they were genuinely looking for a deal or just leveraging the platform for marketing. The pitchers reassured that they were serious about striking a deal.
Aman offered ₹1.5 crore for 4% equity, valuing the company at ₹37.5 crore. However, when the founders didn’t immediately accept, Namita expressed her disappointment, saying, “Aapne mujhe kyu mana kiya? I am feeling offended.”

The pitchers countered with a 2.5% equity offer, leading Aman and Namita to join forces, eventually closing the deal at 3.5%. The intense yet successful negotiation showcased the value of Str8bat and the Sharks’ keen interest in fostering sports-tech innovation.