Image via NDTV
Tata Motors have just signed on the world’s greatest footballer, Lionel Messi, as their brand ambassador. Most of the cabs plying in India are Indica made by Tata Motors. Their drivers have heaved a sigh of relief with the choice of Messi.
Talking to us, the head of Gurgaon Indica cab owners association Laalhara Singh said, “Imagine saab, if they had chosen a cricketer. Dhoni or Virat Kohli. Of course they are popular. But what do they do? Drive the ball into the gaps. In cricket if you want to change anything, indication should be given. Umpire’s signal is final. It does not suit us at all! Thank God they have gone with a creative footballer.”
Echoing his comments, Pankaj Kumar from Dombivili explained, “What if they have gone for a race car driver? Some Hamilton, Shamilton! They just drive fast on empty roads. We drive fast on roads that are packed. Sometimes on pavements too. Thankfully, it is Messi”.
Explaining the similarities, Ananth Gowda, a driver from Whitefield, Bengaluru, said, “Messi has 3-4 defenders against him. He is always surrounded and never has a clear view of the goal. To move, he has to dribble, feint and go in circles to beat the defenders. This is what we also do! Cut in front of the next car, race other one and keep cutting lanes to move ahead. Messi follows in our footsteps.”
“Messi also tries to shoot for the goal most of the time. He can give the ball to the others for the same more frequently. Same way, we also try to get through whatever space available in front of us and not allow others to go forward.”
“When we drive, there is just one cop somewhere in the vicinity. If we depend on him to keep order, nothing will get done. Exactly like what happens in football. The referee keeps running around, but he is never there when you need him!”
This convinced us of the quality of research the Tatas have put into their brand ambassador. The only disconnect is the fact that Indica drivers use their horn extensively. There is no comparison in football. To address this gap, next year Messi is planning to use squeaking shoes, hitherto worn by toddlers. Every step will create noise, akin to what happens when our cabs are driven. With that, Messi’s identification with cab drivers will be total.