Battleground: Rubina Dilaik on leading Team Mumbai Strikers; says ‘Bringing everyone to a common ground was the real test’

With cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan as the ‘Super Mentor’, fitness reality show Battleground brings together four dynamic team leaders—Rajat Dalal, Abhishek Malhan, Neeraj Goyat, and Rubina Dilaik—each mentoring squads with their own distinctive approach to strategy and resilience.
Among these powerhouse mentors, Rubina Dilaik shines as the determined leader of Team Mumbai Strikers. Known for her poise and perseverance, Rubina brings both heart and discipline to the competition, inspiring her team to rise above challenges.

Describing the electrifying atmosphere on set, Rubina said, “The shoots are intense, no doubt, but they’re also filled with so much joy and camaraderie. There’s this delicate thread that ties all of us together—whether it’s the contestants or the mentors—and in that chaos, we find this beautiful rhythm.” She added, “We spend nearly 15 to 16 hours on set, and while it’s physically draining, the adrenaline, the passion, the shared excitement makes every second worth it.”
But her biggest takeaway from Battleground isn’t just about endurance—it's about unity. “The biggest challenge for me was bringing everyone to a common ground. Each contestant walks in with a unique story, a different background, their own strengths and life perspectives,” she shared. “And when you’re trying to unite that kind of diversity under one vision, it’s not easy. But that’s where the real work begins—in listening, in understanding, in creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued.That, to me, is the true test of leadership.”

On the other hand, the show came in limelight when Asim Riaz, reportedly got removed from the reality show. It happened after a heated altercation with co-judges Rubina Dilaik and Abhishek Malhan during a shoot on April 17. The confrontation escalated to the point where filming was stop, leading to Asim’s exit from the show.