The highly anticipated fifth season of Shark Tank India is set to premiere on January 5, 2026, and the latest promos promise a fiery start. The new season will see a clash of titans as sharks Aman Gupta and Kunal Bahl lock horns over a pitch from a dessert startup, setting the stage for intense negotiations and scrutiny.
The Croffle Guys Pitch Sparks Debate
In one of the released promos, the founders of 'The Croffle Guys' – Rahul Vohra, Annanya Agarwal, Veer Pinto, and Amay Thakkar – present their innovative dessert concept: croissant-shaped waffles. However, their pitch immediately divides the panel of investors.
Aman Gupta, after sampling the product, expressed skepticism, stating it was essentially a waffle. Kunal Bahl pointed to the success of established players like The Belgian Waffle Co. The tension escalated when founder Rahul Vohra revealed their strategic first location would be right opposite a Belgian Waffle outlet.
While shark Namita Thapar approved of the bold move, Aman Gupta called it a "smart move." Kunal Bahl, however, challenged this view, questioning the founders on why they believed it was a smart strategy. He highlighted the distribution strength of their competitor, suggesting that if The Belgian Waffle Co simply added a croffle to their menu, the new brand could face significant challenges.
The founders also shared that their product's average selling price is Rs 267. Whether this contentious pitch will secure an investment remains one of the season's early intrigues.
Sharks Take a Hard Stance on Ethics
In another intense promo for Shark Tank India 5, sharks Anupam Mittal, Mohit Yadav, and Namita Thapar are seen confronting a brand over its business practices. While the brand's name is not yet revealed, the sharks do not mince words.
Anupam Mittal accuses the pitchers of making "big claims, which are completely baseless." Mohit Yadav goes a step further, labeling the actions as "fraud" rather than merely incorrect. Namita Thapar unequivocally states that what the entrepreneurs are doing is unethical, signaling a season where due diligence and integrity will be under the microscope.
A Streamlined Selection Process for Season 5
The makers of Shark Tank India have significantly tightened the selection process for this season. In a recent interview, shark Ritesh Agarwal revealed that the show now conducts extensive due diligence on companies before they enter the tank.
"This season, you will find many unique perspectives on diligence too. Compliance has become a very important part of diligence this year," Agarwal stated. He noted that only about 0.1% of applicants ultimately get to pitch on the show, a percentage that is shrinking as the ecosystem matures.
Shark Viraj Bahl added that a remarkable shift has occurred, with more than 95% of entrepreneurs now declining offers after viewing the deals, rather than the sharks saying no. He credited the show's organizers for their rigorous financial checks before any pitch reaches the stage.
Shark Tank India 5 will air on Sony TV and stream on SonyLIV starting January 5, 2026, every Monday to Friday at 8 PM IST.
