MUMBAI: Nike, the official apparel sponsor of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has revealed the limited-overs uniform that Team India will wear this cricket season.
Nike’s Team India kit draws inspiration from the passion and support fans have for the sport and the national team. The uniform is a striking contemporary blue, with a textured, premium finish.
Designed to enhance the modern requirements of the game and its players, the jersey has a dynamic fit tailored to the athlete’s body, a result of 3D body mapping of the world’s top athletes and insights gleaned from collaboration with the Indian cricket team. Players expressed the desire for a jersey that moves with them and is comfortable enabling a complete focus on their game. The jersey is accented with a cutting edge graphic on the shoulders.
Nike India VP and GM Bob Coombes said in a press statement: “The country’s love for the sport and its team is what drives us to deliver our very best in technology and design to cricket India. This kit combines superior lightweight performance made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, causing minimal impact on the environment while ensuring that the design aptly reflects the winning attitude of the team. We stay committed in our endeavour to deliver the best and continue to wish our ‘Men in Blue’ greater success in the coming tournament.”
In an earlier interview to indiantelevison.com Star India - also the official sponsor for Team India - COO Sanjay Gupta had stated: “Cricket helps build awareness of brands and associations and we are seeking value coming from both. It is a serious value that we see as a business and hence this sponsorship.”
Star India with the association with Team India cricket, is very clear on using the placement of its logo on the jersey to make the Star brand more salient in its viewers eyes. With the sponsorship rights from 2014 to 2017 and over 100 matches to be played, Star is clearly leveraging its association with sports and continuing to invest heavily on sports.
In keeping with Nike’s Better World philosophy, Team India’s kit is constructed with 100 per cent recycled polyester fabric that is lightweight, reinforced with increased stretchability and enhanced moisture-wicking capabilities. Improved ventilation zones provide additional comfort and cooling.
The four-way stretch pants for Team India complete the kit. The pants feature a more streamlined, shrink-wrap fit for better movement on the field. A woven fabric has been introduced to help athletes move better and enhance durability.
The Team India kits will be available at select Nike retail outlets.
