India’s national cricket team has revealed a fresh ODI jersey featuring Apollo Tyres as the new lead sponsor, replacing Dream11. The unveiling took place at Perth’s Optus Stadium ahead of the Australia series. While the design has drawn mixed reactions, it marks a new chapter in Team India’s branding journey.
India’s ODI Jersey Gets a Makeover: Apollo Tyres Takes Center Stage
As anticipation builds for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, Team India has debuted a new ODI jersey that prominently features Apollo Tyres as the lead sponsor. The unveiling, held at Optus Stadium in Perth, showcased the updated kit worn by Indian cricketers Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside Australian counterparts Mitchell Starc and Travis Head.
Key Highlights of the Jersey Launch:
New Sponsorship Deal
Apollo Tyres replaces Dream11 as the lead sponsor on the front of the jersey.
The partnership signals a strategic branding shift for the Indian cricket team, aligning with a globally recognized Indian brand.
Design and Aesthetic Changes
The jersey retains its classic blue base but introduces a bolder Apollo Tyres logo, which now dominates the chest area.
The placement of the sponsor’s logo has pushed the “INDIA” tag lower, a design choice that has sparked debate among fans.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Sentiments
While some fans appreciated the modern and clean look, others criticized the oversized sponsor logo, calling it “too commercial.”
Social media platforms saw a flurry of opinions, with many nostalgic for previous jersey designs that gave more prominence to the national identity.
Symbolism and Timing
The jersey launch comes just days before the ODI series against Australia, adding to the buzz around the high-stakes tour.
It also reflects the evolving commercial landscape of international cricket, where sponsorship visibility plays a key role.
Marketing and Media Rollout
The unveiling was part of a pre-series promotional shoot, with visuals now circulating across digital and broadcast platforms.
Axar Patel also participated in a separate media interaction, reinforcing the team’s readiness for the series.
As India prepares to face Australia, the new jersey not only represents a fresh visual identity but also underscores the growing synergy between sports and corporate branding.
Sources: MSN News, India Today, Cricket Winner