The Test series is over and the whites are off. Now the focus is on the ODIs – the tri-nation series against Australia and England followed by the biggest prize of them all, the World Cup. And Team India have begun this all important season in coloured shirts donning a different shade of blue.
The members of the Indian team led by captain MS Dhoni and Team India kit sponsor, Nike, unveiled the team’s new ODI kit at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.
The new kit, as Dhoni said, “Is an improvement over the previous one” in many ways. When creating it, the Nike designers spent several hours taking inputs from the players in terms of their requirements and preferences.
The most significant aspect of the new kit is that it is made out of 100 per cent recycled polyester, giving the fabric enhanced stretchability and moisture releasing qualities. Hence it not only serves to the players’ comfort but also plays a role in conserving the environment.
Speaking at the launch, Dhoni revealed his inputs in the design and how it was implemented in the new jersey.
“There has been constant interaction between Nike and the players,” the Indian captain said. “We all gave them our inputs and a lot of them have been passed. The product was already great and this is just an improvement on the previous one. It looks good.”
Specifying his own contribution in the design, Dhoni said, “The front part – the strands that are drawn in the front are out of our national flag (the 24 lines in the Ashok Chakra) and it gives a bit of a feel to it.
“You know what you’re supposed to do when you’re playing for your country but this touch just reiterates the fact. I am glad that Nike has put it in the shirt.”
For Virat Kohli, the fit was most significant. “One thing that I have stressed on for the last couple of years is the fit,” he said. “I like the shirt that fits nice and snug. That’s something Nike has done this time around and I am really pleased it’s been done. As sportsmen if you’re fit, you should have clothes that make you look good as well,” Virat said.
After an eventful series in which he took over as India’s Test captain, Virat now wants to begin the team’s first season in the new ODI kit with an encore of the 2011 World Cup victory.
“A second consecutive World Cup win would be a nice milestone to have in the new jersey. That’s what we will aim for in the next two months and have a vision for.
“It doesn’t matter if the colour of the jersey changes as long there is the India logo on it. It is the reason why we play cricket. It is what keeps me and the boys going,” he said.
R Ashwin was more appealed by the fact that their new kit is environmental friendly. “I have been told that the one pair of shirt and trousers is made out of 33 plastic bottles in all,” he said.
“We feel socially responsible as a unit wearing this kit and doing our bit for the environment. So, in that regards, I am really proud of what Nike has given us.”
With the new shade of blue, the Men in Blue embark on the journey of the defense of their World Champions in ICC 2015 World Cup.
By: BCCI
