The Indian team jersey for the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup was launched in Hyderabad on Friday, 1 March. Team India captain Virat Kohli and senior pro Mahendra Singh Dhoni were present at the launch, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw. India’s women cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues were also there at the launch event and graced the stage, along with the male cricketers.
Like past instances, official apparel partner, Nike, this time too, has brought new innovation with the latest jersey. Apart from the innovations, the jersey also sports a number of firsts as far as the design is concerned.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli has already declared the jersey to be the best Nike jersey he has worn in ten years and said he can’t wait to step on the field wearing this one. Meanwhile, Mahendra Singh Dhoni explained why the new jersey will act as another motivational factor.
Here’s a look at the features of the new Team India jersey:
Two-Toned Blue & a Dash of Orange
Blue continues to be the primary colour with orange as the secondary. The jersey for the first time will have two-toned blue both in the front and the back. A darker shade on the torso, while a lighter one on the shoulder, with India written across the chest in the familiar orange. Apart from orange streaks at the side of the jersey for the first time a World Cup jersey will feature an under collar in orange called ‘Slash Pride Collar. The tri-colour strip near the shoulder portion has been removed and the tri-colour inner band has been placed at the back neck.
A Tribute to the Rich Legacy
What seems to be another first, the jersey will feature three stars on the inside at the back, signifying India’s three World Cup titles (two ODI World Cup and one T20I World Cup). The stars are inscribed inside the garment, below the collar, at the back. The inscription includes the dates, scores and co-ordinates of the venues of Team India’s World Cup triumphs along with tag ‘Bleed Blue’.
According to Dhoni, the three stars always remind the team of the great legacy of Team India and they are also a motivational factor which motivates to give them that extra 10-15 percent.
Engineered Mesh Technology
For the first time Nike has used multi-dimensional design approach for the ODI kit, which basically allows the jersey to stretch from all direction. The garment has an engineered mesh that helps in temperature regulation across key targeted zones in the body.
Captain Kohli has already given his approval regarding this new jersey and all the innovations involved.
“I can feel the change. It (new jersey) is so light on the body. It is breathable. I feel there is no restriction at all. It is very stretchable, more than the last jersey. I can’t wait to step on the field with this one.”Virat Kohli, Captain, Indian Cricket Team
Recycled Approach
Continuing the green approach, this time too Nike has used recycled material. After using recycled plastic bottles for the 2015 World Cup jersey, now Nike has decided to go with recycled polyester for the upcoming edition of the World Cup in England.
The new ODI replica jersey will be available in three different versions ranging from Rs 2,495 to Rs 5,495.
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