The Indian cricket landscape witnessed a significant branding milestone on October 2, 2025, as Apollo Tyres officially unveiled its logo on the Indian men's national team jersey. This high-profile debut took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, capturing the attention of cricket fans and marking the latest chapter in a growing partnership between Apollo Tyres and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Just two days prior, the logo had already made its first appearance on the sleeves of the Indian women's team during their match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, signaling Apollo Tyres’ commitment to supporting both men’s and women’s cricket at the highest level.
The announcement comes on the heels of a prestigious three-year strategic partnership between Apollo Tyres and BCCI—a move that industry insiders and cricket enthusiasts alike see as a powerful alignment of two Indian giants. The partnership is not just about branding; it’s about uniting the country’s passion for cricket with a brand that has become synonymous with resilience and performance. The presence of the Apollo Tyres logo on the national jerseys, for both men and women, is a visible testament to this shared vision.
Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres Ltd, didn’t hide his pride when speaking about the new collaboration. According to Kanwar, “Our logo appearing on the Indian cricket teams' jersey is a moment of great honour for us. Cricket unites the nation like no other sport, and through this association, we aim to go the distance with the teams and their supporters, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience and excellence.” His words echo the sentiment felt by millions of Indian cricket fans, who see the national jersey as more than just a uniform—it’s a symbol of unity, pride, and aspiration.
The timing of the logo’s debut couldn’t have been more fitting. The Indian men’s team was set to face the West Indies in the opening Test match at Ahmedabad, a city renowned for its love of cricket and its state-of-the-art stadium. The anticipation was palpable as fans filled the stands, eager to witness not just the on-field action but also the unveiling of a new era in Indian cricket sponsorship.
As the match got underway, the focus quickly shifted to the players’ performance. Opening the innings for India were Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, both of whom have become household names in recent years. The pair started cautiously, navigating a disciplined West Indies bowling attack that tested their patience with a tight line and length. India reached 23 for no loss after 12.4 overs, with both openers looking steady at the crease. But then, in a twist that’s all too familiar to cricket fans, rain interrupted play, sending players and spectators alike scrambling for cover.
The rain delay proved to be just a temporary setback. Once play resumed, Jaiswal, who had taken his time to settle in, shifted gears and began to find the boundary with increasing regularity. His aggressive intent set the tone for the session, but it was KL Rahul who truly anchored the innings. Showing the kind of calm and composure that has become his trademark, Rahul notched up a crucial half-century, powering India to a respectable 121 for 2 by the end of Day 1. The team trailed the West Indies by just 41 runs, setting up an intriguing contest for the days ahead.
India’s only setbacks in the third session came when Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell to the West Indies bowlers. Both wickets were hard-earned, a testament to the visitors’ persistence and discipline. Still, with Rahul at the crease and a deep batting lineup to follow, Indian fans remained optimistic about their chances as the match progressed.
The significance of the Apollo Tyres logo on the Indian jerseys wasn’t lost on commentators or fans. For many, it’s a symbol of how cricket continues to evolve—not just as a sport, but as a platform for major brands to connect with the nation’s heart and soul. The partnership with BCCI is expected to bring new energy and resources to the Indian cricket ecosystem, benefiting players and fans alike.
It’s worth noting that the women’s team was the first to showcase the new logo, doing so during their match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30, 2025. This move underscores Apollo Tyres’ commitment to gender parity in sports sponsorship, a trend that’s gaining momentum both in India and globally. By supporting both the men’s and women’s teams, Apollo Tyres is sending a clear message: excellence in cricket knows no boundaries.
The unveiling of the logo has also sparked conversations about the broader role of corporate sponsorship in Indian sports. As cricket continues to dominate the national conversation, partnerships like this one are seen as crucial for the sport’s growth and long-term sustainability. They provide much-needed funding for player development, grassroots initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades—all of which are essential for maintaining India’s status as a cricketing powerhouse.
For Apollo Tyres, the partnership is about more than just visibility. It’s about aligning the brand with values that resonate deeply with Indian audiences: determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. As Neeraj Kanwar put it, the goal is to “go the distance with the teams and their supporters,” a sentiment that captures the essence of both cricket and business in India.
On the field, the Indian team’s performance on Day 1 set the stage for what promises to be an engaging and closely contested Test match. With KL Rahul leading the charge and the team well positioned, fans are eagerly awaiting the next day’s play. The West Indies, for their part, have shown that they’re not to be underestimated, and the battle between bat and ball is far from over.
As the sun set over the Narendra Modi Stadium, the sight of the Apollo Tyres logo on the Indian jerseys served as a powerful reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal and its ability to bring people together. Whether in Ahmedabad or Guwahati, on the pitch or in the stands, cricket continues to inspire, unite, and excite a nation. And with new partnerships fueling its growth, the future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever.
The action in Ahmedabad is still unfolding, with India trailing by 41 runs at stumps on Day 1. As fans gear up for another day of world-class cricket, all eyes remain on the field—and on the new emblem that now sits proudly on the nation’s cricketing colors.
