German sports giant, PUMA has signed a long-term partnership deal with two up and coming Indian cricketers, Washington Sundar and Devdutt Padikkal. The duo joins the likes of Team India skipper Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and legendary all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh in PUMA’s roaster.
While Sundar has become a regular member of Team India, Padikkal is punching above his weight in major cricketing tournaments. Sundar’s performance in Australia helped the Indian cricket team clinch a historic away test series win.
Padikkal, on the other hand, enjoyed a breakthrough IPL season last year in the UAE where he emerged as the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s highest run-scorer, eclipsing the likes of Kohli and AB de Villiers.
“At PUMA, we are committed to promoting new-age cricketing talent in India. Washington and Devdutt have displayed remarkable resilience and grit on the field that’s led to their meteoric rise as athletes,” said Abhishek Ganguly, MD, Puma India and Southeast Asia
“We have always believed in supporting not just established players, but also talent with immense future potential. We will continue to partner with young athletes, also at grassroots to give back to India’s sporting ecosystem,” he added.
“Feels great to be associated with a brand like PUMA which has some of the world’s greatest athletes in their roaster. Watching Skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul closely has given me a deeper insight into the brand. PUMA adds a lot of credibility to an athletes’ journey and I’m excited to work with the brand in India,” said Washington Sundar.
“I’m extremely excited to sign with Puma. The brand is associated with the best athletes around the world and I’m honoured to be a part of that legacy. A partnership with a global sports brand like PUMA is really a big motivation for young athletes like me. I’m looking forward to a long-term association with the brand,” stated Padikkal.
Both players are a part of the Virat Kohli-led RCB’s squad for the ongoing IPL. With three wins from as many outings, RCB currently sit at the top of the pile in the IPL 2021 points. They will now take on Rajasthan Royals on Thursday in Mumbai.