Shubman Gill’s appearance as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia was a familiar sight. However, what caught the attention of many was the noticeable change in his bat sticker.
Having previously used a CEAT sticker, the young Indian opener walked out in Dubai with an MRF sticker on his bat. This switch marked a significant moment in Gill’s career, as he joined the ranks of legendary cricketers who have played with an MRF bat.
The 25-year-old, who has been in excellent form recently, is now officially a part of the MRF family. The company took to social media to confirm his new association, posting on Instagram: “MRF is delighted to welcome Shubman Gill to the MRF Family for a relationship that will endure like other Cricketing Greats who have been associated with MRF.” The sports goods division added, “With legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Brian Lara having graced the iconic MRF bat, Shubman Gill now carries forward this tradition, inspiring the next generation of cricketers.”
Before his association with MRF, Gill had been known to sport a YouWeCan sticker, the foundation name of former cricketer Yuvraj Singh. This had caught the attention of New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham in January 2021, after Gill batted in a Test match against Australia. Neesham had commented, “I don’t think Shubman will have a blank bat for long,” reflecting on the young player’s potential.
Despite the excitement surrounding his new bat deal, Gill’s first outing with the MRF sticker didn’t go as planned. He was dismissed for just 8 runs off 11 balls, having inside-edged a delivery from Ben Dwarshius onto his stumps. Nevertheless, this change in his equipment marks a new chapter in Gill’s promising career, as he continues to establish himself among the best in world cricket.
Currently ranked as the world No. 1 batter, Gill’s rise has been swift, and he was named vice-captain for the ICC Champions Trophy. This new endorsement with MRF ties him to a prestigious legacy of cricketers who have played with the brand, including some of the game’s most iconic players.
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