International sportswear giant Puma has reportedly signed a long term partnership deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore stars Washington Sundar and Devdutt Padikkal. The youngsters will join Puma’s roaster of cricketers with the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, KL Rahul, along with legend Yuvraj Singh and Women’s National cricketer Sushma Verma as the Brand Ambassadors for the firm. International sports personalities like Neymar Jr, Usain Bolt and Lewis Hamilton are also a part of the association.
Washington Sundar proved to be a hero during India’s tour of Australia as he was one of the top performers in the final test at Gabba. On his debut, he contributed with bat and ball to help India to win the game and series. Speaking on his new partnership with Puma, he expresses his excitement to be associated with a big brand that is already working with some of the biggest cricketers in India.
“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.”
On the other hand, the 20-year-old Padikkal, who had been a sensation for RCB in IPL 2020 has been a talk of town given his age and his accomplishments in the domestic cricket. The left-handed Karnataka batsman also displayed his exhilaration to collaborate with a company with the best athletes around the world in its roaster.
“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.”
Padikkal recently recovered from COVID-19 and missed the opener for RCB, prior to which he partnered with Eat.fit days before the start of the IPL 2021. He missed first game of IPL 2021 due to fitness issues after a bout with coronavirus at the end of March.
PUMA’s Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly admitted that the sportswear brand is also planning to work with emerging stars in India along with established players. Puma also teamed up with Royal Challengers Bangalore as the kit sponsor for the next few seasons.
Padikkal and Sundar are key players for RCB this season. Both are nailed on starters in Virat Kohli’s first choice starting XI. Unlike previous seasons, RCB has made a very positive start to IPL 2021, winning all of their first three games. They face a stumbling Rajasthan Royals on April 22 at the Wankhede Stadium, with the aim of making four wins in a row.