According to a press release by Puma, the global sports brand today announced the signing of young cricketers Washington Sundar and Devdutt Padikkal for a long term partnership deal. The duo joins PUMA’s star studded roster of cricketers that include Indian skipper Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, former Indian all rounder Yuvraj Singh along with women’s national cricketer, Sushma Verma.
Looked upon as the future of Indian Cricket, Washington and Devdutt have been star performers in major cricketing tournaments. Sundar’s all-round heroics in Australia powered the Indian cricket team to script a historic overseas test series victory. Padikkal was announced as a ‘find of the season’ with his brilliant performance for RCB in his debut IPL season. Sundar, a match winner and Devdutt, a consistent run-scorer in the domestic level perfectly embody PUMA’s Forever Faster spirit.
Abhishek Ganguly, Managing Director, Puma India and Southeast Asia said, “At PUMA, we are committed to promoting new-age cricketing talent in India. Washington and Devdutt have displayed remarkable resilience and grit on field that’s led to their meteoric rise as athletes. 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.”
Commenting on the association, Washington Sundar said, “Feels great to be associated with a brand like PUMA which has some of the world’s greatest athletes in their roster. 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.”
Devdutt Padikkal added, “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.”
Sundar and Devdutt are currently the members of the Virat Kohli-led , Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the IPL 2021. Puma also recently announced its partnership with RCB as the brand continues to actively invest in India’s sporting ecosystem.
