As we celebrate this journey of jersey through the shades of blue and beyond, let us remember that it's not just a jersey; it's a symbol of passion, pride, and the undying love for cricket that unites a nation.
India boasts a rich and distinctive historical panorama, and within this intricate narrative lies the captivating history of the Indian cricket team. Yet, one might ponder, how many among us are acquainted with the metamorphosis that the Indian team's emblematic jersey has gracefully undergone? Or how many have had the privilege of witnessing the Indian cricket ensemble adorned in a jersey that was different from the earlier one? Probably, very few of us. Let’s find out different shades of the Indian jersey over the years.
1932-1985: The time when the Indian cricket team, in all its nascent glory, took its inaugural steps onto the international stage in 1932, it was a pivotal juncture in cricketing lore that marked India's debut in the Test cricket on the grounds of England. In those bygone days, the canvas of their cricketing identity was painted solely in shades of white. It was a time when the essence of Indian cricket was encapsulated within the pristine simplicity of that white attire, setting the stage for a vibrant evolution that would follow.
1985: It was the year when the Indian team made its first step into the realm of colored jerseys. Team India donned a jersey of a light blue hue, accentuated by a striking touch of yellow adorning the collars and gracing the center. Remarkably, these uniforms bore no trace of sponsors, logos, or even the names of the players. India won the 1985 Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket against Pakistan with adorning the coloured jersey for the first time.
1991-1992: In 1991, Indian team wore the jersey with the team’s name elegantly emblazoned on the front. And in 1992, the jersey transformed into a resplendent navy blue canvas, upon which the names of the players were at the back.
1994: The team was spotted in an orange jersey, and in the front, there was a blue band serving as the backdrop for the team's name. The pants, however, retained their classic blue hue.
1996: It was the year of the world cup and the Indian national team made a striking sartorial statement. Their jerseys were an enchanting blend of light blue and vibrant yellow, a fusion of colours that symbolized the team's energy and optimism on the field. Adding a touch of dynamism to their attire, the Indian team adorned their jerseys with bold yellow collars, including rainbow coloured arrows that gracefully spanned across the chest.
1998: A subtle yet significant evolution graced the Indian cricket team's jersey design. This alteration brought forth a visual embodiment of national pride and identity. The jersey, once again, became a canvas for cultural symbolism and patriotism. The standout feature of the 1998 jersey was the addition of the tricolour - the vibrant strokes of saffron, white, and green - artistically incorporated around the shoulders. This modification was not merely an aesthetic choice; it symbolized the team's allegiance to the nation.
1999-2001: The 1991 jersey, characterized by its yellow collar, was further adorned with the addition of sleek black borders around the collar's periphery. The esteemed logo of the BCCI made its debut appearance on the jersey, finding its place on the left side. In 2001, the BCCI logo transitioned from its initial placement on the left side to the right side with the sponsor Sahara’s name on the front and on the left sleeves.
2011: Indeed, the year when India clinched the Cricket World Cup is etched in the memories of cricket lovers. In that unforgettable year, the jersey design struck a harmonious balance between dark and light blue with the tricolor stripes adorning either side.
2019: In 2019 world cup, Indian jersey saw a return of orange in it with orange sleeves and dark blue jersey.
2022: The jersey has a slighter lighter shade of blue. Complementing this lighter blue were the sleeves, which donned a contrasting, darker shade of blue.
In the evolving times, the Indian cricket jersey has been a canvas of transformation, reflecting the spirit and identity of a nation deeply in love with the game. From the pristine whites of its inception to the dynamic bursts of colours that followed, each change in design symbolized not just a shift in style, but a deeper connection to the hearts of millions of fans.
