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Sports News: The most iconic tyre company in Indian cricket sponsorship is MRF. Virat Kohli has been carrying its bat sticker since 2013. In 2017, he signed a mega deal worth ₹100 crores for eight years. This agreement pays him nearly ₹12.5 crores annually. Kohli’s bat and MRF logo have almost become inseparable. Fans around the world identify his straight drive with that sticker. MRF’s long association with cricket shows how tyre companies link with sports icons to expand their brand image.
CEAT tyres has also become a household name in cricket. The company partnered with Rohit Sharma nearly a decade ago. Today, every time Rohit hits a six, the CEAT logo shines. His current deal earns him around ₹4 crores annually. This relationship highlights the brand’s trust in India’s captain. CEAT continues to focus on cricket as a way to connect with millions of fans across India. Rohit’s consistency with bat has helped CEAT’s presence stay strong in sports marketing.
Young Test captain Shubman Gill is the latest addition to the tyre sponsorship list. In 2025, MRF signed him for an annual deal worth ₹8–10 crores. Earlier, Gill was associated with CEAT, but his rising stature made MRF rope him in. Now Gill walks out with the famous red sticker on his bat. This shows how tyre companies identify emerging stars and secure them early. Gill’s graceful batting style and growing popularity make him a perfect fit for the brand.
Apart from Rohit, CEAT has also supported middle-order star Shreyas Iyer. His deal began in 2019 and continues till today. Whenever Iyer plays attacking shots, CEAT’s name travels with the ball. Although the financial details are not public, the association has been steady for years. Iyer’s aggressive stroke play and youth appeal help CEAT target younger fans. This sponsorship also proves that tyre companies are not only chasing top captains but also investing in consistent performers.
The biggest development came when Apollo Tyres became India’s jersey sponsor. This ₹579 crore deal runs for two and a half years. It is the first time a tyre company directly sponsored Team India’s kit. The move shows the brand’s intent to become a global sports face. For fans, seeing the tyre logo on the blue jersey is a new experience. Experts say this partnership will boost Apollo’s recognition worldwide and change the way companies look at cricket jerseys.
The deep bond between tyre companies and cricketers is no accident. Cricket in India reaches hundreds of millions of viewers, making it the best platform for visibility. Bat stickers ensure brand exposure in every shot, while jersey sponsorship multiplies it globally. From stadiums to TV screens, tyre companies get unmatched attention. For players, it brings in big money. For brands, it creates strong recall. This mutual benefit is the reason tyre companies continue to dominate cricket sponsorships.
Sponsorships are not only about money but also about identity. Fans associate brands with their favourite cricketers’ performances. Kohli’s cover drive, Rohit’s pull shot, Gill’s elegant strokes, and Iyer’s aggressive play all carry tyre logos. Over time, these brands become part of cricketing memories. That is why the partnership goes beyond business and connects with emotion. With Apollo entering jerseys and MRF-CEAT ruling bats, tyre companies have become a permanent part of India’s cricketing journey.
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