Shubman Gill’s Nike Vest Sparks Controversy Amid Record-Breaking Test Performance

Shubman Gill’s extraordinary performance in the second Test against England may have dominated cricketing headlines, but his decision to wear a Nike vest during India’s declaration on Day 4 has sparked an unexpected controversy — one that could potentially cost the BCCI and Gill big.

Gill was seen calling in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to declare the innings while wearing a Nike-branded vest. So, what’s the problem? Adidas is India’s official kit sponsor, having signed a major five-year deal with the BCCI for a whopping 250-crores in 2023. The agreement covers the men’s, women’s, and age-group national teams, meaning players are expected to wear Adidas-branded gear at all times while representing India.  

So, when cameras caught Gill, not just out of kit, but wearing a vest belonging to Adidas’ direct competitor, it immediately triggered concerns over a breach of contract. Images of the moment spread rapidly across social media, with fans questioning whether Gill had accidentally violated the terms of India’s apparel sponsorship. The Nike logo was clearly visible, and while some users were light-hearted about the mistake, others flagged it as a serious misstep. 

When Adidas is the team Sponsor, but Shubman Gill just can’t leave his Nike love behind. pic.twitter.com/r5TDfCUjhD

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 5, 2025

Industry insiders and fans alike noted that apparel sponsors take these deals extremely seriously, especially when hundreds of crores are involved. While it’s unlikely that Gill acted with any intent to defy the contract, the move could still prompt a stern response from the BCCI, which may choose to issue a notice asking the captain to explain his actions. Many believe Gill may have rushed out in the heat of the moment, eager to declare and get England back in to bat, forgetting about the finer points of sponsorship obligations. But that doesn’t erase the fact that he inadvertently gave prime-time attention to a rival brand — something companies pay enormous sums to avoid. 

Despite the controversy, it’s worth remembering that this was a match where Gill was at his absolute best with the bat. He scored a career-best 269 in the first innings, packed with 30 crisp boundaries and three big sixes. In the second innings, he added another century to his name, taking his match tally past the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s 344-run mark from 1971 — a record that had stood for over five decades. 

While the vest incident continues to generate noise online, the bigger picture is still about Gill’s masterclass with the bat. But now, both he and the BCCI may have to deal with an off-field hiccup that no one saw coming. Whether it ends with a slap on the wrist or a more serious reprimand remains to be seen.