Explained: The reason behind three stars on Team India's jersey

Cricket is treated like a religion in India and the fans make sure to remain updated about everything related not only to the game but also to the players. One glance on social media will be enough to know just how informed an Indian cricket fan is. Recently, the fans were seen talking about India’s new jersey and the three stars embroidered on it.

Team India finally took the field on Friday for the first ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). It was India’s first game since March as action was halted around the world in the wake of the pandemic. And the players took the field in a new kit which has been a big talking point on the social media for various reasons.

The new jersey has a darker shade of blue than more recent national team jerseys. The jersey also sports the name of the BCCI’s new kit sponsors – MPL Sports. Apart from the colour and the new sponsor, the three stars above the BCCI logo on the Indian jersey is something that has caught the attention of a few people. However, very few know the reason behind it.

The reason behind the three stars

The three stars embroidered on the team’s jersey symbolise India’s victories in three World Cups so far. India have won two 50-over World Cups and one T20 World Cup till date. Their inaugural triumph in the World Cup came in 1983 when the Kapil Dev-led side beat the mighty West Indies. The country had to wait for 24 years for another World Cup before MS Dhoni guided the team to triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Four years later, India won the 50-over World Cup at home under the captaincy of Dhoni. In the previous two editions of the 50-over World Cup, India bowed out at the semi-final stage. Recently, India captain Virat Kohli had spoken on the importance of wearing the jersey with three stars embroidered on it.

“I know there’s a billion-plus hope always riding on our team. That’s why I try to play with responsibility and with respect to the team’s needs. The pressure’s always on, so my focus has to be too. I feel really proud – for me the Three Stars on the jersey represents what the Indian team is today and how much they have achieved. I feel really honoured to be a part of a team that has won three World Cups,” Kohli had said.