Tendulkar-Kohli legacy continues as Shubman Gill signs MRF bat deal

In a historic move, India batter Shubman Gill has signed an agreement to represent MRF, a homegrown tyre manufacturing company, to use their bat going forward. The first semi-final of Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Australia will be the first day for Gill mark the commencement of batting with MRF bats as a part of this deal.

Although originally not a cricket equipment brand, MRF forayed into production of bats and other gear for players representing the brand. The brand had gained quite a large amount of popularity when they first signed iconic batter Sachin Tendulkar in 1996, which officially came to an end in September 2009. Currently, legendary batter Virat Kohli also represents MRF. The brand seems to be looking at the longevity of their wide-felt presence seeing potential in Gill's future prospects in international cricket, and the IPL as well.

According to Cricbuzz, the agreement between Gill and MRF has commenced officially on March 04, 2025 after being signed recently. However, the period of their deal is currently unknown and more details in the matter are awaited.

Vijay Tagore@vijaymirror

Shubman Gill has signed a deal with MRF and will sport the brand's logo on his bat starting today. The agreement is said to have been finalized with his team recently

03:23 PM · Mar 04, 2025

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Apart from Tendulkar and Kohli, MRF has previously been represented by athletes like AB de Villiers, Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma as well amongst others. So, Gill is the latest entrant into the list of athletes who have been endorsers of the Tamil Nadu-headquartered company.

India book finale berth

Meanwhile, as the game ended, India clinched an emphatic win despite Gill and his opening partner Rohit Sharma failing to deliver the goods. After restricting Australia to just 264 in 49.3 overs, it was Virat Kohli who anchored the run chase in his very own manner to take the Men in Blue closer to the finishing line. Kohli, who made 84 runs, could not get to his monumental century, but KL Rahul's 42* booked India a berth in the finale.

Also Read: 'Habibi come to Dubai' - Virat Kohli arrives at kingly best in India's revenge chase to defeat Australia

Next, Rohit Sharma & Co. will be up against in the grand finale in Dubai on Sunday, March 09. However, their opposition is yet to be decided, as New Zealand and South Africa are yet to lock horns in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday. Of the two, the winner will travel back to Dubai for a last shot in the ultimate clash of the premier ODI tournament.