Nitish Reddy's Puma Headband Incident Sparks Attention Amid Shubman Gill's Nike Controversy

The cricket world is buzzing with two significant incidents: Nitish Reddy's Puma headband moment during a match and Shubman Gill's Nike apparel controversy. Reddy's headband drew attention after he was struck by a fast ball, while Gill's choice of clothing raised eyebrows due to BCCI's contract with Adidas. As Puma signs Reddy as a brand ambassador, the implications for both players and their respective brands are noteworthy. This article delves into the details of these events and their impact on cricket and sports branding.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2025, 20:52 IST

Nitish Reddy's Headband Incident

The controversy surrounding Shubman Gill's Nike apparel is still fresh, and now Nitish Reddy has drawn attention with his Puma Hyrox headband. This incident occurred during the 90th over, specifically on the second ball, when a short delivery struck the grille of Reddy's helmet. Although he gave a thumbs-up, his closed eyes suggested he was coping with the impact.

The ball, bowled by Stokes, clocked in at 141 km/h and hit Reddy's head, causing him to sit down on the field. This happened just five minutes before the tea break. As discussions about whether to take tea unfolded, Reddy requested a helmet. However, while receiving treatment, he removed his helmet, revealing his headband.

Puma's New Brand Ambassador

In a significant move for 2024, Puma India has appointed Nitish Kumar Reddy as one of its new brand ambassadors, joining Riyan Parag. This initiative aims to engage with Gen Z and support rising sports talent in India. Under this sponsorship, Reddy will promote Puma's range of footwear, apparel, athleisure, and accessories through various campaigns and events. Additionally, PUMA has formed a global partnership with HYROX for the years 2024 to 2027, establishing PUMA as the official apparel and footwear partner for all HYROX races worldwide.

Shubman Gill's Nike Controversy

In a related incident during the second Test at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill was seen wearing a black Nike full-sleeve vest while declaring the innings on Day 4. This sparked significant outrage, particularly due to the BCCI's existing contract with Adidas. Despite the uproar, the BCCI has yet to take any action, and it remains to be seen if they will respond similarly to Nitish Reddy's situation.

On Day 3, India managed to score 176 runs before tea, bringing their total to 316/5 in 91 overs. KL Rahul achieved a century, scoring 100 runs, while Rishabh Pant was run out after making 74.