The conspiracy theories over injuries and replacements in Team India have taken a back seat. Social media has already seen Hardik Pandya’s heavy-duty diamond jewellery and new haircuts of Team India members. It's now the turn of the “orange jersey” to be debated upon. Unseen till now. Even by the Team India players. They will get their alternate jersey colours only before the England match at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 30.
Will it be all orange, or with a dash of blue? Or will it be the regular dark blue with a dash of orange? The speculations are flying thick and fast.
The BCCI, does have an agreement in place with its official apparel sponsor NIKE and will not want any spoilers marring the unveiling of the new kit.
As per the International Cricket Council’s match day clothing regulation, India’s kit colours are blue (alternate, orange). Afghanistan’s will be blue (and Red). Afghanistan will be wearing red jerseys against India at the Hampshire Bowl, Southampton on Saturday. Sri Lanka, whose official colours are also blue will be wearing yellow against India at Leeds, Headingley on July 6. All team clothing has to be approved by the ICC prior to the tournament.
So, what's the big deal about the alternate colours, especially India's orange jersey? The fact that India have never turned up in full orange ever? Or, that the ‘Men in Blue’ will have to called the 'Men in Orange'? Indeed, it will take some getting used to it.
But, why orange? In the past, during 2009-10, the Indian team had a dash of orange on the shoulders, sleeves and front. White and red have been the alternate jersey colours for national sports teams of India in international tournaments. Indian hockey and football teams have worn it. But then, BCCI is not under the Olympic umbrella and need not follow similar traditions.