Aditya Sisodia
The recently launched jerseys of the Indian cricket team have created quite a buzz, with the Test jersey selling out within two days of its release. The mastermind behind these eye-catching designs is Aaquib Wani, a self-taught designer who was entrusted with the task by the global sportswear brand Adidas. With his emphasis on simplicity and comfort, Wani’s designs have struck a chord with Indian fans. Let’s look into the journey of this talented designer and explore the creative process that went into crafting the jerseys that now proudly adorn the Indian cricket team.
In December of the previous year, Aaquib Wani was given a significant task: “You have to design something big.” Having previously collaborated with Adidas on various projects featuring brand ambassadors like Ranveer Singh and Rohit Sharma, Wani understood the magnitude of this opportunity. He felt honored that Adidas, a global sportswear brand, had entrusted him with designing the jerseys, a project of immense national significance.
Growing up in Delhi, Wani developed a deep love for art. However, like many Indian parents, his family initially expected him to pursue a professional degree in business or engineering. Struggling academically, Wani felt like a disappointment to his parents and society. Determined to follow his passion, he pursued music and formed a band, even in the face of criticism and discouragement. Eventually, he transitioned to art and began creating artwork for bands. In 2014, Wani secured a job with Rock Street Journal (RSJ), which helped him realize the professional opportunities available in the field of design.
Despite not attending college or taking any formal design courses, Wani acquired design skills through self-learning and utilizing online resources such as YouTube. In 2018, he established his own design studio, Aaquib Wani Design, in Delhi. Since then, his career has been on an upward trajectory.
Wani’s involvement in sportswear design began with previous projects, including designing jerseys for the Real Kashmir Football Club and the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). These experiences provided valuable insights into what works well in terms of patterns and designs on the field.
The real work on the Indian cricket team’s jerseys started as Wani and his team delved into selecting colours, designs, fabrics, and patterns. The primary focus was on ensuring maximum comfort for the players while wearing the jerseys on the field. Multiple stakeholders were involved in the decision-making process, requiring approval at each stage. The team followed a systematic approach, identifying the fabric and colours before moving on to the artwork.
After extensive sampling and testing over a span of five months, Wani and his team finally received approval in May. This coincided with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing Adidas as the official kit sponsor until 2028. The project extended beyond jerseys, as they also designed various training wears and different variants. The goal was to select colors that would appear vibrant and rich on the field, while incorporating the traditional Adidas three-stripes. The range of products included puffer jackets, sweaters, pullovers, hoodies, and more, resulting in a rewarding experience for Wani and his team.
The new jerseys, unveiled on June 1, garnered significant appreciation from Indian fans. Wani aimed to bring a fresh touch to the designs by focusing on elements such as collars, lean design, patterns around the shoulders and underarms, and the back. Seeking inspiration from the Adidas catalogue and colours, Wani incorporated two aspects of Indian pride: textiles, representing the vast industry in India, and the national animal, the tiger. These elements were combined to create a unique pattern that resonates with the nation.
The jerseys are available in three variants: ODI, T20I, and Test kits. Each possesses distinct features. The ODI jersey introduced a new shade of blue, while the Test jersey received overwhelming feedback and sold out within two days on the Adidas website. The combination of the blue collar tippings, the blue used to write “
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