Kochi set to ‘Bleed Blue’

The phrase ‘unity in diversity’ will get a different meaning altogether when India take on Australia in the first of the three ODIs at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Sunday.

Each of the 50,000 spectators may be diverse, but all of them will join hands to paint the venue blue. Confused? Don’t be.
Believe it or not, every soul at the refurbished arena will don a ‘Nike Bleed Blue’ tee on match day. “All ticket holders have been given a T-shirt free of cost.

“Nike wants to take fan following to a different level and I am glad they chose Kochi to carry out their exercise,” Kerala Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary TC Mathew told mediapersons on Friday.

Meanwhile, the sports apparel giant has also designed a new-look jersey for MS Dhoni’s boys. Team India’s new ODI kit is a brighter and bolder version of blue. What’s more, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles, and hence, will give the Men in Blue a chance to do their bit for the environment.

The ‘Dri Fit’ technology will also keep the players’ skin side dry, thereby keeping them cool and dry. “Please be informed that we are talking about players’ sweat, not sweat equity,” Mathew said, inviting thunderous bursts of laughter. “What to do? Nowadays, that’s the hot topic here in Kerala,” he added, obviously referring to the mess surrounding the new IPL entrant Team Kochi.

For now, the city is ready to give the ‘Deep Blue Sea’ a run for its money. Weather permitting, that is.