On Thursday (December 12), the Mumbai Indians (MI) released the latest design of their jersey on social media platforms ahead of the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Moreover, the five-time IPL champions announced a change in their next edition’s core sponsors for a lucrative package as Lauritz Knudsen surpassed MI’s previous season’s deal with Slice.
Even though some fans praised the new design, others criticized it, comparing it to the resemblance of Delhi Capitals (DC), resulting in mixed responses on social media.
Before the commencement of the IPL 2024 season, the franchise faced severe backlash from fans after Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI skipper. But this time, trolls have been overflowing on various platforms about MI’s brand-new jersey.
Design Pattern of MI’s New Jersey for IPL 2025
Mumbai Indians have continued with their traditional blue and gold colors by adding a touch of unique detailing, including the initials “MI” on the jersey.
MI’s New Jersey Trolled on Social Media: Fans Reaction To be Known!
Let’s take a closer look at the most trending disappointing reactions of fans on social media after MI revealed its newest jersey:
1. Weird Looks of MI Jersey:
One of the users has posted on their X handle saying that the MI’s new jersey looks weird
2. No Slice as Sponsors But Still Looks Worst:
This was one of the most humiliating criticisms MI received from one of the fans saying that despite Lauritz Knudsen being added as a new sponsor replacing Slice, the Jersey looks have become even worse.
3. Worst Jersey Ever in IPL History:
Several fans felt that MI’s latest jersey design fell short of its regular appeal which makes it visually appear as one of the worst jerseys for the franchise in the history of IPL.
4. Insulting Comments to MI’s Official Post:
MI’s official post received a countless number of offensive comments, out of which a few are listed below:
- Zero creativity and lack of aesthetic sense.
- Could have added a goldish color on the front to make it visually appealing.
- Even though MI has substantial funds compared to other franchises, they couldn’t hire a talented designer.
- MI’s habit of revealing such disgusting jerseys after the IPL 2020 season.
- The logos of IDFC and LK make it look unappealing.
- Should have attempted to show some sort of creativity.
- And many more…
Mumbai Indians Announced New Principal Sponsors: A Competing Era for Slice
Regardless of the jersey’s design, fans are somehow happy that Mumbai Indians has announced Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation (formerly known as L&T Switchgear) as the main partner by replacing Slice.
Ranked as India’s most reputed electrical and automation company and the part of Schneider Electric group, Lauritz Knudsen’s logo will be printed on the front side of the Mumbai Indians team’s jersey and training equipment.
Moreover, fans believe that ever since Slice became the principal sponsor in 2022, Mumbai has failed to perform effectively by concluding in the last position in the points table in both seasons (in 2022 and 2024). The franchise achieved its last championship title in 2020 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy by defeating Delhi Capitals in the finals.
Ultimately, MI hopes that this new partnership highlights similar values on and off the field by promising to adhere to the standards by offering the best for fans all over the world.
Lauritz Knudsen vs Slice Sponsorship Deal With Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians signed a 3-year sponsorship deal with Lauritz Knudsen for an estimated total of INR 120 crore, although the exact figures haven’t been disclosed formally. It means that this deal’s annual worth is INR 40 crore and continues till the 2027 cycle.
In comparison, the previous deal with Slice was worth INR 90 crore for three seasons (in 2022, 2023, and 2024) which reveals the fact that the sponsorship agreement was for INR 30 crore per year.
Possibly, the Lauritz Knudsen aims to enhance its visibility in India through one of the most successful IPL teams such as Mumbai Indians having a massive fan base of more than 50 million.
Was it a Jersey Launch or Sponsor Launch Event for MI Ahead of IPL 2025? Final Opinion
Several fans erupted on social media with harsh comments and funny trolls, but they have failed to identify the true meaning of MI’s post. In reality, it was a sponsor announcement event rather than launching a new jersey.
To introduce their new sponsor Lauritz Knudsen to the entire world, the franchise has attempted to allocate a space in their jerseys. As a result, fans started to consider the T-shirts as the official ones on which the sponsors’ names were printed. Moreover, the franchise neither on social media nor on their official website has given any confirmation saying that this would be their brand New Jersey that left fans to their wildest speculations.
Finally, it remains unconfirmed if the latest design could be implemented for MI’s jersey and cannot be guaranteed that the same T-shirt would be donned by the team players in IPL 2025 even after receiving severe backlash from fans.
