Leading brand confirms their continued association with Virat Kohli

On February 7, a media report suggested that former India skipper Virat Kohli had severed his ties with PUMA. He has been associated with the famous brand since 2017. Further in the reports, a former managing director started a new firm and Kohli was said to be not just the brand ambassador but also has some stakes. However, the managing director of PUMA has debunked the media reports

“PUMA’s relationship with Virat Kohli is long-standing and continues,” Balagopalan said in an official release.

So this was yet another fake news about Virat Kohli leaving Puma. He's still with them as clarified by their managing director 👊❤️ pic.twitter.com/lC2o3uc2Jo

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) February 7, 2024

For the unversed, CNBC18 reported that the two-time World Event winner will not be part of the PUMA as their brand ambassador

"It's a privilege to be part of a great list of athletes that Puma has. Not just today's icons like Usain Bolt but also the brand's rich history with Pele, Maradona, Thierry Henry, and others," Virat Kohli had said after signing the deal with Puma in February 2017.

Virat Kohli won't play in third and fourth Tests: Reports

Furthermore, another report by ESPNcricinfo said that the Delhi player might not be available for the third and fourth Tests, later this month. The India squad for the rest of the series is yet to be announced. Ahead of the series, the 35-year-old was approved for leave for personal reasons. The Indian Cricket Board urged not to speculate and also, not to invade the former India captain's privacy. However, former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers revealed that Kohli's second child is on its way. 

Meanwhile, the likes of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who were ruled out for the second Test early this week due to injury, might make their comeback. Also, Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second game, might also comeback.