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While the West Indies was celebrating its historic victory of Zimbabwe and Chris Gayle's record double century in the World Cup, city-based bat manufacturer found reason to cheer as the magic bat of Gayle was manufactured by the company.
"We have signed Chris Gayle a couple of years back and supplied specially-crafted willows on the given specification by the West Indies player," Spartan Sports Managing Director Jyoti Sharma told Business Standard.
"Although, it was not India's match, all the company employees watched Tuesday's match and whenever Gayle hit the ball over the fence, we all celebrated it," he said, adding it was the pride of the city that the bat manufactured here had helped in making the world record. About the specification of the bat supplied to Gayle, Sharma revealed it was heavier than the normal willow with a1 longer handle. During Indian Premier League (IPL), Gayle won the show with the Spartan bat only.
About other players who use their bats, Sharma revealed that Indian team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Australia's Michael Clark also use Spartan bats.
Earlier, "Spartan" rose to fame when Australian Skipper Michael Clark scored an unbeaten 329 against India in a test match.
Thereafter, the company came out with a special Series of 329 in the market.
About the spurt in the business with the popularity of the product, Sharma said, "Of course, the company's turnover has increased substantially after the willow of the brand showered runs on grounds of international stadiums.
It is pertinent to mention here that after losing turf to multi-national companies (MNCs) such as Adidas, Nike, MRF, Reebok and alike, which engage stars of Indian and international cricket for brand promotion, city-based bat manufacturers had found the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a platform.
Spartan, which has emerged as leading brand, after signing Australian batsman Michael Clarke and West Indian striker Chris Gayle, would also mark its presence as Gayle will play.
