As a footwear designer, every project holds a unique story, an inspiration that fuels creativity and pushes boundaries. When Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell—two incredibly talented cricketers representing the New Zealand national squad—reached out to me with a vision to redesign and redevelop the Nike Domain 2 cricket shoe, I knew we were about to embark on something special.
The brief was simple yet profound: take cues from the iconic Kobe Protro sneakers and merge them with the high-performance demands of cricket footwear. Having previously worked with brands like Nike, Puma, Johnnie Walker, ARKS, and JD Sports, I thrive on the challenge of fusing performance with aesthetics. But this project was different. It was about blending the essence of cricket with the soul of basketball while ensuring the end product met the rigorous demands of elite athletes on the field.
The Inspiration: A Tribute to the Blackcaps
Our brainstorming sessions led us to a design philosophy rooted in the heritage of New Zealand cricket. We drew inspiration from the One Day International and Test cricket jerseys of Rachin and Tom, as well as the iconic stars on the New Zealand flag. The classic black and silver palette of the Blackcaps, along with subtle blue and white accents, provided the perfect foundation to craft something truly special.
The Execution: Two Colorways, One Vision
Each athlete received two bespoke colorways, crafted meticulously to reflect their playing style and personality. The shoes retained the lightweight Domain midsole unit, while the upper was reimagined with sleek performance materials reminiscent of Kobe’s legendary sneaker line. The silhouette maintained its cricket-specific functionality, with reinforced toe caps, superior traction, and strategic cushioning for high-impact movements.
A Nod to the Past, A Step Towards the Future
This project took me back to 2019 when I had the privilege of designing a bespoke cricket spike for Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal. His request was simple yet ambitious—to create the lightest cricket shoe ever, featuring the Domain midsole unit while reinterpreting the upper with elements from the Nike Mercurial football boots. That experience laid the foundation for what we achieved with Rachin and Tom’s pairs today.
Gratitude to the Kiwi Cricketers
Working on this project was an honor, and I am deeply grateful to Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell for entrusting me with their vision. Their passion for the game and attention to detail pushed us to create something beyond just a pair of shoes—it became a statement of innovation and excellence.
As I continue my journey between my design studios in New Delhi and Osaka, projects like these remind me why I love what I do. The blend of sport, culture, and innovation keeps the fire burning, and I can't wait for what’s next!
Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations ahead!
