XtraTime Web Desk: In modern times, cricketers have emerged as the most sought after brand ambassadors after Bollywood celebrities. Both the cricketers and filmstars are being treated as demi-gods here in India. It is not surprising to see Indian cricketers of the past era also enjoying the same social status as the filmstars. India’s cricketers were in big demand for brand endorsements even in the 1950s. These vintage ads will take us into a world of nostalgia.

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[caption id="attachment_88756" align="aligncenter" width="600"] One of the finest fielders during his era, Eknath Solkar pictured here endorsing for Philips bicycles[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88757" align="aligncenter" width="600"] 1983 World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev was another cricketer in huge demand for brand endorsements. One of the first product that the “Haryana Hurricane” endorsed was Palmolive shaving cream.[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88758" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Kapil Dev pictured here endorsing Bajaj two wheelers after his world record feat of claiming the most number of test wickets (434), going past New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee.[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88760" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Imran Khan was one of the first Pakistani cricketers to appear in press ads and TV commercials. Here he is seen with Indian batsman, Sunil Gavaskar, in a 1979 ad for Indian soft-drink, Thumbs-up.[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88764" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Former India captain Polly Umrigar seen here endorsing Sloan’s, an ointment o heal muscular strains and pains[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88765" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Former India cricketer Vinoo" Mankad was best known for his world record-setting opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy in 1956, a record that stood for 52 years, and for running out a batsman "backing up" at the non-striker's end. Here he is seen modeling for Brylcreem with GS Ramchand[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88766" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Easily the most popular Indian cricketer during his era, Sachin Tendulkar is seen here endorsing Bajaj Sunny.[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88767" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Sunil Gavaskar was always a popular figure with the multinational companies. One of the earliest endorsements of Gavaskar was Sentry bath soaps. It must be during the early 70’s[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_88768" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A young and handsome Sunil Gavaskar is seen here endorsing Iodex pain relieving cream[/caption]