Google’s holiday season festivities were in full swing with an ‘ugly sweater’ contest for employees, and none other than CEO Sundar Pichai joined in on the fun. On Christmas Day, Pichai took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the contest, giving followers a glimpse of the cheerful competition that took place the week prior. While many employees sported colorful and over-the-top designs, Pichai’s sweater stood out, not just for its design but for its unique India connection.

Ugly Christmas sweaters, a beloved holiday tradition, have evolved over decades. Originating in the 1950s with mass-produced festive knitwear, the sweaters grew more elaborate by the 1980s, featuring bold colors and oversized patterns. By the early 2000s, wearing these garish garments became a tongue-in-cheek trend, with millennials embracing the irony of sporting the kitschy designs.
Pichai’s entry to the Google contest, however, took a more understated approach compared to his colleagues’ extravagant sweaters. Instead of opting for the loud, whimsical designs typical of the event, the Google CEO wore a black pullover that featured an image of a cricket ball, cricket bats, and Christmas trees. This design caught the attention of social media users, who quickly noticed its India connection, given that cricket is the most popular sport in the country.
The Chennai-born CEO has previously shared his admiration for cricket, even revealing that he idolized cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar during his youth and once aspired to become a cricketer. The subtle nod to his roots with the cricket-themed sweater did not go unnoticed. Fans flooded the comments with admiration for the thoughtful design. “Cricket sweater awesome, sir,” one comment read, while another simply said, “Love your cricket sweater.”

Pichai’s unique choice reflected both his personal interests and the festive spirit of the holiday season, making it a standout moment in the annual Google ugly sweater contest.