Which Indian cricketer signed a high profile endorsement and promotional deal with the sports broadcaster ESPN?

Introduction / Context:
Modern sport is closely linked with media rights and sponsorship deals. Broadcasters like ESPN frequently sign endorsement agreements with star athletes to promote their channels and programmes. This question checks your awareness of cricket related sports business news, specifically which Indian cricketer entered into a notable deal with ESPN.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are given four well known Indian cricketers as options.
• The deal mentioned is a brand or endorsement partnership with ESPN.
• No year is specified, so we rely on static GK that is commonly asked in exam material.
• We assume the question refers to the widely reported collaboration between ESPN and Sachin Tendulkar.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall prominent media and endorsement deals that were frequently highlighted in sports news and then carried into GK books. Sachin Tendulkar, being one of the biggest cricket icons globally, has signed numerous high value endorsement partnerships with broadcasters and brands, including ESPN, which featured him in promotional campaigns and special programming.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which of the four cricketers has had the most extensive global brand and media presence. Step 2: Recall that ESPN has repeatedly used Sachin Tendulkar in promotional material for cricket coverage and special shows. Step 3: Compare this with the endorsement history of Md Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and Anil Kumble, which, though significant, have been less central to ESPN campaigns. Step 4: Conclude that Sachin Tendulkar is the cricketer associated in static GK with a major deal with ESPN.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to remember advertisements and promotional shows aired on sports channels. Sachin has been featured in several ESPN Star Sports promotions, analysis shows and brand campaigns. Many GK compilations specifically mention Tendulkar when listing sportspeople with major broadcaster endorsement deals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Md Kaif: Although a talented cricketer, he has not been widely cited in exam GK as the player who signed a prominent deal with ESPN.
Yuvraj Singh: He has various endorsements, but the static question about a major ESPN deal generally points to Sachin Tendulkar rather than Yuvraj Singh.
Anil Kumble: Known more for his on field records and later administrative roles, he is not commonly associated with a headline ESPN endorsement deal.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to pick a younger star like Yuvraj Singh assuming that broadcasters prefer contemporary aggressive players. Another pitfall is ignoring that exam questions on endorsements often focus on the biggest icons who have long term relationships with broadcasters, such as Sachin Tendulkar. Careful revision of sports business facts helps avoid such guess based mistakes.

Final Answer:
The Indian cricketer who signed a notable endorsement and promotional deal with ESPN is Sachin Tendulkar.