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India.com
22-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Top 5 Indian Cricketers Who Are Now Business Tycoons: Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar & More..
photoDetails english 2904821 By 2025, Indian cricketers will have made significant strides off the field, launching impactful business ventures. From fashion to tech, they're building legacy brands that reflect ambition, innovation, and smart investing. Updated:May 22, 2025, 05:38 PM IST Virat Kohli – One8: A Brand Beyond Cricket 1 / 10 Virat Kohli has transformed One8 from a Puma collaboration into a standalone lifestyle brand. His brand focuses on fitness, fashion, and performance, reflecting Kohli's disciplined persona. One8 includes a line of apparel, fragrances, and activewear that appeals to youth and fitness-conscious consumers. Virat Kohli – Agilitas & Startup Investments 2 / 10 In 2025, Kohli rejected a ₹300 crore renewal with Puma to co-invest in Agilitas, an Indian sportswear startup founded by a former Puma India MD. As co-creator and brand ambassador, he aims to build India's first global sportswear brand. He also holds stakes in Rage Coffee, Chisel Fitness, and other lifestyle ventures. MS Dhoni – Seven & Sports Ventures 3 / 10 MS Dhoni runs Seven, a sportswear brand that combines style and affordability. He has built a strong brand identity that connects with both urban and rural markets. His focus on practicality and performance is reflected in Seven's success. MS Dhoni – Hospitality, Football & Farming 4 / 10 Dhoni co-owns Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League and operates Hotel Mahi Residency. Beyond this, he promotes organic farming and invests in sustainable agriculture. With an estimated net worth of ₹1,060 crore, Dhoni balances passion and entrepreneurship effortlessly. Sachin Tendulkar – Diversified Business Portfolio 5 / 10 Sachin Tendulkar has invested in multiple domains, including gaming, restaurants, and sports franchises. His business approach is subtle but effective, building on trust, long-term value, and strong partnerships. Sachin Tendulkar – Financial Strength & Strategy 6 / 10 His estimated net worth is ₹1,250 crore as of 2025. Tendulkar has stayed relevant in business by choosing industries aligned with his interests and values, making him one of the most successful sports investors in India. Rohit Sharma – Strategic Investments 7 / 10 Rohit Sharma has entered the edu-fintech sector, focusing on startups and ventures that empower youth through financial literacy and education. Though less publicized, his investments are thoughtful and purpose-driven. Rohit Sharma – Growing Influence Off the Field 8 / 10 With a net worth of ₹325 crore, Rohit combines brand endorsements and investments for a balanced portfolio. His calm, calculated persona is reflected in his measured business moves across digital platforms and innovation sectors. Suresh Raina – Coaching & Social Ventures 9 / 10 Suresh Raina channels his energy into coaching, sports academies, and charitable initiatives. His post-cricket life is focused on community development and nurturing young talent across India. Suresh Raina – Social Entrepreneurship Legacy 10 / 10 He supports health and wellness programs, making social impact central to his brand. With a net worth of ₹215 crore, Raina is building a legacy grounded in service, mentorship, and sustainable growth.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kohli retires from Tests: How his brand value is set to soar
Virat Kohli 's retirement from Test cricket on Monday is unlikely to dent his brand value-in fact, his endorsement fee is set to rise as major brand deals come up for renewal, executives at brands and agencies associated with him said. The world's highest-paid cricketer is also looking to trim his roster of mid-sized endorsements. His team has informed several brands that their contracts are not likely to be renewed once the current agreements expire, signalling a move toward fewer, bigger partnerships. "Kohli's goodwill will outlive his playing days," said Sandeep Goyal, managing director of ad agency Rediffusion, which has been associated with the cricketer for multiple campaigns. "There are such few heroes as him... He appeals to Gen Z because of his aggression, with consumers across age and demographics because of his track record on the field, and with women consumers because he involves his family upfront in all achievements." Audi, Myntra, Manvayar , MRF Tyres, Vivo, Hero MotoCorp , HSBC , Herbalife , Vivo and O'cean Beverages are among 40 big brands the former Indian captain has endorsed. Kohli, 36, is known to charge anywhere between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore for big endorsements per year, and have depended on the longevity and personal equations with these brands, according to two people representing sports management companies. A June 2024 report by advisory firm Kroll estimated Kohli's brand value at $227.9 million, or about ₹1,900 crore, making him India's most valued celebrity. "We will, of course, continue our association with or not," a senior executive of a large digital-only brand told ET. "We are renewing his contract (at the revised fee). He has a massive social and performance-driven connect with people who we see as potential consumers... That very few have." Kohli has over 67.8 million followers on social media platform X and over 272 million followers on Instagram, as of Monday. Kohli's own ventures include sportswear brand One8, restaurant chain One8 Commune, and athleisure brand Wrogn. He has invested in plant-based meat start-up Blue Tribe, coffee brand Rage Coffee, wellness services company Hyperice, Chisel fitness centres and gyms, and fashion platform Universal Sportsbiz. He has also invested in homegrown sportswear startup Agilitas founded by former Puma India MD Abhishek Ganguly. Kohli recently ended his over-eight-year partnership with Puma to associate with Agilitas. His retirement announcement on Instagram on Monday led to a surge of brands posting tributes on social media platforms, irrespective of whether they have been associated with him or not.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kohli retires from Tests: How his brand value is set to soar
Virat Kohli 's retirement from Test cricket on Monday is unlikely to dent his brand value-in fact, his endorsement fee is set to rise as major brand deals come up for renewal, executives at brands and agencies associated with him said. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare The world's highest-paid cricketer is also looking to trim his roster of mid-sized endorsements. His team has informed several brands that their contracts are not likely to be renewed once the current agreements expire, signalling a move toward fewer, bigger partnerships. "Kohli's goodwill will outlive his playing days," said Sandeep Goyal, managing director of ad agency Rediffusion, which has been associated with the cricketer for multiple campaigns. "There are such few heroes as him... He appeals to Gen Z because of his aggression, with consumers across age and demographics because of his track record on the field, and with women consumers because he involves his family upfront in all achievements." Audi, Myntra, Manvayar , MRF Tyres, Vivo, Hero MotoCorp , HSBC , Herbalife , Vivo and O'cean Beverages are among 40 big brands the former Indian captain has endorsed. Kohli, 36, is known to charge anywhere between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore for big endorsements per year, and have depended on the longevity and personal equations with these brands, according to two people representing sports management companies. A June 2024 report by advisory firm Kroll estimated Kohli's brand value at $227.9 million, or about ₹1,900 crore, making him India's most valued celebrity. "We will, of course, continue our association with or not," a senior executive of a large digital-only brand told ET. "We are renewing his contract (at the revised fee). He has a massive social and performance-driven connect with people who we see as potential consumers... That very few have." Kohli has over 67.8 million followers on social media platform X and over 272 million followers on Instagram, as of Monday. Kohli's own ventures include sportswear brand One8, restaurant chain One8 Commune, and athleisure brand Wrogn. He has invested in plant-based meat start-up Blue Tribe, coffee brand Rage Coffee, wellness services company Hyperice, Chisel fitness centres and gyms, and fashion platform Universal Sportsbiz. He has also invested in homegrown sportswear startup Agilitas founded by former Puma India MD Abhishek Ganguly. Kohli recently ended his over-eight-year partnership with Puma to associate with Agilitas. His retirement announcement on Instagram on Monday led to a surge of brands posting tributes on social media platforms, irrespective of whether they have been associated with him or not.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
When Virat Kohli rejected a ₹300 crore deal with Puma to invest in an Indian sportswear startup and focus on One8's global growth
Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from international cricket today, fans across the world reflected not only on his cricketing milestones but also on the bold off-field decisions that defined his journey. Among them was Kohli's call to end his eight-year partnership with global sportswear giant Puma and instead invest in homegrown sportswear startup Agilitas. The move, made last month, surprised many but underlined Kohli's growing focus on building his own brand and legacy beyond cricket. Turning down ₹300 Cr, investing in Agilitas Industry sources revealed that Kohli declined a ₹300 crore renewal deal from Puma, choosing instead to invest in Agilitas, a startup founded by former Puma India and South-East Asia MD Abhishek Ganguly. While the size of Kohli's investment remains undisclosed, it is reportedly a significant sum. His involvement is not just financial—he will serve as a co-creator and brand ambassador, helping shape Agilitas' vision to become India's first global aspirational sportswear brand. Building One8 beyond cricket One8, the brand Kohli registered in 2016, had earlier partnered with Puma and reportedly generated business worth ₹250 crore through exclusive merchandise under the 'Puma One8' label. With his exit from Puma, Kohli is now looking to globalize One8 independently. Agilitas will play a key role in that expansion, with plans to open new One8 stores and launch internationally, starting with markets like the US and UK. Kohli's involvement mirrors the approach taken by tennis star Roger Federer, who co-created a line with Swiss brand On. Agilitas: Backed by experience and capital Founded in 2023, Agilitas is backed by strong leadership and funding. Apart from Ganguly, the company acquired Mochiko Shoes, India's largest domestic sports footwear manufacturer, and raised ₹600 crore from Convergent Finance and Nexus Venture Partners, along with ₹30 crore from individual investors. The brand is still in its early phase but plans to launch officially within the next three months. Puma acknowledges exit, looks ahead Puma confirmed Kohli's exit in a statement, wishing him well and acknowledging their long association filled with successful campaigns and product collaborations. The timing of his departure also coincided with global CEO Arne Freundt's exit from Puma on April 30, 2025. As Kohli steps away from the game, his business journey seems to be entering a new innings—one built not just on endorsements, but on ownership and vision.
