Cricket icon unveils vision to build Indian sports brands beyond his playing career.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has made a new kind of debut- this time on LinkedIn. At 37, the star batter has entered the professional networking space to share his vision for the future of Indian sports and his entrepreneurial journey. His first post, which quickly went viral, highlights his investment in Agilitas Sports and his role as co‑founder of one8world, ventures designed to create homegrown sports brands with global ambitions.
Kohli’s LinkedIn profile introduces him not only as a professional athlete with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but also as a business leader. He has been associated with Agilitas since 2025 and formally launched one8world in 2026. His post resonated widely, amassing more than 14,000 likes, 700 comments, and 300 reposts within just seven hours of publication.
In his statement, Kohli emphasized his long‑standing dream of seeing India evolve into a nation where every sport is celebrated and nurtured. He expressed confidence that the new generation of athletes is proving India can compete at the highest level while also building brands that can stand on the global stage. He explained that his ventures are part of a larger plan to build an integrated sports ecosystem spanning manufacturing, consumer products, and distribution- that will endure beyond his playing career.
Reflecting on the launch of one8world, Kohli described it as one of the most meaningful moments of his life, particularly because it unfolded in his home city before thousands of fans. He noted that the brand embodies his philosophy of progress through innovation, raising standards, and daring to do things differently. For him, the mission is clear: build something lasting that outlives individual careers and helps shape the future of global sport.
While Kohli’s entrepreneurial ambitions are gaining momentum, his on‑field performance remains strong. In 2026, he has maintained an impressive strike rate of over 117 in One Day Internationals, reinforcing his case for inclusion in next year’s ODI World Cup squad. His dual focus- continuing excellence on the pitch while laying the foundation for India’s sports industry underscores his evolution from athlete to visionary leader.
Kohli’s LinkedIn debut signals more than a personal milestone; it represents a broader shift toward athletes leveraging their influence to build sustainable ventures. For Indian sports, it may well mark the beginning of a new era.
