Virat Kohli has added another dimension to his growing business journey. The former India captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of his generation, has made his LinkedIn debut at the age of 37, using his first post to share his ambitions for India’s sports industry and explain why he has invested in Agilitas Sports.
Known for his intensity on the cricket field, Kohli has increasingly turned his attention towards building brands and exploring opportunities beyond international cricket. His latest move highlights a bigger ambition: to help India become a global force in sports manufacturing, consumer brands and distribution rather than remaining focused primarily on producing elite athletes.
In his first LinkedIn post, Kohli spoke about his long-standing desire to see sports become a bigger part of everyday Indian life. He also explained his association with Agilitas and one8world, the sports and lifestyle venture connected to his entrepreneurial ambitions.
“I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played. Today, that vision feels closer than ever,” Kohli wrote.
He pointed to a new generation of Indian athletes who are demonstrating that the country can compete at the highest level while also developing brands capable of reaching international markets.
“The vision is to build an end-to-end sports platform from India, spanning manufacturing, consumer brands, and sports distribution,” he added, underlining the broader business opportunity he sees in the country’s expanding sports ecosystem.
The message was more than a routine announcement about joining a professional networking platform. It offered a glimpse into how Kohli views his next chapter, one in which his experience as a global sporting icon could translate into a long-term role in India’s sports business landscape.
Why Virat Kohli chose Agilitas over a traditional endorsement deal
Kohli’s decision to become an investor in Agilitas reflects a different approach to building commercial partnerships. Instead of limiting his involvement to promoting products, he is taking an ownership position in a business that aims to develop, manufacture and distribute sports products.
According to Agilitas’ December 2025 announcement, Kohli invested in the parent company and joined as a co-founder of one8 after the sportswear brand became part of Agilitas. The company said the decision was driven by its manufacturing capabilities, research and development infrastructure, product design expertise and distribution network.
Reports have also highlighted an estimated ₹300 crore offer for an eight-year Puma contract extension, which Kohli reportedly turned down, alongside his reported ₹40 crore investment in Agilitas. These figures illustrate the scale of the business decision, although the reported Puma offer should not be treated as a publicly verified contract document.
The distinction between an endorsement and an equity investment is important. An endorsement typically pays an athlete for lending their name, image or influence to a brand. An equity investment, on the other hand, gives the investor an ownership stake and exposure to the company’s long-term performance.
That also brings greater risk. A business must attract customers, deliver quality products, manage costs and compete against established players. Celebrity recognition can generate attention, but sustained sales and profitability ultimately determine whether a brand succeeds.
For Kohli, the opportunity is to use his sporting credibility and understanding of athletes’ needs to help build a business that can continue growing well beyond his playing career.
What is Agilitas Sports, and how does one8 fit into its plans?
Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, Atul Bajaj and Amit Prabhu, Agilitas Sports is building an integrated sportswear business with operations spanning manufacturing, brands, research and development, and retail. Ganguly previously held a senior leadership role at Puma India and Southeast Asia.
The company’s strategy is particularly relevant to Kohli’s ambition of building a sports platform from India. Rather than depending exclusively on external manufacturers and licensing arrangements, Agilitas is developing capabilities across multiple stages of the business.
Its acquisition of Mochiko Shoes in 2023 strengthened its manufacturing base. According to the company’s official website, Mochiko produces sports footwear at scale, while Agilitas’ broader business model connects manufacturing with brand development and retail.
The company also has a wider brand portfolio. Alongside one8, Agilitas brought Lotto to India in 2025 and has been developing its retail presence through SportsYard, a multi-brand sports retail concept. These operations provide a foundation for reaching consumers through different products, price points and shopping channels.
For one8, the next challenge is to establish a clear identity in a crowded sportswear market. The brand will need to offer products that consumers choose for their performance, comfort, durability and design, rather than simply because Kohli’s name is attached to them.
That means footwear, training apparel and sports-led lifestyle products will have to meet the expectations of both everyday consumers and serious athletes. Product innovation and consistent quality will be especially important if the brand hopes to compete internationally.
Kohli’s direct involvement could help shape the brand’s identity. His career has been built around discipline, preparation and high standards, qualities that can translate naturally into a performance-focused sports business. However, turning those values into products that consistently satisfy customers will require strong execution from the company’s wider team.
Can Virat Kohli help build a global sports brand from India?
Kohli’s LinkedIn debut arrives at a time when Agilitas is investing in the infrastructure needed to support its ambitions. In June 2026, the company announced that it had raised ₹225 crore through investments from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter by Zerodha. The funds were intended to support growth across manufacturing, brand building, retail and technology.
This investment matters because building a globally competitive sportswear brand requires more than marketing. It takes reliable manufacturing, product testing, efficient supply chains, distribution partnerships and the ability to respond to changing consumer preferences.
India has a large population of sports fans and a growing market for fitness and active lifestyles. Yet producing internationally competitive sporting goods and creating globally recognised Indian brands are two different challenges. Agilitas is attempting to connect those opportunities by bringing manufacturing and consumer-facing businesses under one platform.
Kohli’s profile could help the company attract attention in international markets, while his involvement in product and brand development may help establish a distinctive identity for one8. His experience at the highest level of professional cricket also gives him a perspective on performance, training and the demands placed on sporting equipment.
Still, there is no guarantee of success. The global sportswear industry is highly competitive, with established companies possessing substantial marketing budgets, technical expertise and international distribution networks. Winning consumer trust will require one8 to deliver value consistently and build recognition beyond its founder.
Kohli’s own message suggests that he sees the opportunity as a long-term project rather than a short-term commercial venture. His emphasis on building something that will outlast the people involved points towards an ambition to create a lasting business, not merely another celebrity-backed label.
His LinkedIn debut therefore carries significance beyond joining a professional networking platform. It introduces a more business-focused side of a cricketer whose public identity has largely been shaped by performances, records and major sporting achievements.
Whether one8 eventually becomes a globally recognised sportswear brand will depend on the products it delivers and the business Agilitas builds around them. For now, Kohli’s move signals a clear shift from being the face of brands to taking a more direct role in creating one.
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