Virat Kohli: The Brand-Building Machine
Virat Kohli’s aggressive style on the field is matched by his ambitious moves in the business world. His primary venture, One8, has evolved from a collaboration into a full-fledged lifestyle brand encompassing apparel, fragrances, and footwear. In a bold
move, Kohli reportedly stepped away from a massive endorsement renewal with Puma to co-invest in Agilitas Sports, an Indian startup aiming to become a global sportswear giant. This move signals his intent not just to endorse but to build and own. His portfolio is a testament to his connection with the youth, with investments in the fitness chain Chisel, plant-based meat company Blue Tribe, and the tech-driven Rage Coffee. Kohli also co-owns the FC Goa football team, showing his passion for supporting sports beyond cricket. His business acumen is centered on creating and backing brands that mirror his own persona: aspirational, stylish, and fiercely competitive.
MS Dhoni: The Master of Diversification
Much like his calm and calculated captaincy, MS Dhoni's business strategy is all about diversification and long-term vision. His portfolio is one of the most varied among Indian athletes. His athleisure brand, 'Seven', which he co-owns, leverages his immense popularity and connects with a wide consumer base. But his interests go far beyond apparel. Dhoni has invested in a wide array of sectors, showcasing a keen eye for future trends. He is a stakeholder in the drone technology company Garuda Aerospace, the plant-based protein startup Shaka Harry, and the fintech firm Khatabook. In the sports world, he is a co-owner of the successful Indian Super League team Chennaiyin FC. Adding another feather to his cap, he launched his own production house, Dhoni Entertainment, which focuses on creating digital content. From organic farming in his hometown of Ranchi to a stake in a cloud kitchen venture, Dhoni’s empire is built on a foundation of smart, diverse, and future-focused investments.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Master’s Next Innings
Sachin Tendulkar was one of the first Indian cricketers to truly understand the power of brand value, and he has carried that foresight into his post-retirement business career. His investments are strategic, often focusing on technology and sectors with long-term growth potential. He has backed startups like the used-car platform Spinny and the ed-tech firm Unacademy. Showing a clear interest in future-focused sectors, Tendulkar has also invested in clean energy, with stakes in companies like Truzon Solar. His digital presence is managed through 100MB, an app launched in partnership with JetSynthesys, which keeps him connected with his global fanbase. Tendulkar has also been involved in sports franchises and entertainment ventures like Smaaash, a sports-centric entertainment company. His business approach is less about flash and more about substance, reflecting the same dependable and technically sound approach he was known for on the cricket pitch.
Rohit Sharma: The Quiet Strategist
While known for his explosive batting, Rohit Sharma's off-field investment strategy is more measured and strategic. He has shown a keen interest in the startup ecosystem, particularly in the ed-tech and health-tech spaces. Sharma has invested in firms like Viral Fission and Prozo, a supply chain company, indicating a focus on businesses with strong foundational models. He also established his own cricket academy, CricKingdom, which has expanded globally to locations like Singapore and Japan, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. In addition to his startup investments, Sharma has built a significant real estate portfolio, owning luxury properties in prime locations like Mumbai. His approach seems to balance high-growth potential in the tech world with the stability of real estate, building a solid financial foundation for the future.
Kapil Dev: The Original Pioneer
Long before it became a trend, Kapil Dev was a trailblazer in athlete entrepreneurship. After leading India to its historic 1983 World Cup victory, he ventured into business, setting a precedent for future generations. One of his most well-known ventures is Dev Musco Lighting, a company specializing in stadium lighting. He also entered the hospitality industry with his 'Kaptain's Retreat' hotels and restaurants. His business interests have been diverse, including picking up a stake in the electronics company Zicom in the past. Kapil Dev’s journey from cricketer to businessman in an era with far less structured support for athletes demonstrated how a sporting legacy could be translated into commercial success. His ventures showed a mix of leveraging his own brand ('Kaptain's Retreat') and investing in solid, industrial businesses, proving his all-rounder skills extended well beyond the cricket field.
