Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has made his debut on LinkedIn at the age of 37, using his first post on the professional networking platform to outline his ambitions beyond cricket and his vision for Indian sports brands to gain global recognition.
In his debut post, Kohli spoke about building a sports business ecosystem in India that extends beyond endorsements and covers manufacturing, consumer brands and distribution. He highlighted his association with Agilitas Sports as an investor and his role as co-founder and co-creator of one8world, emphasising his ambition to help Indian brands compete on the international stage.
The post, published on Tuesday, October 13, reflects Kohli's growing focus on entrepreneurship and his plans to create a lasting presence in the sports industry beyond his playing career.
Kohli shares vision for India's sporting future
Kohli began his LinkedIn post by describing his long-standing ambition to see a wider range of sports gain recognition and participation in India.
“I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played. Today, that vision feels closer than ever,” he wrote.
He said a new generation of Indian athletes was demonstrating the country's ability to produce world-class sporting talent and develop brands capable of competing globally.
Kohli also outlined his ambition to build an end-to-end sports platform from India, bringing together manufacturing, consumer brands and sports distribution. His vision, he said, was rooted in the belief that India could help shape the future of global sport rather than merely participate in it.
Agilitas and one8world at the centre of his plans
The cricketer's first post placed his business ventures, Agilitas Sports and one8world, at the centre of his plans for the Indian sports industry.
Kohli has joined Agilitas as an investor and is a co-founder and co-creator of one8world. The association reflects a shift towards a more direct role in developing and growing a sports brand, rather than limiting his involvement to conventional endorsements.
He described one8world as an extension of the principles that have guided his cricketing career, including pushing boundaries, raising standards and taking a different approach.
Kohli also recalled the experience of seeing one8world introduced to the public in his home city, describing it as one of the most meaningful moments of his life.
“The vision is clear. It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us. That’s the journey we’re on,” he wrote.
A business vision beyond cricket
Kohli's LinkedIn debut offers a glimpse into how he intends to expand his professional identity beyond the cricket field. While he remains one of India's most prominent cricketers, his business interests indicate a growing commitment to building brands and investing in the sports sector.
His focus on manufacturing, consumer products and distribution also points to an ambition to develop a broader Indian sports business ecosystem, rather than simply creating a standalone brand.
By emphasising the potential of Indian athletes and home-grown businesses, Kohli has positioned his entrepreneurial plans within a larger vision of India's role in international sport.
His first post on LinkedIn signals that he intends to use the platform to communicate this business-focused ambition and document the next phase of his journey alongside his continuing cricket career.