Virat Kohli's LinkedIn Journey: From Cricket Icon to Entrepreneur

Virat Kohli is now writing a new chapter in the business world beyond the cricket field. Recently, the news of his LinkedIn account opening has gone viral. Through joining this platform, he has presented himself as a founder and investor, catching the attention of both cricket fans and the business community. This step by Kohli is not just a social media profile creation, but a manifestation of his long-term business plans. This Indian cricket superstar has already made successful investments in fashion, hospitality, sports, and fitness sectors. Now he has joined a new venture called 'One8 World', created in collaboration with Agilitas. In this venture, he is playing the role of investor, co-founder, and co-creator. As a cricketer, Kohli's career is now at a completely new stage. After retiring from Tests and T20Is, he is now playing only in the ODI format. He has announced the 2027 ODI World Cup as his last tournament for India. Looking at his entry into the business world in the midst of this, it is clear that he is preparing for the future alongside cricket. In his message after joining LinkedIn, Kohli made it clear that he wants to see India not just as a sports consumer, but as a shaper of the global sports industry. According to him, 'India can now help shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it.' This vision indicates that his business plans are not limited to profit-making, but he also wants to contribute to the development of the country's sports infrastructure and industry. However, the most notable aspect of this news is the parallel journey of cricket and business. India is set to play a five-match ODI series in New Zealand from November 4 to 15. Announcing a business venture just before this tour is not easy for Kohli. International cricket tours mean hard work, travel, and mental pressure. Balancing business responsibilities with this can be challenging. Analysts believe that this venture is part of Kohli's 'managed exit' phase from his cricket career. This 37-year-old batsman is now creating income sources outside cricket, which will ensure his post-retirement security. He has 27 crore Instagram and 7.35 crore X followers on social media, which will create a huge market for his new business. Investing in manufacturing and distribution is particularly risky. Where celebrity endorsements usually carry low risk, investing in production and supply chains requires long-term planning and significant capital. However, partnering with an experienced organization like Agilitas has somewhat reduced this risk. There are mixed reactions in the cricket world regarding Kohli's business journey. Some feel his focus on cricket may diminish. Others say that business and cricket can be managed together with proper planning. History shows that many great cricketers have succeeded in business in the later stages of their careers. In the future, it will be seen how successful Kohli's venture becomes. But one thing is certain – Kohli has started a new journey beyond the cricket field. This step could open new horizons in India's sports industry. The question for cricket fans is – will this business engagement affect his batting? Only time will tell.