Virat Kohli's LinkedIn account goes viral: Star batter steps into business as Founder & Investor

Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian cricketer, recently made his debut on LinkedIn, sparking a storm on social media. At 37, this move is not merely a matter of joining a platform; it signals a strategic transition from his sporting career to the business world. As the news spread, both cricket enthusiasts and business circles began discussing the depth of this decision. Analyzing Kohli's cricket career, it is evident that he has already retired from Test and T20I formats and is now active only in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Since his international debut in 2026, he has established himself as one of India's most successful batters over a nearly 19-year career. He has recently confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last. This announcement has set a definitive end point for his career. In this context, Kohli's LinkedIn journey and the expansion of the 'one8' brand appear to be part of a well-thought-out plan. He has launched a new venture called 'one8world' in collaboration with Agilitas, where he serves as an investor, co-founder, and co-creator. The venture aims to build an 'end-to-end sports platform from India,' encompassing sports goods manufacturing, consumer brands, and sports distribution. Kohli's business portfolio is extensive. He has investments across fashion, hospitality, sports, fitness, and startups. His social media presence is also massive — 271 million followers on Instagram and 73.5 million on X. This vast follower base is his 'attention capital,' which he is now converting into business equity. From a cricketing perspective, Kohli's move comes at a significant time. The Indian team will play a five-match ODI series in New Zealand from November 4 to 15. This tour is important for him, as New Zealand pitches are generally seam-friendly, which can be challenging for Indian top-order batters. However, no prediction can be made about his performance in this series, as this news article contains no sporting data. According to analysts, Kohli's business venture is creating a 'founder narrative,' not merely that of a brand ambassador. He has himself stated, 'India can help shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it.' This vision indicates that he is making a long-term, capital-intensive investment in the sports industry. However, such ventures also carry certain risks. Firstly, the value of this business largely depends on Kohli's personal brand, creating a 'key-person risk.' This risk will increase further when his cricket career ends in 2027. Secondly, investment in manufacturing and distribution is long-term and capital-intensive, with higher execution risks. In the context of Indian cricket, Kohli's transition is a positive signal. It shows how a top athlete can build a sustainable economic foundation beyond sport. At the same time, it also indicates the growing potential of India's sports industry. Both Kohli's performance in the New Zealand series and the progress of one8world will remain subjects of scrutiny. The question is whether this business venture will affect his cricket career or prove to be a successful parallel path.