Shark Tank judge Ritesh Agarwal reveals Virat Kohli rejected Rs 300 crore Puma deal due to…
Becoming a businessman is no longer unusual for famous personalities, especially those who have already achieved success and financial stability in their main profession. From film stars to sportspersons, many well-known names now invest in companies to grow their wealth and secure their future. Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is one such example.
While Kohli has made several investments over the years, his most talked-about venture remains One8, an athletic lifestyle brand that reflects his passion for fitness and sports.
How One8 Began With Puma
One8 was launched in 2017 through a partnership with German sportswear giant Puma. Under this collaboration, the brand gained strong visibility in India and became popular among young fitness enthusiasts. Virat also served as Puma’s brand ambassador during this period.
The partnership lasted eight years and reportedly earned Kohli around Rs 110 crore. However, in April 2025, the contract came to an end, and Virat made the bold decision not to renew it.
Walking Away From a Bigger Deal
According to reports, Puma offered Virat a massive Rs 300 crore deal for another eight years, but he chose not to accept it. Instead of continuing as a brand ambassador, Kohli decided to take a bigger risk one that gave him more control over his brand.
This move surprised many, but it also highlighted his long-term vision as an entrepreneur.
Joining Hands With Agilitas Sports
After ending his partnership with Puma, Virat aligned One8 with Agilitas Sports, an Indian sportswear company founded in 2023. Agilitas later acquired One8, and Virat became an investor in the company.
He reportedly invested Rs 40 crore in Agilitas Sports, becoming a minority shareholder. The company was founded by Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia. As of June 2025, Agilitas Sports is valued at Rs 2,058 crore, according to an Entrackr report.
Ritesh Agarwal Reacts to Kohli’s Move
OYO Rooms CEO and Shark Tank India judge Ritesh Agarwal recently reacted to Kohli’s decision during a conversation with SCREEN. He described the move as a strong sign of India’s growing business ecosystem.
Ritesh shared an interesting anecdote, saying that when someone once asked Virat what he would have been if not a cricketer, Kohli instantly replied, “Businessperson.” According to Agarwal, Kohli walking away from a huge Puma deal and investing his own money shows confidence in India’s startup and business environment.
More Than Just a Cricketer
Virat Kohli’s journey with One8 proves that his ambition goes far beyond the cricket field. By choosing ownership over endorsement, he has shown that modern athletes are ready to take charge of their brands and build something lasting.
His decision also reflects a larger shift in Indian sports, where players are now thinking like entrepreneurs and succeeding at it.