From 22-Yard Pitch to Elevator Pitch – An Entrepreneurial Journey of 6 Indian Cricketers
We, generally, don’t picture our favourite cricketers outside the boundaries. However, after retirement from cricket, most choose to become commentators, coaches, and broadcasters. But, a few have decided to enact their passion in the business world. From technology to fashion to academia to sports management, they have been winning all the games of business.
Here are the Indian cricketers who smash all the balls beyond the boundaries.
1. Sachin Tendulkar:
The master blaster Sachin Tendulkar started his entrepreneurial journey with SRT Sports Management which managed his brand endorsement and commercial interests. Later, he ventured into the restaurant business, but it faced many challenges. However, a sportsman’s spirit never wears off.
He launched his label ‘Sach’ in collaboration with Arvind Fashion Brands Limited. ‘Sach’ inspired by Sachin’s fashion style drew the attention of fashion enthusiasts. Next, he co-founded Smaaash Entertainment Pvt.Ltd., an indoor entertainment and gaming center. He continued to venture into new businesses, funding new startups like Smartron in 2014, Spinny in 2015, and Jet Synthesys in 2021. The greatest of all cricketers also owns the Kerala Blasters- an ISL franchise, Bangalore Blasters-a Badminton Premier League franchise, and the Mumbai franchise in the International Tennis Premier League respectively.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
One of the greatest Indian captains M.S Dhoni has ventured across various startups. Whether it’s aerospace, finance, consumer goods, or motor, he has made various strategic investments. His significant startups include Cars24, Rigi, Garuda Aerospace, Homelane, and Khatabook.
Moreover, one of his notable startup ventures is an electric vehicle startup, EMotorad which focuses on the design & manufacturing of electric cycles and bikes. Our Captain Cool has a sharp observation for promising startups, which amplifies the growth of the company for the long term. MS Dhoni also co-owns the Indian Super League Football team, Chennaiyin FC, and has invested in a sports management company named Rhiti Sports.
3. Nilesh Kulkarni:
Former cricketer Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni has firsts in many attributes. He made history when he took the first wicket on the first ball in test cricket. He founded India’s first Sports Management Institute – IISM in 2010.
He understood the gap & opportunities in the sports business in India and endeavored to establish the International Institute of Sports & Management, which has been awarded ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ by Ex-President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovindji. Later, he has founded N.K Foundation and Yashvir Events Pvt. Ltd. with his wife, Ms.Rasika Kulkarni.
4. Virat Kohli:
There are reasons why Virat Kohli is called ‘King Kohli’. Beyond boundaries, his ventures and startups span across many successful companies. He started his first fashion brand ‘Wrogn’ in 2014 and tied up with Myntra & Shopper’s Stop. He also owns ‘Chisel Fitness’, a chain of gyms & fitness centers. King Kohli doesn’t stop here.
He has started his sportswear brand One8 and later expanded the brand name by opening a restaurant chain, One8 Commune across the country. He has also funded Zeeva- a Hong Kong-based electronic company, Blue Tribe- a plant-based meat brand, and Hyperice – a wellness product & service company. Moreover, he also co-owns FC Goa, UAE Royals, Bengaluru Yodhas-ISL, and pro-wrestling league franchises respectively.
5. Anil Kumble:
One of India’s best leg spin bowlers Anil Kumble owns Skeptacom Technologies, focused on technology and cricket altogether, in collaboration with Microsoft Azure. Power Bat is one of the incredible inventions of his venture which records the overall batting performance with the help of AI. Moreover, he has co-founded TENVIC Sports which helps kids pursue various sports & training, and funded Onsurity- a health insurance startup.
6. Virender Sehwag:
Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag started his educational entrepreneurship in 2011 when he established Sehwag International School in Jhajjar, Haryana, aiming to provide a holistic education to kids along with sports activities & training.
He has also become the co-founder of World of Viru Pvt. Ltd., a non -govt. company. Moreover, he has launched his sports brand VS in collaboration with Stitched Textiles Pvt Ltd in 2020. When it comes to investing, Viru has a diversified approach towards startups. Last year, he funded Two Brothers Organic Farms and one fintech startup named Getepay.
