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.
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.
Sachin Tendulkar
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, the Bangalore Blasters Badminton Premier League franchise, and the Mumbai franchise in the International Tennis Premier League, respectively.
Most recently, Sachin collaborated with Reddit as a Global Brand Ambassador, engaging with global fans through interactive AMA sessions and digital campaigns, marking his entry into community-driven digital media. This collaboration highlights his adaptability to new-age platforms while staying connected with fans worldwide.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
“Captain Cool” continues to dominate off the field with a sprawling investment empire. His stake spans EV mobility (EMotorad, building one of the world’s largest e-cycle gigafactories), drone technology (Garuda Aerospace, now with revenue scaling past ₹122 crore).
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s backed Tagda Raho (traditional fitness equipment), fintech innovator Khatabook, fitness brand SportsFit World (200+ gyms), footwear label Seven, and interior design tech HomeLane. In F&B, he invested in 7Ink Brews, while his portfolio also includes Shaka Harry (plant-based proteins), creator platform Rigi, wealth-tech Centricity, property-tech SILA Group, and even ride-hailing startup BluSmart. He also owns Hotel Mahi Residency in Ranchi and co-owns sports teams like Chennaiyin FC, Ranchi Rays, and Mahi Racing Team India. His “Captain Cool” brand is being trademarked, rounding off a broad and ambitious business playbook.
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.
Nilesh Kulkarni
He understood the gap & opportunities in the sports business in India. He endeavored to establish the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), which has been awarded ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ by the Ex-President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovindji. Later, he founded N.K. Foundation and Yashvir Events Pvt. Ltd., with his wife, Ms.Rasika Kulkarni.
Virat Kohli:
Virat’s business acumen is equally electrifying. From fashion and fitness to tech and sports, his forays include Wrogn (youth fashion; parent USPL received ₹125 crore investment in 2024), One8 lifestyle label tied to One8 Commune restaurants, and Nueva fine dining. He’s expanded with a ₹40 crore investment into Agilitas, aiming to scale One8 globally.
Virat Kohli
His fitness venture, Chisel Fitness, commands a ₹90 crore investment and ~30% stake. On tech and digital fronts, he invested in Go Digit Insurance (now trading profitably post-IPO), MPL, Hyperice, Rage Coffee, Blue Tribe Foods, and youth gaming/social platform Sport Convo. He co-owns FC Goa, UAE Royals, Bengaluru Yodhas, and recently joined the World Bowling League as a strategic investor in 2025. His ventures consistently mesh personal values—fitness, lifestyle, sustainability—with shrewd business sense.
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
Anil Kumble
Virender Sehwag:
Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag began his educational entrepreneurship in 2011 when he established the Sehwag International School in Jhajjar, Haryana, aiming to provide a holistic education to children, along with sports activities & training.
Virender Sehwag
He has also become the co-founder of World of Viru Pvt. Ltd., a non-profit. 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.
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly has carved a multifaceted post-cricket journey, blending sports, media, and business. He is set to begin his first-ever head coaching stint with the Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20 league ahead of the 2026 season. After stepping away from Dadagiri Unlimited, he signed a ₹125 crore, four-year deal with Star Jalsha to host Bigg Boss Bangla and a new quiz show starting July 2026.
Sourav Ganguly
Beyond entertainment, Ganguly has associated himself with multiple brands—mentoring for Vura, endorsing Olyv, and investing in food-tech startup JustMyRoots. He also supports sports development initiatives, promoted Bengal as a sports investment hub at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, and launched a leadership masterclass with Classplus. His diverse portfolio reflects his dynamic role as a coach, entrepreneur, and cultural influencer.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh has transitioned smoothly from cricketing icon to ambitious entrepreneur, co-founding Twiddles in 2024, a clean-label snacking brand offering nut-based spreads and bites in partnership with Alfinity Studios. Expanding rapidly, the brand partnered with Barista to launch co-branded snacks across 470+ outlets and is preparing to enter offline retail, launch nut butters and savory snacks, and expand into the MENA region. With Twiddles, he is positioning himself as a strong player in India’s fast-growing healthy snacking industry.
Yuvraj Singh
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan continues to blend his cricketing wisdom with entrepreneurial pursuits. His Mumbai-based venture, ProSport Fitness & Services, established in 2014, remains active—offering physiotherapy, performance training, and wellness solutions for athletes and corporates.
Zaheer Khan
Alongside business, he plays a vital mentorship role in the IPL, currently serving as mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2025. Known for guiding upcoming fast bowlers, he emphasizes long-term fitness, injury prevention, and player development. Balancing entrepreneurship with hands-on cricket involvement, Zaheer exemplifies the athlete-mentor-entrepreneur trifecta.
Jatin Paranjpe
Jatin Paranjpe has focused his post-cricket career on sports technology through Lead Labs, a startup he co-founded that leverages AI-powered video analytics for cricket coaching and performance insights. The platform aims to provide automated motion tracking and in-depth feedback to help players and coaches refine strategies. Paranjpe’s entrepreneurial shift toward cricket-tech reflects the increasing role of data and AI in shaping modern sports performance.
Jatin Paranjpe
Cricket may have been their first calling, but entrepreneurship has become a powerful second innings for many of India’s cricketing icons. Their shift from the pitch to the boardroom reflects the same passion, discipline, and resilience that once defined their game. By venturing into diverse industries—spanning technology, fashion, fitness, education, and media—they are not only building lasting legacies but also inspiring the next generation to think beyond boundaries.
