Cricketers' Startup Investments: Why Is Virat Kohli the Biggest?

The IPL's valuation has dropped by 11.7% to $9.9 billion in 2024, down from $11.2 billion last year—marking the first decline since the league's inception in 2008. The primary cause? A potential monopolistic scenario arising from the Star India-Viacom18 merger. This underscores the importance of competition for growth, whether in business or investment. In contrast, the valuation of startup investments by Indian cricketers has surged. It appears there’s a healthy rivalry brewing between Virat Kohli, the biggest startup investor, and other cricketing legends who have poured substantial funds into various ventures.

Imagine Sachin Tendulkar not just as a cricketing legend but as a tech investor. Or Virat Kohli, alongside being a batting maestro, transforming into a fashion mogul.  What once seemed like a fantasy is now reality. Indian cricketers are trading their bats for boardrooms, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.

In a sport where every run and wicket is celebrated with fervour, Indian cricketers have found a new field – the fast-paced world of startups. Beyond their on-field prowess, they're now making headlines with strategic investments, carving out a space in the business world. From Yuvraj Singh's athletic brand to MS Dhoni's drone venture, cricketers are proving that the boundaries of their success extend far beyond cricket.

The Transition from Saving to Investing

For decades, cricketers have been known for their lavish lifestyles and extravagant savings. But a new breed of athletes is emerging, one that's not content with just amassing wealth. They're looking to invest it, to create something lasting, to leave a mark beyond the cricket field.

"Saving is not investment" – this maxim seems to have resonated deeply with India’s cricket legends. As careers in sports come with a shelf life, many cricketers are realising the importance of diversifying their wealth. And what better way than to tap into the vibrant and ever-expanding startup ecosystem? The allure of being part of India's entrepreneurial growth story is too tempting to resist.

Yuvraj Singh: The Hitting Machine Turned Startup Investor

Take Yuvraj Singh, for instance. Remember the man who hit six sixes in an over? Well, he's now hitting it big in the startup world. Through his venture fund, YouWeCan, Yuvraj is actively investing in early-stage startups. His latest stake in Agilitas Sports, an athleisure brand, mirrors the path taken by other sporting icons who are stepping into industries that align with their brand values.

MS Dhoni: The Quiet Startup Investor

Then there's MS Dhoni, the cool, calm, and collected captain. Off the field, Dhoni is just as strategic. He's invested in everything from drones to used cars, showcasing his versatility as an investor. His investments range from Garuda Aerospace, a drone tech startup, to Cars24, a platform for used cars, and most recently, a stake in the jewellery brand Bluestone, which is gearing up for an IPO. Dhoni’s ability to back ventures across industries – sports, tech, and retail – showcases a versatility that defines his off-field persona.

Sachin Tendulkar: Building Brands, Strengthening Legacies

When these athletes invest in startups, they bring more than just capital. As iconic figures with nationwide appeal, they infuse their brand power into these businesses, boosting visibility and credibility. Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time, isn't just a legend on the field. He's also a shrewd businessman. Tendulkar, has teamed up with venture capital firm Peak XV Partners to back a shoe startup. The move has added credibility to the brand, and with Sachin’s reputation for excellence, it's no surprise that the company is poised for rapid growth.

Cricketers like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and KL Rahul are not just investors but also brand ambassadors. Their investments aren't just financial; they are lending their image, influence, and personal connection with fans to drive these businesses forward.

KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya: A New Generation of Athlete-Entrepreneurs

For the newer generation of cricketers, the concept of retirement has evolved. It's no longer about stepping away from the limelight but transitioning into different forms of success. KL Rahul exemplifies this perfectly. Known for his consistency on the field, Rahul is pacing up in the startup world. He recently invested in Boldfit, a fitness brand, and the mixed-reality startup Flam, aiming to revolutionise digital fan engagement. His investment portfolio reflects a growing interest in high-growth sectors like fitness, fashion, and technology.

But Rahul isn't alone. Hardik Pandya, with his distinctive style and charm, has launched a lifestyle brand called HP 54 and owns the Gujarat Lions team in the Indian Poker League. Hardik’s foray into both fashion and unconventional sports like poker underscores how today’s athletes are willing to take risks, both on and off the field.

Cricketing Legends Leading the Startup Charge

While current cricketers are making waves, retired legends like Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Shikhar Dhawan have also embraced the world of investments. Ganguly, often dubbed the 'Prince of Kolkata,' has diversified his portfolio across various sectors, while Gambhir has supported ventures in food delivery and healthcare. Recently, Virender Sehwag invested in T9L QUBE, one of India’s leading venture builders, marking a new chapter in his career beyond sports.

These legends have realised that building businesses allows them to remain relevant and influential long after their cricketing days are over. By backing innovative startups, they are not just making money; they are contributing to India’s economic growth and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among athletes.

Is Virat Kohli the Biggest Startup Investor? 

Of all cricketers-turned-investors, Virat Kohli stands out. His meteoric rise on the cricket field is matched only by his entrepreneurial ventures. With investments in FC Goa (Indian Super League football team), Wrogn (fashion label), One8(lifestyle brand), and Blue Tribe Foods (plant-based meat), Kohli is redefining what it means to be a sports star. He even surpasses Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan, boasting a brand value of ₹1,900 crore – a testament to his impeccable brand-building strategy.

Kohli’s ability to spot trends, combined with his business acumen, has turned him into a powerful figure in both cricket and commerce. His investments reflect his personal values of fitness, sustainability, and style, allowing him to craft a legacy that transcends cricket.

Why Cricketers Are Betting Big on Indian Startups

There’s more to this investment spree than meets the eye. For many cricketers, investing in startups is a way to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. With the rise of technology and innovation, they see an opportunity to build wealth, leverage their influence, and secure their futures. The startup ecosystem also offers them a chance to support sectors they are passionate about, be it sports, fitness, fashion, or technology.

More importantly, by backing startups, cricketers are paving the way for future athletes to think beyond the boundaries of their sport. They are demonstrating that with the right mindset, athletes can build successful business empires and inspire others to do the same.

Pitch Perfect: Cricketers' Startup Success Stories

Startup investing has become the new mantra for Indian cricketers – a trend that is not only reshaping their careers but also influencing the larger entrepreneurial landscape of India. Whether it’s MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, or Virat Kohli, these players have proven that they are just as sharp in business as they are on the cricket field. As they continue to make strategic investments, one thing is clear: the game has changed, and cricketers are playing to win – both in sports and in business.