Several people are aware of this matter and said that Kohli’s eight-year association worth around 110 crore INR with German sportswear giant Puma is set to end this year, and the ace player may now associate with the Agilitas brand, founded in 2023 by former Puma India and South-East Asia Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly, and last year the company reached a long-term licence rights deal for Italian sports brand Lotto in India, South Africa, and Australia.
As per the reports on February 24, Kohli is expected to acquire a stake in Agilitas and also promote the brand. The company reached 110 crore INR in funding from Nexus Venture in December 2023.
Kohli’s decision aligns with his goal to develop One8 into a global sportswear identity brand, with Agilitas responsible for expanding distribution and establishing an international presence.
Speaking to Mint, a person close to the development, on the condition of anonymity, said, “ The brand will be a significant part of Agilitas’s growth story. “It's all about turning One8 into a global brand—footwear, sportswear. India does not have an aspirational sportswear brand. There will be a new brand identity and relaunch for One8.”
Meanwhile, the anonymous source also announced that Puma tried to retain Kohli, but he didn't accept the offer due to his aim to develop a global company in India. “Puma went back to Kohli with an offer to retain the cricketer, but he wants to build a global company from India,” the source said.
The reports also confirm an unknown Puma spokesperson who wants Kohli the best for the future. “As a sports brand, Puma will continue to actively invest in the next generation of athletes and aggressively build the future of the sporting ecosystem in India,” the spokesperson added.
Virat Kohli is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The Legendary batter has scored 164 runs from four innings yet at an average of 54.67. Kohli has delivered match-defining fifties, first against KKR in the tournament opener and then against Mumbai Indians this week.
The RCB is in third position on the IPL 2025 Points table at the moment by achieving three victories from four matches. The star cricketer Virat Kohli will now compete against the Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A victory for the RCB at this stage of the competition will elevate them from the top two sides on the 10-team standings.
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