Top Businesses Started by Indian Cricketers : From Sixes to Startups

For millions in India, cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a religion. The cricketers who grace the field become national icons, their every move followed with immense interest. But their ambitions and talents often extend beyond the 22 yards. Many Indian cricketers have successfully transitioned into the world of business, showcasing their leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to connect with a large audience. This article explores some of the prominent businesses launched by these sporting heroes, proving that their winning streak isn’t limited to the cricket pitch.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

1. Name of the Business: Rhiti Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.
2. Type of Business / Industry: Sports Management and Marketing
3. Year Launched: 2007
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Dhoni identified a gap in professional management and support for athletes in India, aiming to provide comprehensive services.
5. Business Overview: Rhiti Sports manages the commercial interests of athletes, including endorsements, brand building, event management, and talent management. They help sportspersons maximize their brand value and off-field earnings. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes team that handles everything except the actual playing.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has managed the commercial aspects of numerous top athletes across various sports. Has established itself as a leading sports management company in India.
7. Current Status: Actively operating and expanding its reach in the sports industry. Dhoni continues to be the Chairman, providing strategic direction.

2. Virat Kohli

1. Name of the Business: One8 (in collaboration with Puma)
2. Type of Business / Industry: Fashion and Lifestyle (Apparel, Footwear, Accessories)
3. Year Launched: 2017
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Kohli’s personal sense of style and his desire to connect with his fans through fashion led to this collaboration.
5. Business Overview: One8 offers a range of trendy and comfortable clothing, footwear, and accessories designed for young, fashion-conscious individuals. It embodies Kohli’s energetic and stylish persona. Imagine a clothing brand that’s as dynamic as Virat’s batting.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has gained significant popularity among the youth and is available through Puma stores and various online platforms.
7. Current Status: A successful and ongoing collaboration with Puma, with new collections launched regularly, reflecting current fashion trends.

3. Yuvraj Singh

1. Name of the Business: YouWeCan Ventures
2. Type of Business / Industry: Venture Capital and Philanthropy
3. Year Launched: 2015
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Yuvraj’s personal experience with cancer motivated him to support cancer patients and survivors, alongside fostering entrepreneurship.
5. Business Overview: YouWeCan Ventures invests in early-stage startups with potential and also runs the YouWeCan Foundation, which focuses on cancer awareness, prevention, and providing support to patients. It’s a unique blend of business investment and social impact.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has invested in several promising startups across various sectors. The YouWeCan Foundation has conducted numerous awareness campaigns and provided support to cancer patients.
7. Current Status: Actively involved in both investing in new ventures and continuing the impactful work of the foundation.

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4. Sourav Ganguly

1. Name of the Business: Sourav’s – The Food Pavilion
2. Type of Business / Industry: Food and Beverage (Restaurant)
3. Year Launched: 2004
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Ganguly’s desire to offer a quality dining experience in his hometown, Kolkata.
5. Business Overview: Sourav’s was a popular restaurant in Kolkata that served a variety of cuisines. It was a place where fans could experience a connection to their favorite cricketer through food and ambiance.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Became a well-known and frequented dining establishment in Kolkata.
7. Current Status: While the physical restaurant “Sourav’s – The Food Pavilion” is reported to be currently undergoing renovation with plans for a relaunch, Sourav Ganguly remains active in various endorsements and other business interests. It’s advisable to check local news for the latest updates on the restaurant’s reopening.

5. Sachin Tendulkar

1. Name of the Business: SRT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.
2. Type of Business / Industry: Sports Management
3. Year Launched: 2016 (though he had significant brand associations prior)
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Tendulkar’s vast experience and understanding of the sports world motivated him to create a management company for athletes.
5. Business Overview: SRT Sports Management handles the commercial and brand-related activities of athletes, focusing on long-term career development and brand building.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Manages a select portfolio of talented athletes, leveraging Sachin’s immense goodwill and network.
7. Current Status: Actively operating in the sports management sector, providing guidance and opportunities to promising athletes.

6. Harbhajan Singh

1. Name of the Business: Bhajji Sports
2. Type of Business / Industry: Sports Education and Training
3. Year Launched: While the exact launch year isn’t widely specified, the concept has evolved over time.
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Harbhajan’s passion for cricket and his desire to nurture young talent, especially from his home state of Punjab.
5. Business Overview: Bhajji Sports aims to establish cricket academies and training programs to provide quality coaching and infrastructure for aspiring cricketers at the grassroots level.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has been involved in setting up cricket academies and coaching initiatives to promote the sport.
7. Current Status: Actively working towards developing cricket at the grassroots level through his sports education ventures.

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7. Zaheer Khan

1. Name of the Business: ProSport Fitness & Services
2. Type of Business / Industry: Fitness and Sports Training
3. Year Launched: 2013
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Zaheer’s deep understanding of the importance of fitness and professional training in sports.
5. Business Overview: ProSport Fitness provides specialized fitness programs and training services for individuals and athletes, focusing on holistic fitness and injury management. Think of it as a high-performance training center.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has established a recognized fitness center known for its sports-specific training regimes.
7. Current Status: Successfully running and catering to a diverse clientele, including fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes.

8. Shikhar Dhawan

1. Name of the Business: Da One Fitness
2. Type of Business / Industry: Fitness and Wellness
3. Year Launched: 2020
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Dhawan’s personal commitment to fitness and his desire to motivate others to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
5. Business Overview: Da One Fitness offers various fitness services, potentially including gym facilities, personal training, and online fitness programs, aiming to make fitness accessible and engaging.
6. Achievements / Milestones: While relatively new, it’s leveraging Dhawan’s popularity to build a presence in the fitness market.
7. Current Status: Actively promoting its services and expanding its reach in the fitness and wellness sector.

9. Ajinkya Rahane

1. Name of the Business: Agripreneur
2. Type of Business / Industry: Agriculture Technology and Services
3. Year Launched: 2020
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Rahane’s interest in agriculture and a vision to support farmers through modern technology and practices.
5. Business Overview: Agripreneur likely provides technology-driven solutions and services to farmers, potentially including farm management tools, market linkages, and agricultural consultancy. The aim is to modernize the agricultural sector.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Still in its initial stages, focusing on developing and implementing its technology-based solutions for agriculture.
7. Current Status: Actively working in the agricultural technology space, exploring ways to improve farming practices.

10. Sunil Gavaskar

1. Name of the Business: PMG (Professional Management Group)
2. Type of Business / Industry: Sports Management and Marketing
3. Year Launched: 1985
4. Inspiration / Motivation: Gavaskar recognized the early need for professional management of athletes’ careers and commercial interests in India.
5. Business Overview: PMG is one of the oldest sports management companies in India, handling endorsements, events, and various commercial activities for athletes and sports organizations.
6. Achievements / Milestones: Has a long and successful history in the Indian sports management industry, representing numerous prominent athletes over several decades.
7. Current Status: Continues to be a significant and respected player in the sports management landscape in India.

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Conclusion:

The entrepreneurial spirit of Indian cricketers extends far beyond their performance on the field. These ten examples demonstrate their diverse interests and the successful ventures they have built, ranging from sports management and fashion to fitness and technology. Their ability to leverage their fame, discipline, and understanding of teamwork has translated into impactful businesses, inspiring fans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. These cricketers are not just scoring runs and taking wickets; they are also making significant contributions to the Indian economy and showcasing their multifaceted talents.