India is a nation that celebrates cricket as a festival, follows it as a religion, and worships the players as Gods. The players try their best to satisfy the fans with their ball and bat. Though the success shields decorate their home, the fans celebrate them and give them more power to achieve higher in their career. Though the cricketers celebrate their success and establish their identity with scores and wickets, they want to develop themselves as businesspersons. Here are some cricketers from India who ventured into some interesting business:
1. Sachin Tendulkar
According to ardent cricket lovers, Sachin is considered the God of cricket during his reign. This Master Blaster owns 7.5% of the share of Musafir, a UAE-based company. Besides this, he has 18% equity shares in Smaaash Entertainment. He also has connections with a joint venture of Future Group and Manipal Group and Universal Collectabillia.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the stylish captain of India, owns Wrogn, a fashion brand. Kohli co-owns Indian Super League club FC Goa. He also owns Chisel Fitness, a fitness center. Besides this, he has shares in Sport Convo.
3. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, fondly called Dada by his fans, started a restaurant, Sourav's—The Food Pavilion. Later, he began Flickstree, a digital company that customizes free user platforms. Besides this, he co-owns ATK in ISL.
4. MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the favorite cricketer of many, made the Indian cricket fans shed tears for announcing his retirement. After Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni has a huge craze in India. He co-owns Chennaiyin FC, an ISL club. He also holds shares in Sports Fit, Seven, and Rhiti Sports.
5. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, one of the best Indian Spinners all-time, is the owner of TENVIC, a sports training company that also gives consultation to the sports enthusiasts who approach. He is also on a serious search of talented spinners through Spin Stars. Besides this, this super spinner owns a company, Spektacom. This company manufactures stickers that could find the power of the strike while the batter hits the ball.
6. Zaheer Khan
Like Ganguly, Zaheer launched a restaurant, Zaheer Khan’s. Later, he converted it into a sports bar with a restaurant and lounge. Zaheer owns a sports lounge, TOSS in Pune, ProSport Fitness in Mumbai. ProSport Fitness gives physiotherapy and fitness training.
7. Sunil Gavaskar
After retiring from International Cricket, the Little Master had been working as a commentator. He started Professional Management Group, a sports marketing company. Though he remains the CEO, his company shut the player management wing, as he had to move as a commentator.
8. Kapil Dev
The first world cup-winning Captain for India, Kapil Dev, owns Kaptain's Retreat, a restaurant chain, and a stadium lighting company, Dev Musco Lighting. Besides this, he holds shares in many firms.
9. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag owns a sportswear brand, VS, that supplies sportswear, sports equipment, and athleisure. Viru Retail Pvt Ltd's business is a joint venture of Stitched Textiles Pvt Ltd and World of Viru Pvt Ltd. He plans to spread VS Store's wings throughout India.
10. Yuvraj Singh
After he retired from cricket, Yuvraj Singh started an investment company, YouWeCan Ventures. He has also invested in EazyDiner, Healthians, EduKart, Chqbook, Wellversed, etc.
This article has dealt with a few of the favorite cricket stars in India who own a business or have a stake in some leading companies. There are a lot of celebrities, including Suresh Raina, Umesh Yadav, Robin Uthappa, and Ravindra Jadeja, who have been involved in some businesses. Let’s discuss them in detail in another article.
