Shark Tank’s Ritesh Agarwal reacts to Virat Kohli choosing a Rs 2,058 cr Indian sportswear company over Puma’s Rs 300 cr deal: ‘This is a sign that…’
Entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal of OYO Rooms recently commented on Virat Kohli's move to leave a 'massive deal' with Puma and join forces with Agilitas Sports.
Celebrities turning entrepreneurs is no longer hot news. In fact, once they have achieved financial independence and established themselves in their respective fields, most people invest in firms of their choice to grow their assets and build financial security. Renowned cricketer Virat Kohli, who served as the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats previously, is no different. While he has made many commercial investments over the years, Virat’s most notable venture thus far is the athletic lifestyle brand, One8.
Although it was launched in 2017 in collaboration with the German sports lifestyle brand Puma, Virat ended their partnership after the completion of an eight-year contract and decided to join forces with Agilitas Sports, an Indian sportswear company founded in 2023, afterwards. Recently, entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO Rooms, commented on Virat’s move, calling it a sign that India’s business sector was thriving, in contrast to popular perception.
During a conversation with SCREEN, Ritesh pointed out, “Kohli left a massive deal with Puma and invested his own money in Agilitas to set up a company. Once someone asked him, ‘If not a cricketer, what would you have been?’ He immediately replied, ‘Businessperson.’ This is a sign that it’s (the business scene in India) is going very well.” Ritesh also serves as a judge on the business reality television series Shark Tank India.
After completing a Rs 110 crore eight-year contract with Puma as its brand ambassador in April 2025, Virat decided not to renew the deal, despite the German brand offering Rs 300 crore for another eight years, as reported by the Times of India. Subsequently, Agilitas Sports acquired One8, and Virat joined the former as an investor. Additionally, he invested Rs 40 crore in Agilitas Sports — founded by Abhishek Ganguly, who previously served as the managing director of Puma India and Southeast Asia — becoming a minority shareholder, as reported by Marca Money. According to a June 2025 Entrackr report, Agilitas Sports is valued at Rs 2,058 crore.
Anandu Suresh is a distinguished Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express Online, where he serves as a leading voice in cinematic critique and industry analysis. With over six years of rigorous experience in the media landscape, he has established a reputation for incisive, long-form commentary that bridges the gap between commercial cinema and art-house narratives.
Experience & Career
Anandu’s professional journey is rooted in a deep academic and practical foundation in the humanities and communication. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a PG Diploma in Journalism and Communication. Before ascending to his current editorial leadership role at The Indian Express, he honed his skills on the news desk of The New Indian Express in Hyderabad. His career is marked by a transition from core news operations to specialized cultural journalism, allowing him to bring a structured, news-oriented rigor to the entertainment beat.
Expertise & Focus Areas
While Anandu’s portfolio spans the global cinematic landscape, he is widely regarded as an expert in Malayalam Cinema. His unique approach to film criticism is defined by:
Cinema Anatomy: A dedicated column where he deconstructs the structural layers of films to uncover deeper sociopolitical meanings.
Marginalized Narratives: A commitment on-ground and analytical reporting on how cinema represents or fails marginalized communities.
Critiquing "Performative Wokeness": Rigorous analysis of modern filmmaking trends, identifying the difference between authentic representation and superficial social commentary.
Multimedia Discourse: Actively fostering continuous public dialogue on cinema through digital platforms and archival research.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anandu Suresh is a trusted authority in the film journalism circuit, frequently providing exclusive coverage from major international festivals like the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). His work goes beyond standard reviews; he is known for holding the industry accountable, as seen in his extensive reporting on sensitive issues like the 2017 Kerala actress assault case and the legal complexities surrounding film credits. By prioritizing "Journalism of Courage," Anandu ensures his readers receive commentary that is not only intellectually stimulating but also ethically grounded and factually robust. ... Read More
Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector.
Experience & Career
Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media:
The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments.
Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include:
Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles.
OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres.
Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends.
Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community.
Authoritativeness & Trust
With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More
Renowned cricketer Virat Kohli's most notable venture thus far is the athletic lifestyle brand, One8. (Credit: Facebook/@virat.kohli)
