"Audacious ambition turned into reality": Virat Kohli thanks fans for showing up at One8 event in Delhi
New Delhi, June 26
Star batter Virat Kohli on Friday penned a thank-you note for his fans who showed up at his One8 event in Delhi.
In an Instagram post, Kohli wrote, "2 years back I joined hands with Agilitas to build a dream - one8. On 21st June, we turned this audacious ambition into reality. Many of you came and witnessed not just the brand but the ecosystem we've built. When I looked around the room that evening, I saw belief. And it gives all of us at Agilitas immense courage to attempt what has never been done before with all our might. I can only say thank you, and welcome aboard this rocket ship."Virat is the co-founder of the one8 brand, backed by sportswear startup Agilitas Sports, which is co-owned by Abhishek Ganguly. Under the brand, Virat has rolled out a large variety of sports and active lifestyle apparel, including footwear.
The standout for the brand so far has been its shoe collection, which has received a great response from Virat fans and the general public so far.
Famous host and comedian Danish Sait, observing that one of the shoes of the brand cost 9,230 rupees, the same number as his Test runs, asked the 37-year-old if he would like to return to Test cricket in order to score more runs and boost the item's profitability, to which Virat humorously replied, "I would rather undersell, I'm done with it (Test cricket), thank you."
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May last year, marking an end to an illustrious 14-year career which saw him dominate a variety of conditions, regions, and opponents in whites, both as a batter and captain.
In his Test career, the 36-year-old made 123 appearances in white clothing, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs) and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs).
Between 2016 and 2019, Virat had one of the strongest batting primes ever for a Test cricketer, piling up 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, with 16 centuries and 10 fifties in 69 innings and the best score of 254*. This also included seven double centuries, most by a captain in Test cricket history.
He was India's most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 matches, since he first took over the reins in 2014 during the tour of Australia in the absence of an injured MS Dhoni.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Initially I thought the 9,230 rupee price was just a coincidence. Danish Sait really caught that. Great marketing, but I wish Virat would return to Test cricket. India miss his passion in whites. 😢
Great to see athletes building brands beyond the game. The 'audacious ambition' line really captures what it takes to start something new. Wish him success with one8!
Classy move thanking the fans. But honestly, as a fan, I'd rather see him in Tests again than selling shoes. That prime from 2016-2019 was unreal. Can't believe it's been over 2 years since his last Test. Time flies! 🏏
Nice to see Kohli building something beyond cricket. The ecosystem concept sounds interesting. Hope the shoes are comfortable at that price point. Would love to see more Indian athletes creating their own brands. 🙌
Agilitas has done good work. But I'm a bit concerned about the pricing. ₹9,230 for shoes? That's steep for middle-class fans. Virat should remember his roots - not everyone can afford that. Great branding though. 🤔
The way he said 'I would rather undersell, I'm done with Test cricket' -
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