Virat Kohli Launches Global Business Venture

Virat Kohli has stepped into the corporate world with a major new venture, announcing his role as co-founder of one8world in his first-ever LinkedIn post. The cricketer's move into global business branding was immediately noticed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who publicly welcomed him to the platform.

Kohli's Corporate Ambition and Nadella's Welcome

Kohli's debut on the professional network outlined a vision to build a sports business from India that integrates manufacturing, consumer brands, and distribution. "I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played," Kohli wrote. He framed his new project, one8world, as a long-term legacy play, stating, "The vision is clear. It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us." His arrival caused a stir, amassing over 240,000 followers in just 24 hours. Satya Nadella, the Microsoft CEO, commented directly on the post, writing, "My feed just got even more interesting. Welcome to LinkedIn, Virat! And congrats on your next chapter with one8world."

The Lingering Debate Over His Test Retirement

Away from the boardroom, discussion about Kohli's final days in Test cricket continues. Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer recently suggested the batting legend's retirement from the longest format was handled poorly. Jaffer stated that Kohli seemed "a bit bitter" about his treatment by the national selection panel in the lead-up to his decision, implying he might have played longer under different circumstances. This commentary, made just three days ago, keeps the topic of his international exit in the news.

His Place in India's T20I Six-Hitting Elite

On the field, Kohli's legacy as a power hitter remains intact. During the recent fourth T20I against West Indies on October 14, Sanju Samson joined an exclusive club of Indian batters with over 100 sixes in T20Is. Kohli is a key member of that group. The current standings for India's top T20I six-hitters are:

Samson's entry, with 102 sixes, highlights the company Kohli keeps as one of the format's most prolific boundary clearers.

Mentor Rajkumar Sharma on Delhi's Future

Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, is also back in the spotlight, taking up a mentoring role with Delhi cricket for the 2026-27 season. In an exclusive interview, Sharma outlined his mission to identify and nurture the next generation of talent for a state team that hasn't won the Ranji Trophy in two decades. While he spoke broadly about Delhi's prospects, his enduring connection to his most famous pupil is a constant subtext in his new role.

Gill Surpasses Kohli in ICC Monthly Awards

In another statistical note, India's current ODI captain Shubman Gill has moved ahead of Kohli in one specific honour. Gill won the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for September 2026, his fifth such award. This sets a new men's record and places him well clear of both Babar Azam (three awards) and Virat Kohli on the all-time list. Gill earned it after monumental scores of 110 and an unbeaten 223 against West Indies.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Virat Kohli announced his new global business venture, one8world, on LinkedIn, gaining 240,000+ followers in a day and a welcome from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
• Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Kohli's Test retirement was influenced by poor handling from selectors.
• Kohli remains fifth among Indians for T20I sixes with 124, as Sanju Samson recently passed the 100-six mark.
• Shubman Gill now holds the men's record with five ICC Player of the Month awards, surpassing Kohli's tally.