While Indian cricket fans wait anxiously for updates on his fitness and his place in the upcoming ODI series against England, Virat Kohli has been quietly pouring himself into something entirely different — and on Sunday, that vision finally came to life in Delhi.
Kohli officially launched One8, his passion project built in partnership with Agilitas, a made-in-India global sportswear and leisurewear brand. The launch event lit up the capital with music, star power, and a reunion that fans had been hoping for — Kohli sharing the stage with singer-rapper Karan Aujla.
For Kohli, One8 isn’t a celebrity endorsement — it’s a labour of love. He revealed that this marks the first time outside cricket that he’s been this deeply involved in building something from scratch. Months of phone calls, Zoom meetings, and relentless back-and-forth went into shaping a brand that’s rooted in Indian identity but designed with global ambitions — One8 is already planning a presence across 50 countries. In true Kohli fashion, he rejected 17 prototypes before finally approving the 18th.
The brand’s tagline, “Never Done,” mirrors Kohli’s own cricketing philosophy. Speaking about his never-give-up mindset, he referenced his unforgettable 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan at the MCG, recalling how he refused to believe the game was lost even when his team’s win probability was reportedly just three percent. “You are never really done until you lose the game,” he said.
The event also spotlighted Kohli’s personal bond with Karan Aujla’s music. Kohli opened up about how Aujla’s song “Winning Speech” resonates deeply with his own journey, including losing his father at a young age. He revealed that he has often listened to the track before walking out to bat — a rare and emotional admission from the cricket icon.
A Global Vision Taking Shape
One8 is already gaining traction beyond India, with several English cricketers and Smriti Mandhana spotted wearing the brand during the ongoing World Cup. Drawing comparisons to how Roger Federer shaped ON’s identity, Kohli appears to be doing something similar — building a brand for athletes and fans alike, one rooted in resilience, identity, and never backing down.
