Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s stake in sportswear company Agilitas Sports has increased to 6.4% from 1.8% following the NCLT approval of the merger of his sportswear venture, one8, with the company.
The increase does not involve any fresh investment from Kohli. He had earlier invested Rs 40 Cr in Agilitas, and the higher shareholding has resulted from the merger of One8 Sports Private Limited with Agilitas Sports Private Limited, approved by the NCLT’s Mumbai Bench.
Kohli will continue as one8’s co-founder and remain involved in developing the brand. The merger brings one8 into Agilitas’ wider sportswear business, giving it access to product development, design, research and development, manufacturing and retail capabilities.
How the one8 Merger Changes Kohli’s Stake
Before the merger, Kohli held 9,44,400 shares in Agilitas, representing approximately 1.8% of the company, according to people familiar with the transaction cited in media reports. His stake has now increased to 6.4% following the consolidation.
The earlier investment was reportedly made at a valuation of Rs 3,100 Cr. Actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma had also invested Rs 15.78 Cr in Agilitas at the same valuation, according to the reports. Agilitas separately confirmed in May 2026 that Sharma had acquired a minority equity stake and joined as an investor and co-creator of its One8 Yoga category.
The merger is therefore more than a change in shareholding. It brings the one8 brand into a business with an established operating and manufacturing platform, while giving Kohli a larger ownership interest in Agilitas.
one8 to Expand into New Sportswear Categories
The integration is expected to help one8 enter additional sporting categories and expand its presence in international markets, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Kohli has said he has been involved in the brand from its early days, including decisions related to technology, materials and design. He will continue working on its development as the brand moves beyond its existing product range.
Agilitas co-founder and CEO Abhishek Ganguly said the merger would give one8 access to the capabilities required to build a sportswear business, including product development and manufacturing. The company believes that developing products and bringing them to consumers will be central to the brand's long-term growth.
Agilitas is targeting a Rs 2,000-3,000 crore business from one8 over the next four to six years, according to its management commentary reported by The Economic Times.
Agilitas Builds an Integrated Sportswear Business
Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, along with former Puma executives Atul Bajaj and Amit Prabhu, Agilitas is building a sportswear platform covering manufacturing, brand development, distribution and retail.
Its portfolio includes one8 and Italian sportswear brand Lotto, alongside Mochiko Shoes, its sports footwear manufacturing business, and Sports Yard, its consumer-facing multi-brand retail initiative.
The company's strategy is to combine brand ownership with manufacturing and distribution capabilities. This could give its brands greater control over product development, sourcing and retail execution, rather than relying only on licensing or celebrity-led marketing.
Agilitas has also been expanding its manufacturing and retail operations. The company has indicated plans to raise additional equity capital to support investments in product development, manufacturing, brand building and retail.
What the Deal Means for Kohli and Agilitas
Celebrity-backed brands often depend heavily on the public profile of their founders or ambassadors. The one8 merger gives the brand access to a wider operating platform, while Kohli's increased stake links his financial interest more closely to Agilitas' overall growth.
For Agilitas, the transaction brings one of India's most recognisable sports personalities more deeply into its shareholder base and adds one8 to a portfolio that already spans brands, manufacturing and retail.
The real test will be whether one8 can build demand beyond Kohli's personal popularity. Product quality, pricing, distribution and repeat purchases will determine whether it can become a lasting sportswear brand in India and international markets.
The merger gives one8 a broader platform to pursue that ambition. Its success will ultimately depend on execution rather than celebrity association alone.
