Tech Desk: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has extended a warm welcome to cricket superstar Virat Kohli, who recently made his highly anticipated debut on LinkedIn. Kohli’s inaugural post on the professional networking platform wasn’t about cricket records, but rather a compelling outline of his vision for Indian sports and his ambitious plans to build globally branded ventures, including his investment in Agilitas and his role as co-founder of one8world.

Nadella swiftly acknowledged Kohli’s arrival, commenting on the post: “My feed just got even more interesting. Welcome to LinkedIn, Virat! And congrats on your next chapter with one8world.” This high-profile endorsement underscores the significance of Kohli’s move into the business arena, attracting over 240,000 followers within just 24 hours.

In his debut, the 37-year-old cricketer articulated a powerful ambition: to foster a broader sporting culture in India where all sports receive attention and support. He emphasized building an end-to-end sports platform, spanning manufacturing, consumer brands, and distribution, aiming for India to shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it.

Kohli’s statement, “It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us. That’s the journey we’re on,” highlights a strategic shift from athlete to entrepreneur. His venture, one8world, built on the principle of pushing boundaries, marks a significant step in realizing this expansive vision beyond the cricket pitch.