Virat Kohli – The brand here to stay: Anand Mahindra, Myntra and popular brands stand behind Virat Kohli
Just a few months ago, Virat Kohli was India’s captain in all formats. Ahead of the 20-20 World Cup, Kohli announced that he will give up the role to focus more on batting. Post the announcement, everything has gone downhill for Kohli. India made an early exit from the mega event in UAE. Kohli was then removed as ODI captain as well and recently, he lost a golden opportunity to claim an elite series win in South Africa. Soon after the loss, Kohli stepped down as Test skipper as well.
That’s a lot of developments in just five months. With Kohli not being the captain anymore, many wonder if Kohli’s brand value will take a dip or not. Kohli is one of the most popular celebrities and earns a huge revenue through brand endorsements.
However, it doesn’t seem that Kohli will lose popularity after losing the captaincy.
Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra took to Twitter and hailed Kohli as a fierce competitor.
He’s been at the centre of controversies & this decision may evoke varied responses. But to me Virat embodies the fierce, unapologetic & unrelenting competitiveness & desire to win that we have always wanted to see in our sportspersons. May the Force be with him. https://t.co/xNT64gTJq0
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) January 15, 2022
Meanwhile, popular brands also believe that Kohli’s brand value will not suffer because of him vacating the post of India Test captain. Puma India took to Twitter to support Kohli’s decision. Notably, Kohli is the brand ambassador of the popular brand. Kohli signed a 110 crore deal with the German brand for a period of eight years in 2017.
“He is an exceptional performer as a leader, a player and overall as an athlete. He has inspired and will continue to inspire everyone who keenly follows cricket and even those who don’t. It’s our privilege at PUMA to be in a long-term partnership with Virat,” said Ouma MD Abhishek Ganguly as quoted by Economic Times.
“He is an exceptional performer as a leader, a player and overall as an athlete. He has inspired and will continue to inspire everyone who keenly follows cricket and even those who don’t. It’s our privilege at PUMA to be in a long-term partnership with Virat,” he added.
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“Cheers to the man who’s sheer presence on the cricket field brought a million smiles across the world,” the Myntra post read.
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Meanwhile, Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon also hailed Virat Kohli.
“He (Kohli) has been a part of the Audi India family for a long time and is clearly a great fit for the brand, as both exemplify brilliant innovation in their performance,” Dhillon added.
“Thank you for being the pride of the Indian Cricket team and for leading the team to countless victories,” read a post from Bluestar added.
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#Amul Topical: Kohli steps down as Test skipper! pic.twitter.com/QaZitjAN7b
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) January 17, 2022