Reports: Virat Kohli to part ways with Puma India, likely to become brand ambassador of Agilitas Sports

In a significant development, star India batter Virat Kohli is set to bid adieu to his eight-year-long partnership with Puma India. The 35-year-old, who has been synonymous with the global sportswear brand since 2017, is now poised to embark on a fresh chapter as the brand ambassador for Agilitas Sports.

Notably, the Delhi–born cricketer's association with Puma began in 2017 when he inked an INR 110 crore deal, catapulting him into the league of top sports endorsers. Over the years, the dynamic cricketer has been the face of Puma’s campaigns in India as he was spotted gracing billboards, television screens, and in various social media videos.

As per CNBC-TV18, Kohli’s partnership with Puma India is reported to end later in the year and subsequently he will join Agilitas Sports, which was founded by former Puma India Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly. However, the details of their exclusive partnership haven’t been released yet but it is expected to be a multi-year contract, which will see Kohli promoting the brand, that was founded in May 2023. 

No clarity on Kohli’s return to Indian team

Virat Kohli missed the first two Test matches against England, citing personal reasons. Recently, his long-time friend AB de Villiers revealed that the cricketer is expecting his second child and is spending time with his family at the moment. As things stand, there isn’t enough clarity about Kohli’s return in the third Test in Rajkot. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to make an official announcement regarding his availability, but as per reports, KL Rahul is fit and is ready to feature in the third Test.

In case Virat misses out, Rahul will replace Rajat Patidar in the playing XI. However, if he comes back, Shreyas Iyer might have to make room for the star batter. On the other hand, there’s still no update on Mohammed Shami, who hasn’t played a match since suffering from an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, it is unexpected to see Ravindra Jadeja making his return in the Rajkot Test.