7 top Indian cricketers who tried their luck in business

Cricketers in India, especially those who have tasted a modicum of success, are no less than demigods. Fame, fortune, influence: they have it all and enough to last a lifetime. Yet, some of them have not limited themselves to cricket, but spread their wings in other fields, setting up business ventures that have run concomitantly to their cricket careers. Some others have dabbled in business after hanging their boots. Here are some of the noted Indian cricketers who had also turned entrepreneurs

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The God of Cricket is also a successful entrepreneur post his retirement from the game. He owns the Tamil Thalaivas franchise in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Bangalore Blasters in Premier Badminton League (PBL). He also owns stakes in the Mumbai franchise in the International Tennis League. He had held stakes in the Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC, but had subsequently exited. He tried his luck in restaurant business and started a high-class restaurant named 'Tendulkar’s' but called off the venture after some time.

2. Sourav Ganguly 

One of the most aggressive captains of the Indian side, Ganguly was born in one of the richest families in Kolkata. Like his opening partner Tendulkar, Ganguly also started a restaurant named 'Sourav's — The Food Pavilion' in Kolkata but had to close it down later due to various reasons. He runs his family business in the name of Sourav Ganguly enterprises Pvt Ltd in Kolkata and is also a co-owner of the ATK franchise in the ISL. He also hosts a television show named 'Dadagiri Unlimited' apart from commentating on Star Sports India.

3. Virat Kohli 

One of the finest batsmen of the current times, Kohli tasted success early. The Indian captain not only makes truckloads of runs, he also is a successful entrepreneur. Kohli is a fitness freak and owns a chain of fitness centres and gyms by the name of 'Chisel'. He plans to open 75 fitness centres across India in the next three years. He co-owns a clothing brand named 'Wrogn' along with owning the Bangalore Yodhas, a franchise in Pro Wrestling League (PWL), and the UAE Royals in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

4. Zaheer Khan 

The ace pacer followed in the footsteps of Tendulkar and Ganguly in foraying in restaurant business. However, unlike the ventures of his two former India teammates, Zaheer’s restaurant 'Zaheer Khan's Fine Dine' is one of the leading and popular restaurants in Pune and he plans to open outlets across India. He recently launched a sports lounge named 'Toss'. He also owns a banquet brand named 'Foyer'. Zaheer also occasionally does commentary on Star Sports India.

5. MS Dhoni

Regarded as Captain Cool and one of the most successful captains in recent times, Dhoni is also a successful entrepreneur. He started a fitness vanture named SportsFit World Pvt Ltd which is planning to widen its operations across India and some parts of the UAE and Australia. A fan of racing, he also tried his hand in racing and owns the Mahi Racing Team India in the FIM Supersport Championship. Like other players, he has also invested in franchise-based professional leagues in various sports. He is a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC, the reigning ISL champions, and Ranchi Rays, a franchise in the Hockey India League.
 
6. Virendra Sehwag 

Sehwag set up his own education institution named Sehwag International School in Jhajjar. 

7. Sunil Gavaskar 

Gavaskar is one of the greatest batsmen of all time who is also known for his commentating skills and is a leading sports columnist. He launched India’s first sports marketing company, the Professional Management Group (PMG) in 1985. Apart from this, he is a co-owner of the Mumbai Masters franchise in the Indian Badminton League.