New Delhi, Feb 21: India's batting maestro and charismatic captain Virat Kohli is shattering records both on and off the field.
The 'Run Machine' has inked a whopping Rs 100 crore deal by becoming global brand ambassador for sports lifestyle brand Puma.
The India skipper and most feared batsman in world cricket, thus, joined the elite club of legendary athletes such as Usain Bolt, Pele, Maradona and several others.
Kohli has struck an eight-year deal with Puma and, hence, became the first Indian sportsperson to sign deal with a single brand that is worth more than Rs. 100 crore.
The 28-year-old India cricketer was congratulated by 'Sprint King' and Olympic Champion Usain Bolt for striking a deal with Puma.
"Great choice @imVkohli Time to go to the next level #ForeverFaster," wrote Bolt on his Twitter handle.
Kohli was quick to acknowledge the Jamaican legend's comment and wrote, "I wish I could get as fast as you someday @usainbolt. Thanks legend. @PUMA #ForeverFaster."
I wish I could get as fast as you someday @usainbolt. Thanks legend. @PUMA #ForeverFaster
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 20, 2017
Earlier, in an interview to Times of India, Virat Kohli said, "It's a privilege to be part of a great list of athletes that Puma has. I would be creating my own brand identity with PUMA. Not just today's icons like Usain Bolt but also the brand's rich history with Pele, Maradona, Thiery Henry and others."
"I am impressed by the way Puma has gained popularity and market leadership in India in a short period of time," he added further.
Before Kohli, India's cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and most successful India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni signed a Rs 100-crore deal through mult-year contracts, but none of them have inked a deal with a single brand for such a huge amount.
A new era begins now. With @PUMA. #Forever #ForeverFaster pic.twitter.com/3d4rS3aHou
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 19, 2017
The Indian skipper is touching new milestones with every passing series across all formats. He has become first batsman to slam 4 Test doubles in consecutive series and seems to be bettering his own performances.
He has scored 1168 Test runs in a season at home and surpassed Virender Sehwag's record set in 2004-05.
OneIndia News