From Runs to Retail: Virat Kohli Launches Limited-Edition ‘Seam XVIII’ Shoe Packed with Emotional Legacy
NEW DELHI — Cricket icon Virat Kohli took center stage at a star-studded global premiere event at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, Delhi, to launch the latest phase of his premium lifestyle brand, one8. Far from a standard corporate product drop, the brand has cleverly turned a historic career milestone into an immersive fan experience with its new limited-edition footwear release: the ‘Seam XVIII Signature Test Red’.
The ₹9,230 Connection
In an innovative marketing move that blends sports nostalgia with collectible culture, the premium leather sneakers are priced at exactly ₹9,230. The price tag is a direct, mathematical nod to Kohli’s final career tally of 9,230 Test runs.
During a lighthearted Q&A session on stage, popular host and comedian Danish Sait jokingly asked the 37-year-old if he would consider coming out of retirement to score a few more runs just to bump up the shoe’s retail value and boost brand profits.
Kohli cracked up before firmly putting any comeback rumors to rest:
“I’m done with it, thank you… I would rather undersell the shoe.”
A Star-Studded Night of Music & ‘Bromance’
The mega-event, which drew a massive crowd of over 5,000 enthusiastic fans, wasn’t just about footwear. Punjabi music sensation Karan Aujla flew in with Kohli via private jet to co-host the launch, setting social media ablaze with their visible camaraderie.
The high-energy evening reached its peak when Kohli joined Aujla on stage to groove to the chart-topping Punjabi track “Winning Speech”. Kohli got remarkably candid about why that specific song means so much to him, connecting it to his own personal life:
- A Shared Past: “The track I resonate with the most is ‘Winning Speech,'” Kohli shared with the audience. “It explains the journey he has been through, and I’ve felt a bit of similarity in it with my journey as well. I also lost my dad when I was pretty young, so that song is quite special for me.”
- Pre-Match Ritual: The former Indian captain also revealed that the emotional anthem had become part of his pre-game routine, stating he frequently listened to it right before stepping out onto the field.
Building a Long-Term Business Legacy
As one8 continues to aggressively scale into fashion, footwear, fitness, and hospitality, Kohli made it clear that his ultimate objective is to build an independent powerhouse that outlives his personal fame.
“Nobody gives two hoots about who we are who started this, honestly! I think I would love to be forgotten completely for this to take over,” Kohli stated, outlining his vision for the venture. He emphasized that the true measure of a brand’s success lies in its ability to outgrow its creators and sustain itself purely on its value, purpose, and design for decades to come.
With the launch of the Seam XVIII, one8 proves it knows exactly how to bridge the gap between sports history and modern retail—giving cricket fans a tangible, wearable piece of legacy.
