Tag: Cricket Fitness India

  • Glenn Maxwell pads up for business in India with Drive Fitt innings

    Glenn Maxwell pads up for business in India with Drive Fitt innings

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t a cricket pitch, but a business pitch that bowled over Glenn Maxwell this time. The swashbuckling Aussie didn’t just swing for the fences—he signed the dotted line, launching his first-ever business venture in India. Known for turning matches on their head, Maxwell is now turning heads with his sharp business move by joining Drive Fitt, a sports club brand that’s looking to fuse cricket, fitness, and recovery into one high-octane offering.

    So, what made the big show jump from the crease into the boardroom?

    Hint: it’s not just about protein shakes and treadmills.

    It’s about a sweaty love affair with cricket, high-performance training, and the magic of muscle recovery—served with a side of cutting-edge tech.

    Maxwell has officially invested in Drive Fitt, a membership-based sports club rooted in cricket, fitness and recovery. Designed with bleeding-edge tech and elite-level sports science, Drive Fitt promises to redefine how India trains, recovers, and plays.

    “This marks Maxwell’s first investment in an Indian venture”, the company announced on 10 April in New Delhi, noting the Australian all-rounder’s enthusiasm for the brand’s vision and its crack team of founders. With a passion for cricket and a growing obsession with recovery (thanks to an injury-laden yet adrenaline-charged career), Maxwell found the concept a no-brainer.

    “For Maxwell, investing is about backing the right people,” the release read. “And he believes the team’s vision and dedication will make Drive Fitt successful in India.”

    Let’s not forget—this isn’t Maxwell’s first dance with India. His long-standing relationship with the country through the IPL made him the poster boy for foreign players who just get it. That insider knowledge, the hustle of international T20s, and his athlete-first mindset made him the perfect poster boy for a cricket-meets-fitness brand.

    “Joining the Drive Fitt team is exciting for me,” said Maxwell. “Cricket, fitness, and recovery have been essential to my journey, and this concept brings them together uniquely and innovatively. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and helping shape a space that supports athletes at every level.”

    Drive Fitt, co-founded by actress Preity Zinta, cricketer Shubman Gill, and entrepreneurs Mark Sellar, Deke Smith, and Vikram Aditya Bhatia, is already swinging for the fences. With Maxwell on board, they hope to knock it right out of the park.

    “Having Glenn join us at Drive Fitt is truly special,” said Zinta. “I’ve always admired his forward-thinking, athlete-first mindset which seamlessly aligns with our vision.”

    Gill, too, couldn’t hide his excitement, “Having Glenn on board brings immense value to our shared vision. His global experience and commitment to fitness and recovery make him an ideal partner.”

    Behind the flashy headlines and star-studded quotes lies a serious plan. Maxwell won’t be a mere cheque-writing mascot. He’s expected to dive into training methodology, content development, and player development, while helping shape a fitness ecosystem tailored for pros and amateurs alike.

    Drive Fitt, for those keeping score, is on a mission to help every aspiring cricketer train like a pro. With Maxwell’s brain (and brawn) in the mix, the startup may just bowl over India’s fitness scene.

    “It’s incredibly exciting to have Glenn support what we’re building,” said co-founders Sellar and Smith. “He brings not just experience and credibility, but also a deep understanding of what athletes genuinely need.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Glenn Maxwell to the Drive Fitt family,” added CEO Vikram Aditya Bhatia. “His passion for the game and first-hand experience with elite-level training and recovery make him an invaluable partner.”

  • Drive Fitt appoints Vikram Bhatia as CEO, aiming to revolutionise fitness

    Drive Fitt appoints Vikram Bhatia as CEO, aiming to revolutionise fitness

    Mumbai: Drive Fitt has appointed Vikram Aditya Bhatia as its new chief executive officer. With over 30 years of leadership in the global fitness industry and a history in competitive sports, Vikram is set to spearhead Drive Fitt’s strategic vision, expand operations, and enhance the company’s commitment to offering unparalleled fitness experiences.  

    Vikram brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Fitness First India’s managing director and leading the brand’s expansion in the Middle East. He also facilitated the sale of Fitness First India for global hedge fund Oaktree Capital and has designed cutting-edge fitness clubs worldwide. Bhatia’s contributions to the industry were recognised in 2022 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for a leading virtual fitness platform.  

    Sharing his vision for Drive Fitt, Bhatia said, “I’m excited to join Drive Fitt, where we’re making fitness and cricket more accessible for enthusiasts. In India, cricket holds deep emotional value, but few have access to play it in a convenient, organised setting. Drive Fitt will change that by offering dedicated, structured environments in well-designed real estate—whether mixed-use or multi-family—allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the game. Our mission is to meet the demand for accessible cricket and fitness experiences. With Drive Fitt, we aim to ‘PVR-ise’ cricket, multi-format fitness, and recovery. We’re also introducing a unique ‘running room,’ crucial to both cricket and fitness, blending sport, recovery, and social self-care in a new way.”  

    Co-founder & chairman Mark Sellar expressed, “We’re thrilled to have Vikram Aditya Bhatia join Drive Fitt as CEO. His extensive experience in building high-performance fitness brands and his passion for sport align perfectly with our vision. Together, we’re creating a unique space where fitness and cricket enthusiasts can thrive. Vikram’s leadership will be pivotal as we scale Drive Fitt across India and internationally, bringing world-class fitness experiences to communities everywhere.”  

    Co-founder & MD, Deke Smith added, “Vikram’s proven track record in the global fitness industry makes him the ideal leader for this next phase of growth. At Drive Fitt, we aim to innovate the way people engage with fitness, blending sport, recovery, and social well-being. With Vikram at the helm, we’re confident we’ll set new standards in the industry, delivering unparalleled value to our members and driving the future of fitness in India and beyond.”