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Virat Kohli & Bunty Sajdeh Part Ways; Here's All You Need To Know About 'Super Manager' - In Pics
In the ever-evolving world of cricket, partnerships off the field can be as crucial as those on the pitch. The recent announcement of Virat Kohli parting ways with his long-time manager, Bunty Sajdeh, marks a significant chapter in the cricketing saga. Join us as we delve into the story behind the split, exploring the rise of Cornerstone, the dynamic duo's unparalleled success, and what this separation means for the future of Indian cricket's commercial landscape.
1. The Rise of Cornerstone:
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Bunty Sajdeh founded Cornerstone in 2008, signing up young and aspiring cricketers. Virat Kohli, fresh from leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title, was one of his earliest clients.
2. Kohli's 'Super Agent':
Bunty, often referred to as a 'super agent,' played a pivotal role in shaping Virat Kohli's off-field success. He recognized Kohli's potential during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, signing him before his meteoric rise in international cricket.
3. Cornerstone's Cricket Portfolio:
Within eight years of its inception, Cornerstone managed to sign prominent cricketers like Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, and Umesh Yadav. The agency's focus on scouting young talent became evident through these acquisitions.
4. Bunty's Early Life and Education:
An alumnus of Mumbai's Campion School, Bunty continued his studies at Bond University, Australia, and H.R. College of Commerce in Mumbai. His early career included working in talent management at Percept before venturing into sports with Cornerstone.
5. Diverse Clientele Beyond Cricket:
Cornerstone's reach extends beyond cricket, representing athletes like PV Sindhu and retired tennis legend Sania Mirza. The agency's collaboration with Bollywood director Karan Johar resulted in the formation of Dharma Cornerstone Agency.
6. Family Ties with Rohit Sharma:
Bunty Sajdeh is Rohit Sharma's brother-in-law, as his sister Ritika Sajdeh is married to the Indian cricket team captain. Ritika, too, worked as a sports manager at Cornerstone, managing Kohli before transitioning to Rohit Sharma.
7. Bollywood Connections:
Bunty's family connections expand into Bollywood. He was the former brother-in-law of Salman Khan's brother, Sohail Khan, until their divorce in 2022. This connection placed Bunty in the Bollywood limelight for several years.
8. Kohli's Financial Success:
Under Bunty's guidance, Virat Kohli became one of the richest cricketers globally, boasting a reported net worth exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. Kohli's endorsement deals with brands like Vivo, Myntra, and Puma significantly contributed to his financial success.
9. The End of an Era:
After more than a decade-long partnership, Virat Kohli and Bunty Sajdeh have parted ways. The reason for the split remains undisclosed, but reports suggest Kohli is set to establish his own company, marking the end of a successful era with Cornerstone.
10. Cornerstone's Evolution and Challenges:
With Kohli's departure, Cornerstone faced challenges, losing other cricketers like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shubman Gill. Despite this, the agency continues to represent a diverse portfolio of sports and entertainment personalities, adapting to the evolving dynamics of talent management.
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