MAM
Shubman Gill & Preity G Zinta are set to revolutionize the Indian fitness market with DRIVE FITT
Mumbai: DRIVE FITT, a groundbreaking 24/7, member-based, world-class gym facility seamlessly integrating the world of cricket and fitness launches in India. Co-founded by Preity G Zinta, cricket star Shubman Gill, and Australian businessmen Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, DRIVE FITT uniquely blends state-of-the-art cricket training facilities involving high-tech bowling machines in the nets, yoga studios, comprehensive strength, conditioning, and cardio training with gym amenities and plans to open its flagship facility later this year.
Through its mission to ignite a passion for health and fitness through the love of cricket, the brand strives to offer the finest facilities for everyone passionate about fitness, health, and cricket. This innovative approach ensures that DRIVE FITT caters to everyone—from aspiring cricketers seeking professional training to fitness enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive workout experience using the world’s best sporting and cricketing technology and equipment. Members can enjoy these premium services for just a small weekly fee.
The aim is to expand its franchise business to 300 locations across India within the next three years. This rapid expansion is designed to make top-tier fitness and cricket training accessible to a broader audience, fostering a healthier and more active nation.
Speaking about the launch, renowned actress DRIVE FITT co-founder Preity G Zinta said, “I am excited to bring DRIVE FITT to India as it represents a unique fusion of fitness and cricket, two passions that resonate deeply with me and a lot of people in India. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where people of all ages and fitness levels can come together to train, have fun, and stay healthy. I’m excited to bring this innovative concept to India and can’t wait to see how it transforms lives.”
Talking about his entrepreneurial venture, prominent and well-known cricketer DRIVE FITT co-founder Shubman Gill commented, “The seed of DRIVE FITT was my experience of a lack of accessible, quality training facilities. Growing up, this meant hours wasted in commuting between home, the pitch and the gym. DRIVE FITT will change this with a unique space that integrates world-class gym and fitness facilities with cricket-infused training. We understand the vital link between physical and mental well-being, and our goal is to help individuals, both aspiring cricketers and fitness enthusiasts, excel both on the field and in life. DRIVE FITT is more than just a gym; it’s a community to empower every Indian with the key to achieve their fitness and wellness goals.”
Talking about the launch, DRIVE FITT CEO & co-founder Deke Smith said, “With DRIVE FITT, we’re thrilled to bring a unique blend of cricket and fitness to India. With India’s fitness industry growing at an impressive 25-30 per cent year-on-year and cricket participation surging, DRIVE FITT offers a comprehensive solution for all fitness and cricket enthusiasts of every age. Our goal is to inspire a passion for health and wellness through the excitement of cricket, providing world-class facilities and training methods designed by cricketing experts.”
DRIVE FITT chairman & co-founder Mark Sellar shared, “DRIVE FITT represents a groundbreaking fusion of sport and fitness, tailored for everyone. It’s a place where people can train for cricket, have fun, and get fit and healthy any day of the year. With our state-of-the-art facilities and cricket training programs developed by Shubman Gill and Australian cricketers Chris Lynn and Ryan Harris, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals while enjoying the spirit of cricket.”
Understanding the diverse schedules and demands of its members, DRIVE FITT facilities will operate 24/7. This ensures that individuals can access top-notch fitness resources and training programs at any time, promoting a flexible and convenient workout environment. Additionally, it also provides personal training, cricket coaching, group classes, and yoga, all utilizing cricket-infused training methods developed by renowned cricketers Chris Lynn, and Ryan Harris known for the powerful hitting in T20 leagues and the latter Australian cricketer known for his fast bowling and remarkable resilience.
Brands
Abhinav Rastogi named global marketing director for YouTube Shopping
Google veteran to scale creator commerce and expand shopping across global markets
SINGAPORE: Abhinav Rastogi has stepped into a new role as global marketing director for YouTube Shopping, marking the latest chapter in a more than decade-long career at Google.
Rastogi, who took on the position in February and is based in Singapore, will lead global marketing for YouTube Shopping, a platform designed to connect creators, viewers and merchants in a single ecosystem. His remit includes expanding the service into new markets and strengthening its positioning as a growth channel for both creators and brands.
In a reflective note on the transition, Rastogi pointed to a simple but powerful idea driving the role. For years, creators have quietly built trust with audiences through consistent and authentic content, and that trust often shapes purchasing decisions. What is changing now, he said, is the infrastructure around that behaviour. YouTube Shopping aims to make it easier for viewers to discover and buy products recommended by creators they already follow.
The scale is already significant. More than half a million creators have joined the programme, with recent expansion into Japan through a partnership with Rakuten signalling further global ambitions.
Rastogi believes the future of shopping on YouTube will be driven by a blend of creators, content and communities. In his view, it is the human voice behind the screen, not just the product, that ultimately builds trust and drives discovery.
Prior to this role, he served as director of marketing, YouTube Asia Pacific, where he led regional marketing across creator engagement, brand building and reputation. During that time, he played a key role in launching and scaling YouTube Shopping across eight markets in the region.
Earlier stints at Google include group product marketing manager, consumer apps, overseeing growth for products such as Search, Maps and Assistant across India and Southeast Asia, and product marketing manager roles spanning consumer apps and YouTube, where he contributed to launches including YouTube Music, YouTube Originals and YouTube Shorts.
Rastogi began his career in consulting with Boston Consulting Group and A.T. Kearney, before moving into the technology sector. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Alongside his corporate role, he is also an active angel investor, backing early-stage startups in consumer technology and electric mobility across India and Southeast Asia.
As he settles into the new role, Rastogi is betting on a future where every video can double up as a storefront, and where commerce feels less like a transaction and more like a recommendation from a trusted voice.
