THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28, 2026

In a major fusion of sports, technology and style during the ongoing IPL season, Oakley and Meta have roped in cricket icon Virat Kohli as the face of Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses in India, underscoring the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming athletic performance and personal storytelling.

The collaboration marks a significant step in bringing AI-powered wearables to Indian consumers, with a sharp focus on "Athletic Intelligence"—a concept that blends real-time insights, hands-free assistance and immersive content creation. Through the partnership, fans will gain a first-person perspective into Kohli's world, from intense training sessions and meticulous match preparations to exclusive behind-the-scenes moments.

Designed for elite performance, the Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses allow users to capture photos and videos hands-free, livestream experiences, and access contextual information instantly through Meta AI. The device aims to seamlessly integrate into an athlete's routine, enhancing performance without interrupting focus.

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President India and South East Asia, Meta, said, “Performance has always been a balance of instinct and awareness, and increasingly that is being shaped by data. With Oakley Meta performance AI glasses, we are exploring what Athletic Intelligence can look like in practice, where timely insights and lightweight assistance come together in a way that supports how athletes train and stay focused. Our collaboration with Virat Kohli reflects how technology can fit naturally into an athlete’s routine, helping them stay present while continuing to learn from every session and every personal record they work towards.”

The partnership also reinforces India's importance as a key market for next-generation wearable technology, especially among sports enthusiasts and content creators seeking immersive, real-time experiences.

 “Sport is constantly evolving, and so is the way athletes understand and elevate their performance. At Oakley, we’ve always been focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and with Meta, we’re bringing a new dimension to that vision. Virat Kohli embodies the mindset we build for: focused, driven and always pushing limits. And that’s exactly where this product belongs,” says, Corey Hill, Head of Global Sports Marketing at Oakley.

Virat Kohli, one of the world's most celebrated cricketers, emphasized the practical benefits of the technology for athletes striving for excellence.

 “I have always relied on instinct, but also on understanding my game better over time. What I find useful about Oakley Meta performance AI glasses is that they add small layers of insight without getting in the way. Whether it is staying focused during training or enhancing on-field awareness, it helps build consistency over time. Over time, that can make a difference when you are working towards your next personal record,” said Kohli.

By combining premium sports eyewear with advanced AI capabilities, Oakley and Meta are positioning the product at the intersection of performance, innovation and digital engagement. The launch is expected to resonate strongly with India's rapidly expanding community of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and creators eager to embrace the next frontier of wearable technology.