Australian star takes equity stake in high-performance sports tech venture aimed at shaping the future of athlete training in India
Glenn Maxwell has entered the Indian startup ecosystem as an investor in Drive FITT, a performance and recovery venture co-founded by Preity Zinta and Shubman Gill. The startup aims to revolutionize cricket training through a holistic model that combines sports science, technology, and cricket-specific conditioning.
“This is my first time stepping into the Indian startup space, and honestly, it wasn’t just the numbers that drew me in—it was the people,” Maxwell said.
“Joining the Drive FITT team is exciting for me. 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’s tech-first vision for athlete development
Positioned as a membership-based high-performance training facility, Drive FITT offers smart performance tracking, tailored recovery programs, and cricket-specific tools for both elite and emerging athletes. The startup’s model is geared toward the next generation of players—integrating innovation with results on the field.
“Today, technology gives athletes the tools to train smarter, not just harder,” Maxwell said. “That’s what excites me about Drive FITT—it brings together data, performance insights, and recovery in one integrated system. That’s where the future of training is headed, and I’m glad to be part of something that’s pushing that boundary.”
Preity Zinta and Shubman Gill welcome a trusted teammate
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings and co-founder of Drive FITT, described Maxwell as a natural addition to the venture.
“Having Glenn join us at Drive FITT is truly special, especially since I’ve worked with and known him for a long time. Our association through Punjab Kings gave me the opportunity to witness his unwavering dedication to excellence. I’ve always admired his forward-thinking, athlete-first mindset which seamlessly aligns with our vision at Drive FITT. I’m thrilled to have him as part of this journey, not just on the field, but now off it too as we build something truly impactful together.”
Shubman Gill, who co-founded the company alongside Zinta, echoed those sentiments.
“Having Glenn on board brings immense value to our shared vision for Drive FITT. His global experience, deep understanding of the game, and commitment to fitness and recovery make him an ideal partner. I believe his involvement will further inspire young athletes and help us build a truly world-class ecosystem for cricket and wellness in India.”
More than just a financial play for Maxwell
Maxwell stressed that his involvement with Drive FITT goes far beyond capital.
“While I can’t share exact numbers at this stage, I can say it’s a significant and meaningful investment. I’ve never believed in backing something unless I’m truly in it for the long haul. With Drive FITT, I plan to be actively involved—both on the ground and behind the scenes—wherever I can add value.”
The timing of Drive FITT’s launch coincides with a broader cultural shift in India’s approach to sports and health. “India’s always had incredible sporting talent, but we’re now seeing a real shift in mindset,” Maxwell said. “People are more fitness-conscious, more aware, and genuinely invested in training the right way. It’s not just about staying active anymore—it’s about performance, recovery, and long-term health.”
A new chapter in cricket’s fitness evolution
Other co-founders of Drive FITT include Australian entrepreneurs Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, with Vikram Aditya Bhatia serving as CEO. The company is expected to open its first facility in India later this year, with a roadmap for multi-city expansion.
With one of cricket’s most dynamic personalities joining its leadership, Drive FITT is poised to become a significant force in athlete development and fitness innovation—not just in India, but across the global cricketing landscape.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
