Virat Kohli is among the highest-earning Indian cricketers from brand endorsements, with reported endorsement fees of approximately ₹6–7 crore per deal. Jasprit Bumrah is close behind at around ₹6 crore, while Rohit Sharma reportedly commands approximately ₹5 crore per endorsement.
A March 2026 report by Mint highlighted how India's leading cricketers continue to attract premium advertising deals. Their commercial value comes not only from cricket performances but also from brand recognition, social media reach and their connection with millions of fans.
But who earns the most from advertisements? How much do brands reportedly pay Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah? And where do MS Dhoni and other Indian cricket stars stand in the endorsement market?
Here is a detailed comparison of reported endorsement fees, brand partnerships and celebrity brand valuations.
Which Indian Cricketer Earns the Most from Endorsements?
Virat Kohli leads this comparison based on reported per-endorsement fees.
| Cricketer | Reported fee per endorsement |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | ₹6–7 crore |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Around ₹6 crore |
| Rohit Sharma | Around ₹5 crore |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Around ₹4 crore |
Source: Mint, 9 March 2026. These are reported industry estimates, not officially disclosed contract amounts.
Kohli's commercial appeal is supported by his long international career, major tournament performances, established brand partnerships and extensive fan following.
Jasprit Bumrah has also become a premium advertising face following his performances in international cricket. Rohit Sharma remains an important name for advertisers, while Suryakumar Yadav's T20 success has strengthened his commercial profile.
Virat Kohli: India's Biggest Cricket Endorsement Name
Virat Kohli has built one of the strongest commercial profiles in Indian sport. His brand appeal extends beyond cricket, covering sportswear, automobiles, financial services, fashion and lifestyle products.
His association with major companies has helped establish him as a recognisable face in Indian advertising.
Virat Kohli's Major Brand Associations
| Brand | Industry |
|---|---|
| MRF | Cricket equipment and tyres |
| Agilitas | Sportswear and footwear (investor and brand partner since 2025) |
| HSBC India | Banking and financial services |
| Myntra | Fashion and online retail |
| Audi | Automobiles |
Kohli ended his eight-year partnership with Puma in April 2025 and moved to Indian sportswear company Agilitas, where he is an investor as well as a brand partner.
Kohli has also developed business interests through One8 and WROGN. These business associations should be distinguished from ordinary endorsement contracts because business revenue and advertising fees are different income sources.
Why Do Brands Choose Virat Kohli?
- Strong recognition: Kohli has a large following across India and international cricket markets.
- Long-term popularity: His commercial appeal has remained strong across different stages of his career.
- Digital influence: His social media presence gives brands another way to reach consumers.
- Brand versatility: He can represent sports, fashion, technology, automobiles and financial services.
According to reported market estimates, Kohli commands approximately ₹6–7 crore per endorsement. See his batting numbers in the Virat Kohli player profile.
Jasprit Bumrah: A Premium Name in the Endorsement Market
Jasprit Bumrah has developed a strong commercial identity through his performances for India across formats.
His bowling achievements, consistency and reputation as one of India's leading fast bowlers have made him attractive to advertisers.
A March 2026 Mint report placed his reported endorsement fee at approximately ₹6 crore per deal, close to Kohli's reported range.
The T20 World Cup victory in March 2026 also generated fresh commercial interest in Indian players. Industry experts cited by Mint expected leading players' endorsement valuations to rise by around 30–35%.
Bumrah's growing commercial profile demonstrates how elite sporting performances can translate into opportunities beyond the cricket field.
Rohit Sharma: An Established Advertising Favourite
Rohit Sharma is another major name in India's endorsement market.
His leadership achievements, international batting records and popularity among cricket supporters have helped him maintain strong brand relationships.
Rohit Sharma's Brand Associations
| Brand | Industry |
|---|---|
| Adidas | Sportswear |
| CEAT | Tyres and cricket bat sponsorship |
| Oakley | Eyewear |
| Hublot | Luxury watches |
| IIFL Finance | Financial services |
Rohit has also appeared in campaigns across different consumer categories.
Mint's March 2026 report estimated his endorsement fee at around ₹5 crore per deal.
His commercial appeal is supported by his long international career and popularity with audiences across different age groups. Read more in the Rohit Sharma player profile.
MS Dhoni: Why His Brand Value Remains High
MS Dhoni continues to be one of the most recognisable names in Indian cricket, even after retiring from international cricket.
His popularity comes from his achievements as India's former captain, his association with major tournament victories and his continued presence in the IPL.
Dhoni has worked with brands across automobiles, consumer products, finance and lifestyle categories.
His commercial appeal is particularly interesting because it demonstrates that a cricketer's advertising value does not necessarily disappear after international retirement.
Kroll's 2025 celebrity brand valuation report placed Dhoni's brand value at $115.3 million. This is a valuation of his celebrity brand, not the amount he personally earns from endorsements in a year.
Indian Cricketers: Brand Value Comparison
Kroll's 2025 Celebrity Brand Valuation report offers another way to understand the commercial influence of Indian cricket stars.
| Cricketer | Brand value in 2025 | Kroll rank |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | $158.4 million | 3 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | $125.9 million | 4 |
| MS Dhoni | $115.3 million | 5 |
| Rohit Sharma | $62 million | 14 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | $44.6 million | 20 |
Source: Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025, as reported by The Indian Express.
Virat Kohli ranked third among all Indian celebrities, while Sachin Tendulkar ranked fourth and MS Dhoni fifth.
Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah also featured among the top 25 celebrities.
What Makes a Cricketer Valuable to Advertisers?
A player's endorsement fee is not determined by cricket performance alone. Brands evaluate several commercial factors before signing a player.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Helps brands reach a large audience |
| Social media following | Provides digital campaign opportunities |
| Cricket achievements | Builds credibility and public recognition |
| Public image | Influences consumer trust |
| Audience demographics | Helps brands reach specific customer groups |
| Brand exclusivity | Can increase the value of a partnership |
A player who performs consistently and maintains a positive public image can remain commercially attractive even during periods without international matches.
How Do Indian Cricketers Earn Money Outside Cricket?
Brand endorsements are only one part of a professional cricketer's income.
The major income sources include:
1. Brand Endorsements
Companies pay players to feature in television advertisements, digital campaigns, promotional videos, product launches and social media promotions.
2. IPL Salaries
Players receive payments through their IPL contracts. These amounts depend on auction prices, retention agreements and the applicable season's rules.
3. BCCI Central Contracts
Eligible Indian players receive annual retainers according to their BCCI contract categories.
4. International Match Fees
Indian cricketers also earn match fees for representing the country in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, according to the applicable payment structure.
5. Business Investments
Some cricketers invest in companies, fashion labels, restaurants, fitness ventures and other businesses.
These income sources should be kept separate when comparing individual players. A high IPL salary does not necessarily mean a player earns more from endorsements.
Endorsement Income vs Brand Value: What Is the Difference?
These two terms are often confused in celebrity earnings articles.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Endorsement fee | Money a player receives for a particular brand campaign or agreement |
| Annual endorsement income | Total endorsement-related income over a year |
| Brand value | Estimated commercial strength of a celebrity's brand |
| IPL salary | Contractual payment from an IPL franchise |
| BCCI retainer | Annual central contract payment from the cricket board |
For example, Virat Kohli's $158.4 million brand valuation in Kroll's 2025 report does not mean he received that amount as advertising income.
Similarly, a reported ₹6–7 crore endorsement fee does not establish how many deals a player completes in a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Indian cricketer earns the most from endorsements?
Virat Kohli is among the highest-paid Indian cricketers for brand endorsements. A March 2026 Mint report estimated his fee at around ₹6–7 crore per endorsement.
2. How much does Virat Kohli charge for one advertisement?
Reported estimates place Kohli's endorsement fee at approximately ₹6–7 crore per deal. Actual fees depend on the brand, campaign duration, promotional requirements and contractual terms.
3. How much does Rohit Sharma earn from endorsements?
Mint reported Rohit Sharma's endorsement fee at approximately ₹5 crore per deal in March 2026. His actual annual endorsement income is not publicly confirmed.
4. Does Jasprit Bumrah earn more than Rohit Sharma from endorsements?
According to the reported March 2026 estimates, Bumrah commands around ₹6 crore per endorsement, compared with Rohit's approximately ₹5 crore.
5. Is MS Dhoni still valuable to brands after international retirement?
Yes. Dhoni remains a recognisable commercial figure. Kroll's 2025 report valued his celebrity brand at $115.3 million, although this is not his annual endorsement income.
6. Who has the highest brand value among Indian cricketers?
Among the cricketers listed in Kroll's 2025 celebrity valuation report, Virat Kohli leads with an estimated brand value of $158.4 million.
7. Are endorsement earnings included in IPL salaries?
No. Endorsement income is separate from IPL franchise contracts. Players can earn from advertising campaigns in addition to their cricket contracts.
8. Why do brands pay cricketers so much money?
Cricketers offer brands access to large audiences, strong public recognition, social media reach and an association with sporting success. Their popularity can help companies promote products to millions of consumers.
