Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian cricketer and former captain of the national team, has made a significant impact in the world of brand endorsements. With his remarkable skills and charismatic presence, he stands out as a preferred choice for many leading brands. In fact, he was the sole cricketer featured on Forbes magazine’s list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes in 2020, highlighting his immense marketability.
As of 2024, Kohli’s net worth has reached an impressive INR 1,090 crore (approximately $130 million), reflecting a notable increase from his 2023 estimate of INR 1,019 crore (around $123 million). This growth underscores his continued prominence in both cricket and the endorsement market, solidifying his status as one of India’s wealthiest athletes.
Kohli is classified as an “A+” player in the Indian cricket team, earning an annual salary of ₹7 crore from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). For his match fees, he receives ₹15 lakhs for each Test match, ₹6 lakhs for every ODI, and ₹3 lakhs for T20 matches. Additionally, he has been retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with an annual salary of ₹15 crore.
Apart from his cricket earnings, the RCB captain earns loads of money from his companies and brand endorsements. He has established himself as a successful investor beyond his cricketing career, successfully venturing into various businesses and brands. His strategic investments in multiple start-ups, along with the development of his own companies, have significantly contributed to his impressive net worth.
Virat Kohli’s owned brands
Kohli has created two main brands of his own.
1. One8
One8, founded and owned by Virat Kohli, began as an athleisure wear brand but has since expanded its operations. The brand now includes a chain of restaurants across India called “One8 Commune” and has recently collaborated with PUMA to produce a line of sneakers.
2. WROGN
WROGN is a prominent fashion brand in India, committed to setting itself apart. Operated under Universal Sportsbiz Pvt. Ltd. (USPL), the company was established to create and market its own exclusive apparel line. Today, WROGN has grown significantly and is the official sponsor of Virat’s IPL team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Top 10 brand endorsements by Virat Kohli
1. Myntra
Kohli’s collaboration with Myntra, a leading lifestyle and fashion app, is notable. Teaming up with his wife, Anushka Sharma, the couple embodies the brand’s ethos of self-expression through fashion. Their infectious passion and energy have helped Myntra resonate with a broader audience, positioning it as a go-to destination for stylish apparel.
2. Puma
In a landmark deal signed in 2017 worth Rs. 110 crore over eight years, Kohli became the face of Puma in India. This partnership has not only elevated Puma’s market position but also led to the launch of the One8 sneaker range, a testament to Kohli’s influence and dedication to sports. The association showcases the brand’s belief in Kohli’s talent and his connection with sports enthusiasts.
3. HSBC India
In 2023, HSBC India appointed Kohli as its brand ambassador, aligning their shared values of excellence, determination, and integrity. The partnership was highlighted through the ‘My Accounts Start Today’ campaign, featuring Kohli and emphasizing the bank’s mission to “open up a world of opportunity” for its clients.
4. Noise
In December 2022, Kohli was signed on as the brand ambassador for Noise, a popular tech-driven brand in India. This collaboration aims to inspire individuals to unlock their full potential, mirroring Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence on the cricket field. The collaboration focuses on promoting Noise’s range of smartwatches and other tech products, which align with the lifestyle of modern, active individuals. By associating with Kohli, Noise aims to further establish itself as a brand that represents innovation, ambition, and the drive to achieve one’s best, resonating deeply with its young, tech-savvy customer base.
5. Star Sports
In 2023, Kohli joined forces with Star Sports as the brand ambassador for their IPL ad campaign titled “Shor On, Game On.” This collaboration aims to generate excitement among cricket fans, promoting various live broadcasts, including the IPL and the Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023.
6. Mobile Premier League (MPL)
Kohli’s partnership with MPL, initiated in 2019 with a deal worth Rs. 12 crore, has proven to be a tremendous success. His presence in the campaign “Darr Ko Hatao, Bada Khel Jao” emphasizes MPL’s commitment to providing a secure gaming platform, further solidifying its brand image in the online gaming industry.
7. Philips India
As the face of Philips, Kohli promotes male grooming products, encouraging men to embrace personal grooming with confidence. His campaign with Philips highlights the importance of looking one’s best and has resonated well with audiences seeking to enhance their grooming routines.
8. Blue Star
Kohli’s association with Blue Star began in 2019 when the multinational home appliance company appointed him as their brand ambassador. This partnership aims to enhance customer satisfaction through innovative products, leveraging Kohli’s popularity for greater brand visibility and goodwill. Through various campaigns, Kohli has promoted Blue Star’s range of air conditioners, water purifiers, and refrigeration solutions, positioning the brand as a leader in quality and customer service.
9. Audi India
Kohli partnered with Audi, a globally recognized premium automotive brand, in 2015, with their collaboration extending in 2021. This alliance aligns with Kohli’s charismatic persona, reinforcing Audi’s image of performance and luxury among Indian consumers. As the face of Audi in India, Kohli’s association with the brand has been instrumental in strengthening its appeal to a younger, more aspirational audience. His affinity for high-performance, luxury cars aligns seamlessly with Audi’s core values, making him the perfect ambassador for the brand.
10. Manyavar
In 2016, Manyavar, a renowned ethnic wear brand, appointed Kohli as their ambassador. His campaign, “Adha-Adha,” beautifully captured the essence of Indian traditions and marriage, significantly impacting the audience and enhancing the brand’s reputation. Kohli’s association with Manyavar brought a fresh and modern appeal to the brand while staying true to its traditional roots.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
