Virat Kohli has once again reinforced his status as one of India’s most influential sporting icons. According to the latest Fortune India list of the country’s most valuable celebrities, the former India captain has emerged as the most valuable celebrity brand in the nation, surpassing some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry.
The ranking, released by Fortune India, evaluates celebrities across multiple industries, including cricket, cinema, and entertainment. While the top 10 features several Bollywood stars, Indian cricket continues to enjoy a strong presence, with Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar representing the sport among the country’s most valuable personalities.
Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on wealth, endorsements, or box-office success, this study uses a broader methodology to assess celebrity brand value. Factors such as distinctiveness, engagement, trust, responsibility, coherence, and public affinity were considered to determine the overall strength of a celebrity’s personal brand.
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Topping the list is Virat Kohli with an impressive brand value of ₹3,542 crore. The batting superstar has consistently remained one of the most marketable athletes in the world, thanks to his success on the cricket field, massive social media following, and long-standing partnerships with leading brands. His influence extends well beyond cricket, making him a dominant figure in India’s celebrity landscape.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan secured the second position with a brand value of ₹3,017 crore, while global actress Priyanka Chopra ranked third at ₹2,507 crore.
⭐ Influence today is measured not just by popularity, but by the power to shape conversations, industries, and consumer choices.
Fortune India’s first-ever India’s Most Valuable Celebrities, in partnership with Interbrand, ranks the country’s strongest celebrity brands across… pic.twitter.com/hxuZRtA1yY
— Fortune India (@FortuneIndia) June 8, 2026
Former India captain MS Dhoni claimed fourth place with a remarkable brand value of ₹2,141 crore. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni remains one of the most admired and trusted sporting figures in the country. His enduring popularity, leadership legacy, and continued association with the IPL have helped maintain his commercial appeal.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also featured in the prestigious top 10 list. Ranked eighth with a brand value of ₹1,676 crore, the Master Blaster continues to command immense respect and influence years after retiring from professional cricket.
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The presence of Kohli, Dhoni, and Tendulkar in the rankings highlights cricket’s unmatched popularity in India. Their enduring appeal, credibility, and connection with fans continue to make them some of the strongest celebrity brands in the country, proving that cricket remains at the heart of India’s sporting and commercial landscape.
Top 10 Most Valuable Indian Celebrities by Brand Value
1. Virat Kohli – ₹3,542 crore
2. Shah Rukh Khan – ₹3,017 crore
3. Priyanka Chopra – ₹2,507 crore
4. MS Dhoni – ₹2,141 crore
5. Ranveer Singh – ₹2,077 crore
6. Akshay Kumar – ₹2,064 crore
7. Amitabh Bachchan – ₹1,933 crore
8. Sachin Tendulkar – ₹1,676 crore
9. Alia Bhatt – ₹1,606 crore
10. Allu Arjun – ₹1,522 crore
