India, being a cricket-obsessed nation, has witnessed numerous cricketing superstars over the years. However, one player who truly stands out, particularly in the modern era, is Virat Kohli. Kohli’s popularity transcends the boundaries of the cricket field and extends into the realm of social media. With a staggering 253 million followers on Instagram, he is the most followed Indian personality on the platform. Surprisingly, even prominent global sports icons like Roger Federer and Sergio Ramos fall behind Kohli in terms of Instagram followers.
In addition to his cricketing prowess, Kohli has emerged as a sought-after face in the Indian advertising industry. Recent reports suggest that his success has elevated his net worth to a remarkable INR 1050 crore, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
According to Bengaluru-based trading and investing company StockGro, Kohli is among the highest-earning athletes globally. The company cites Forbes, DNA, MPL, and Startuptalky as sources to categorize his income, which includes earnings from cricket, social media endorsements, personal assets, and other business ventures.
ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen Shares Views on England’s Pace Attack In Ashes Test
Within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contract structure, Kohli falls in the coveted ‘A+’ category, which comes with an annual contract worth INR 7 crore. Additionally, he earns INR 15 lakh per Test appearance, INR 6 lakh per One-Day International (ODI), and INR 3 lakh per Twenty20 International (T20I) match. Beyond cricket, Kohli co-owns the Indian Super League club FC Goa, a tennis team, and a pro-wrestling team.
The VIRAT empire of Kohli ! As one of the world’s highest-earning athletes, he commands a staggering net worth of ~₹1050 crores! 💸
Check out this multi-dimensional superstar’s investments! 🤩
Who should we cover next⁉️🚀
Source – Forbes, DNA, MPL, Startuptalky etc pic.twitter.com/8mOcET6pfv
— StockGro (@stockgro) May 29, 2023
His association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further adds to his earnings, as he receives a substantial INR 15 crore annually from the franchise.
Off the field, Kohli has ventured into multiple business endeavors, owning various brands, restaurant chains, and investments in start-ups such as Blue Tribe, Universal Sportsbiz, MPL, and Sports Convo. Kohli’s endorsement deals contribute significantly to his income, with reports suggesting that he charges approximately INR 7.5 crore to 10 crores per ad shoot, making him the highest-earning celebrity in both the Bollywood and sports industries. He is associated with over 18 brands, which collectively earn him nearly INR 175 crore.
ALSO READ: Dilip Vengsarkar Criticizes Selectors: Calls For Vision And Development
As one of the most beloved and influential figures on social media, Kohli charges INR 8.9 crore and INR 2.5 crore per post on Instagram and Twitter, respectively. In terms of personal assets, he owns a house worth INR 34 crore in Mumbai and another valued at INR 80 crore in Gurgaon. Additionally, his garage boasts several luxury cars.
Virat Kohli’s meteoric rise in both cricket and the business world has catapulted him to unprecedented financial heights. With his multifaceted empire and massive popularity, he continues to dominate headlines as one of the richest athletes globally.