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Not Virat or MS Dhoni: This Player Signed the First-Ever Rs 100 Crore Deal

image-lrqb4fxbSachin Tendulkar [x.com]

Over the years, we've witnessed cricketing legends like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma raking in millions through endorsement deals. However, the pioneer who set the stage for such colossal brand values was none other than Sachin Tendulkar, the maestro who signed the first-ever Rs 100 crore deal in 2001.

At a time when the concept of mega endorsement deals was still in its infancy, Tendulkar inked a historic agreement with Mark Mascarenhas's sports management firm, WorldTel. This groundbreaking deal not only made Tendulkar the most valuable cricketer of his era but also paved the way for subsequent generations of Indian cricketers to become global icons with immense brand value.


While modern-day stalwarts like Virat Kohli, with a staggering net worth exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, command attention for their lucrative deals, it was Tendulkar who laid the foundation for such financial success. His association with WorldTel was a game-changer, reshaping the landscape of branding and endorsements in Indian cricket forever.

Tendulkar's influence extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned seamlessly into the world of endorsements. Even after retiring from all forms of cricket in 2013, the Little Master continued to be a sought-after face for various brands, including ITC Savlon, Jio Cinema, BMW, Adidas, and more.

The inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2007 marked another turning point, catapulting the brand value of cricketers to unprecedented heights. Today, Virat Kohli, the wealthiest Indian cricketer, boasts a net worth exceeding Rs 1,000 crore and holds a substantial Rs 110 crore deal with Puma. 

Similarly, the former skipper MS Dhoni has aligned himself with powerhouse brands such as Reliance, SBI, Oreo, India Cements, Dream11, and Reebok.