Top 5 Richest Indian Cricketers

image-lh5r8t2tSachin Tendulkar with ICC World Cup 2011 Trophy [Source: Twitter]

Cricket, watched by 1.4 billion people, might be one of the most viewed sports in the world, but it is yet to hit the numbers in terms of money, which has been seen in basketball, football, golf, or F1. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which is the richest entity in cricket, is challenging the likes of the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball League (NBA), and English Premier League (EPL), but is way behind when it comes to individual salaries.

However, the dynamics change when it comes to India. A top-grade cricketer earns more from outside deals than his remuneration from playing the game. With the boom in T20 cricket, nations across the cricketing globe have started to pump more money into the system, which has led to some insane never-before-seen contracts.

On this list, we shall have a look into who are the top 5 richest cricketers in India, where cricket is run by the richest board in the world: the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).


Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the god of cricket, remains untouchable here as well. One of India's most beloved sons, Tendulkar is the leading run-getter in Tests and ODIs and is the only player to hit 100 centuries in international cricket.

The cricketer's major big cricket deal was worth INR 100 crore with MRF, which to date remains one of the priciest deals in the sport. Tendulkar, who retired back in 2013, is estimated to have a net worth of INR 1,296 cr, which saw him associated with brands like PEPSI, Boost, UNICEF and Adidas amongst others.


MS Dhoni

image-lh5zv3iqDhoni is leading CSK in IPL 2023 (AP Photo)

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is second on the list of richest cricketers in India, just managing to edge out Virat Kohli. Dhoni captained India to their second-ever ICC World Cup in 2011, and unexpectedly won India their maiden T20 World Cup in 2007, becoming a leading brand face for several national and international companies after Tendulkar's retirement.

The Ranchi-born's first major signing was with Reebok, after which he became the face of India Cements, Gulf Oil India, TVS Motors, and others. Dhoni's total net worth is estimated to be around INR 846 cr, and also owns a football team, and recently started his production house as well.


Virat Kohli

image-lh602tjmQatar Airways sponsors Kohli's RCB in IPL 2023 (Twitter)

Virat Kohli is one of the leading cricketers in the world and earns more via his Instagram posts than many cricketers combined. The only cricketer on the list of Forbes list of highest-paid active athletes, Kohli has been associated with the likes of MRF, Puma, Audi, and Manyavar to name a few, and has accumulated a total net worth of INR 710 crore.

The former Team India captain also has two luxury brands — Wrogn and one8.

 

Virender Sehwag

A game changer in Test cricket, India Virender Sehwag changed the complexion of batting. Regarded as one of the best openers, Sehwag became a household name with his Reliance advertisements back in 2005-06. Since then, the 'Nawab of Najafagarh', has made a mark for himself outside the playing field as well.

The first Indian batter to slam a triple-century in Tests, who runs a school in Haryana, is estimated to amass a net worth of INR 304 crore and continues to endorse brands and run his own active and sportswear brand VS by Sehwag.


Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh single-handedly changed the definition of the word 'rockstar' in cricket. Singh, who won the ICC Player of the Tournament award in 2011, not only battled on the field but also emerged victorious off the field overcoming cancer.

Singh, who became a heart-throb after hitting six sixes in an over in 2007, was instantly gobbled up by brands and endorsements. Singh, who also runs a non-profit organization is estimated to have earned INR 266 crore. 

Singh was one of the first brand ambassadors of Laureus in India, apart from being the face of Cadbury, Royal Stag, HERO moto corp, and Benx.