Who are the top Indian cricketers in terms of endorsement deals?

Leading names include Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. These players have some of the highest-value sponsorship contracts in India.

Which brands does Virat Kohli endorse?

Virat Kohli has partnerships with many big companies. Notable ones include Puma (sportswear), MRF (cricket bats), Audi India, Noise (wearables), and Myntra (online fashion). He also promoted brands like PepsiCo’s Too Yumm and Himalaya in major ad campaigns.

What brands does Rohit Sharma endorse?

Rohit Sharma endorses around 30 brands. Key partners include Adidas India (sportswear), CEAT Tyres, Oral-B (toothbrushes), Dream11 (fantasy sports), and Swiggy (food delivery). He’s had Adidas for over a decade and joined Oral-B in 2024.

Which players has Adidas India signed?

Adidas India’s main cricket ambassadors have been Rohit Sharma (for over a decade) and Virat Kohli (who recently moved to Puma). Adidas uses Rohit’s popularity to promote its sports gear. Other players like Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul have also worked with Adidas or PUMA in the past.

How many brands can a cricketer endorse at once?

Players often have many deals at once. For example, Rohit Sharma has about 30 active partnerships and Virat Kohli over 25 to 30. Each contract may include exclusivity clauses for certain product categories.

Why do brands pick cricketers as ambassadors?

Cricketers reach huge audiences. A famous player has instant credibility and trust with fans. Using a cricket star can quickly boost brand visibility and appeal, especially since cricket is India’s top sport. Also, a player’s success and image can reflect well on the brand.

How Can Brands Connect With Top Cricketers and Influencers for Endorsements?

We can help with that. Our platform connects brands with top cricketers, sports stars, celebrities, and influencers for endorsements and campaigns. Simply fill out the campaign form with your requirements, and our team will help you find the right face for your brand.

Do retired cricketers still get endorsement deals?

Yes. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni still sign new ads. Dhoni’s list (e.g., Dream11, Fire-Bolt) and Tendulkar’s deals (e.g., Byju’s, Octopus) show that brands continue to invest in retired icons because of their enduring popularity.

Cricketers With the Biggest Endorsement Deals

Why Cricket Stars Attract Big Deals

Cricket heroes have huge, loyal followings. Fans look up to them. Brands want this crowd’s attention. The players also have clean, positive images. For example, Rohit Sharma is known for being candid and fun-loving, which makes him relatable. Companies like Adidas India, CEAT, Oral-B, Dream11, and Swiggy have signed him as an ambassador. They see that his image fits their brand values.

TV and social media coverage of cricket is massive. When an ad features a star like Kohli, it reaches millions. Kohli is the most followed Asian on social media with 276 million followers. Companies such as Puma, MRF, and Audi India pay for his endorsement because they gain that huge audience. In short, cricket stars connect with fans across India. This makes them powerful brand ambassadors.

Virat Kohli: The Brand Powerhouse

Virat Kohli is India’s highest-paid cricketer. In 2025 his total income was estimated at ₹250–300 crore, and a big part of that comes from endorsements. He endorses more than 25–30 brands across sports, tech, and lifestyle.

Kohli is the face of Puma (sportswear) and co-owns its Indian line One8. He is a long-time ambassador for MRF Tyres, with his name on their cricket bats. He has run campaigns for Audi India (premium cars) and Myntra (online fashion). In tech and mobile, he has worked with Vivo and Google Duo. In consumer goods, he promoted PepsiCo’s Too Yumm snacks and launched his own Rage Coffee. He also appeared in ads for Himalaya (natural products) and Volini (pain relief).

Industry reports estimate his average fee per major deal is about ₹7.5–11 crore. All his endorsements combined are believed to bring in well over ₹200 crore each year. This huge income comes from global and Indian companies trusting his star power and massive reach.

Virat’s Signature Deals

MRF Tyres: One of Kohli’s longest partnerships. He has been the face of MRF cricket bats for years, a deal that began when he was a rising young player.
Puma / One8: He launched the One8 clothing line with Puma and even shifted to a part-owner role. His move to invest in the brand (instead of renewing a large contract) shows his business savvy.
Audi India: Kohli has fronted campaigns for Audi’s premium cars, helping the brand reach aspirational Indian customers.
PepsiCo (Too Yumm): He appeared in TV ads for Too Yumm multigrain chips (a PepsiCo product) as a health-conscious snack choice.
Himalaya / Volini: He’s been in commercials for Himalaya personal care and Volini pain relief, leveraging his fitness image

Kohli’s deals cover many categories. His fitness and lifestyle image works for sports, tech, and grooming brands. He even earns as an influencer: reports say he charges about ₹12 crore per Instagram post. His combination of cricket success and media reach makes companies invest heavily in him.

Rohit Sharma: Captain Cool’s Brand Empire

Rohit Sharma is one of India’s most sought-after endorsers. He has about 30 brand partnerships. These range from sportswear (Adidas) to personal care (Oral-B) and tech (Dream11, a fantasy sports app). For example, Adidas India has had him as its face for over a decade. CEAT Tyres has used him since 2015 to highlight performance and reliability. Oral-B signed him in 2024 to promote dental care, praising his appeal to consumers.

Even after stepping down as IPL captain, Rohit’s endorsement income stayed high. Estimates for 2026 put his total annual earnings at about ₹85–100 crore. About ₹60–65 crore of that comes from brand deals. He typically charges between ₹3.5 and ₹7 crore per brand deal, depending on scope and contract length.

Rohit’s friendly, authentic style makes him relatable. The Forbes report notes that brands “feel like he would be a good fit” because of his down-to-earth aura. This is why he signed 12 new deals in 2024 alone, about one-third of his portfolio. Industry sources say his average deal size is around ₹5 crore.

Rohit’s Major Endorsements

Adidas India: Rohit wears Adidas cricket gear and promotes their sports apparel and shoes. Adidas says he embodies values like team play and respect.
CEAT Tyres: He appears in ads for CEAT, stressing power and durability – qualities they say Rohit represents.
Oral-B (P&G): In 2024 he became a brand ambassador for Oral-B electric toothbrushes in India as part of a campaign on confidence and hygiene.
Dream11: The fantasy cricket platform uses Rohit’s image to attract users during the IPL season.
Swiggy: India’s leading food delivery service signed Rohit to reach young, urban customers.
Tata Nexon: While better known for his cricket deals, Rohit has also done ads for the Tata Nexon electric car, linking to his modern image.

Rohit’s wide appeal – strong cricket record plus a fun personality – fits many brands. His large social media following and good public image keep his endorsement value high year after year.

MS Dhoni: Consistency and Trust

MS Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but remains a top endorser. People trust Dhoni’s calm, steady leadership. Brands value his reputation for “quiet authority." Reports indicate he earns around ₹4–6 crore per endorsement deal.

Dhoni has an enormous list of partnerships. In fact, he’s been linked to over 40 brands. A few highlights:

Dream11: Dhoni is the face of Dream11’s IPL campaigns, using his famous catchphrase “Khelo Dimaag Se” (Play with your brain)
Gulf Oil India: He’s long been the ambassador for this lubricant brand, often in ads involving bikes and engines to match his passion for speed.
Citroën India: In 2022, Dhoni became the ambassador for Citroën’s new models, lending the brand trust and a solid reputation in a competitive market.
EMotorad: He endorses and is invested in this electric bike company. Their ads highlight eco-friendly mobility and use Dhoni’s serious persona to promote change.
Fire-Bolt Watches: Dhoni appears in ads for these smartwatches, positioning them as useful fitness tools for everyone.
JioMart: He features in commercials for the e-commerce grocery platform, emphasizing convenience and reliability with a Dhoni touch
Others: He’s done ads for Swaraj Tractors (farming equipment, reflecting his Ranchi roots), Indigo Paints (home improvement), GoDaddy (web hosting), and even the game Garena Free Fire (where his animated likeness appears).

According to the analysis, “Dhoni’s endorsement portfolio in 2026 is a study in consistency." He picks products that match his real-life image – everyday essentials, vehicles, gadgets – rather than chasing flashy trends. Brands pay big fees to use his familiar, trusted face, knowing that the public embraces his involvement.

Hardik Pandya: Versatile Young Champ

Hardik Pandya is a modern all-rounder and dynamic leader (now captain of Mumbai Indians). He appeals to youth and fitness brands. Hardik’s net worth is estimated around $11 million (₹91 crore), in part from endorsements across tech, sports, fashion, and more.

His endorsement deals include:

Gatorade (sports drinks) and Monster Energy: Global drink brands focusing on hydration and energy, fitting Hardik’s athletic image.
Gillette: He appears in ads for this shaving brand, aligning his bold personality with Gillette's grooming products.
Hyundai: Hardik promoted the Hyundai Exter SUV in TV and web spots, reflecting an adventurous and modern lifestyle.
KRAFTON India (BGMI): In late 2023 he became the ambassador for Battlegrounds Mobile India (a PUBG spin-off), targeting young gamers.
POCO: The smartphone brand used him in launch and digital campaigns, capitalizing on his tech-savvy image.
Clothing and Lifestyle: He’s an investor in lifestyle brands The Souled Store and Sin Denim and has done ads for them. He also appeared in ads for fashion labels like Van Heusen.
boAt Audio: He promoted boAt headphone and speaker brand in digital ads.
FanCode, BigMuscles Nutrition, Havmor, Taco Bell: Other brands using his face include sports merchandise, nutrition supplements, ice cream, and fast food.

Hardik’s partnerships show his wide appeal. Companies see him as energetic, stylish, and connected to youth culture. He showcases how a young star can cross categories – from gaming and tech to fitness and food – making him a versatile choice for sponsors.

Rishabh Pant: The Dynamic All-Rounder

Rishabh Pant is known for explosive batting and a fearless style. He also commands major brand deals. Pant has about 15 endorsement partnerships. His deals include Dream11 (fantasy cricket), Adidas (apparel), SG Cricket (equipment), Boost (energy drink), Cadbury Dairy Milk, Thums Up (cola), and California Almonds.

He is reportedly paid around ₹3.5–4 crore per deal. Pant’s star rose after a ₹27 crore IPL auction in 2023. Brands use his “live in the moment” persona in ads. For example, Boost and Thums Up highlight his energy. His cricket gear deals (Adidas, SG) tap into his fan base.

Pant’s endorsement fees and popularity show how a current national team player can leverage performance into brand value. As he continues to shine in Indian colours and on social media, more big-name endorsements are likely.

Shubman Gill: The Rising Star

Shubman Gill is one of India’s brightest young batsmen. Along with big IPL contracts (he was retained by GT for ₹16.50 crore), he has built an impressive endorsement portfolio. Gill works with more than 10 brands, including Nike, JBL, Gillette, Coca-Cola, Beats by Dre, MRF, CEAT, Casio, and My11Circle.

He reportedly earns around ₹50–60 lakh per endorsement. Gill’s success with India’s U-19 World Cup and now the senior team has made brands take notice. For example, MRF’s deal with Gill puts him alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar in their bat lineup.

As a stylish young player with a growing fan base (over 11 million Instagram followers), Gill’s brand value is rising. Companies see him as the future face of Indian cricket. Expect more high-profile deals as his career progresses.

KL Rahul: The Fashionable All-Rounder

KL Rahul is another star on and off the field. He has a wide appeal in sports, fashion, and tech. Rahul’s brand list includes big names like PUMA, Red Bull, SG (cricket equipment), and the Tata Nexon.

PUMA and SG link to his cricket image. Red Bull highlights his energetic play. The Tata Nexon (electric car) associates him with youth and technology. He’s also done ads for boAt (audio devices), BharatPe (fintech), and lifestyle brands.

Rahul’s combination of cricket success and style sense makes him a strong choice for endorsements. Brands targeting a young, urban audience value his trendy image.

Trends and Insights

Cricket endorsements keep growing. Even retired players remain in demand. For example, Sachin Tendulkar (retired legend) and MS Dhoni still earn from ads every year. Younger players like Gill and Pant show that new stars can secure major deals quickly.

Social media is a big factor. Players with millions of followers add extra value. Kohli’s Instagram alone can bring in over ₹12 crore per sponsored post. Companies now pay for a mix of TV ads and social media posts.

Another trend is athletes taking ownership. Kohli turning down a Puma renewal to invest in his own brand One8 shows that top players want long-term equity, not just fees. Brands need to offer more than a cheque; they must align with the player’s vision.

Big tournaments boost deals. IPL and World Cup seasons often see companies lining up player endorsements. A strong IPL contract (like Pant’s) raises a player’s profile, which leads to more brands signing them.

How Brands Benefit from Cricketers

Partnering with cricket stars offers clear rewards for companies. Fans trust the players they admire. When a famous cricketer uses or promotes a product, customers take notice. For example, a Kohli or Dhoni ad can instantly increase a brand’s visibility nationwide. These collaborations also help brands reach international markets, since players like Kohli have global recognition. In short, tying a product to a beloved cricketer can boost sales and image almost overnight.

How Brands Can Find Cricket Celebrities

If you represent a brand and want a celebrity endorsement, there are services to help. For instance, our platform connects companies with the right celebrities and influencers. We match your campaign needs to the perfect personalities. Just fill out our form with your details and budget, and our team will suggest well-known figures (cricketers or other stars) who fit your brand. This way, you can secure a celebrity or influencer who truly aligns with your market and message.