Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in India (Updated List 2025)

Discover the financial success of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in India in this comprehensive overview. This list highlights the impressive earnings and achievements of renowned sports figures across various disciplines. Explore how these athletes have turned their talents into substantial wealth.

India’s sports stars have gone beyond just winning medals and breaking records—they’ve become global icons and powerful personal brands. Today’s highest-paid Indian athletes earn not only through their performance on the field but also through massive endorsement deals, brand collaborations, league contracts, and business ventures. With the rise of professional leagues and global tournaments, Indian athletes across sports like cricket, badminton, wrestling, and athletics are now among the top earners in the country. Their net worth is fueled by consistent victories, strong fan bases, and the ability to influence millions both on and off the field.

From Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Neeraj Chopra and P.V. Sindhu, these top Indian athletes are also the faces of major national and international brands. They endorse everything from sportswear and energy drinks to luxury watches and fintech apps, commanding fees that rival Bollywood celebrities. Their massive social media reach, disciplined image, and on-field charisma make them ideal for brand partnerships that drive real consumer trust. In this list of the highest-paid Indian athletes, we break down who they are, how much they earn, and what makes them not just champions in their sport, but also in the business of influence.

List of the Top Highest-Paid Athletes in India

Note: These net worth figures are only estimates, based on publicly reported contracts, brand endorsements, prize earnings, investments, and other known financial data. Actual amounts can vary depending on undisclosed business ventures, fluctuating market values, and privacy around personal finances.

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Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Athletes

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of India’s greatest modern batsmen, renowned for his consistency across all formats and aggressive captaincy tenure. He broke multiple ODI run‑scoring records, including the fastest to 8,000 and 12,000 runs, and has earned praise for his fitness standards. Off the field, Kohli endorses global brands such as Puma, MRF, Audi and Myntra, making him a marketing powerhouse. He has also invested in sports startups and holds a stake in an Indian Super League football club. His leadership, competitive spirit and entrepreneurial ventures underline his influence both on and off the pitch.

Net Worth: ₹1,050 crore (US$127 million)

2. M. S. Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni led India to triumph in the inaugural T20 World Cup (2007), the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, becoming cricket’s master finisher. Since retiring from international play, he continues to draw a Grade A IPL salary and co‑owns the Chennaiyin FC football franchise. Dhoni endorses over 70 brands across automotive, lifestyle and tech sectors and has launched ventures like a sports academy. Known for his trademark helicopter shot and unflappable calm under pressure, he remains a revered icon in Indian sports. His strategic investments and brand partnerships reflect his enduring commercial appeal.

Net Worth: ₹1,000 crore (US$120 million)

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket,” was the first player to amass 100 international centuries and holds the record for most international runs. After retiring, he maintained long‑term associations with brands like Adidas, MRF, BMW and Pepsi and became a mentor and board member in cricket administration. Tendulkar has invested in IPL franchises and supports numerous charitable initiatives through his foundation. His technical mastery and sportsmanship set benchmarks for generations of cricketers. Beyond records, his cultural impact makes him a global ambassador for Indian sport.

Net Worth: ₹1,250–1,400 crore (US$170 million)

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma captains India’s white‑ball teams and holds the highest individual ODI score of 264, showcasing his ability to dominate bowling attacks. As a Grade A contract holder with the BCCI, he earns a substantial salary alongside lucrative IPL deals. Sharma represents brands such as CEAT, Dream11 and Adidas, and engages in philanthropic work supporting underprivileged youth. His calm leadership and tactical acumen have driven India to recent series victories across formats. Rohit’s elegant stroke‑play and record‑breaking innings underscore his status among cricket’s elite.

Net Worth: ₹218 crore (US$28.7 million)

5. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya rose to fame as an explosive all‑rounder, capable of turning matches with both bat and ball in the IPL and for India. His hard‑hitting batting at the death and knack for clutch wickets have made him a fan favorite. Pandya commands top‑tier IPL contracts and match fees, and endorses prominent sports and lifestyle brands. He has also ventured into fitness and fashion collaborations, reflecting his dynamic public image. His evolving game and charismatic persona continue to fuel his commercial success.

Net Worth: ₹91 crore (US$11.5 million)

6. Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza is India’s most decorated female tennis player, achieving world No. 1 in doubles and winning six Grand Slam titles. Her powerful forehand and aggressive net play redefined women’s doubles on the WTA Tour. Off court, she represents both Indian and international brands, and serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Mirza runs a tennis academy in Hyderabad, nurturing young talent for the future. Her blend of sporting excellence and social advocacy cements her as a trailblazer in Indian sport.

Net Worth: ₹216 crore (US$26 million)

7. P. V. Sindhu

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is a two‑time Olympic medalist and the first Indian woman to win the BWF World Championship. Her aggressive attacking style and work ethic have produced landmark victories on the international circuit. Sindhu partners with brands like Moov, Gatorade, JBL, Panasonic and Li Ning, and advocates for sports development in rural India. She reinvests her prize money into grassroots programs to uplift aspiring athletes. Sindhu’s rise from humble beginnings to global stardom inspires millions across the nation.

Net Worth: ₹59 crore (US$7.1 million)

8. Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal was the first Indian woman to attain world No. 1 in badminton and secured bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. Her pioneering success ignited widespread interest in Indian shuttlers on the global stage. Nehwal endorses brands such as Yonex, Kellogg’s and Herbalife, commanding up to ₹1 crore per deal. She continues to compete at a high level and mentors young players through specialized camps. Saina’s resilience and groundbreaking achievements have paved the way for a new generation of badminton talent.

Net Worth: ₹42–45 crore (US$5 million)

9. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is India’s premier fast bowler, famed for his unorthodox action and pinpoint yorkers. Since his debut in 2016, he has become the spearhead of India’s pace attack across formats. Bumrah earns a Grade A contract from the BCCI, substantial IPL fees, and collaborates with leading sports and lifestyle brands. His ability to bowl both lethal new‑ball spells and death‑over overs has rewritten the playbook for modern fast bowling. Bumrah’s impact on matches and marketing appeal makes him one of India’s most valuable athletes.

Net Worth: ₹50–60 crore (US$6–7 million)

10. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is India’s first chinaman bowler to claim a five‑wicket haul in Test cricket, showcasing his unique left‑arm wrist spin. He draws a Grade B contract from the BCCI and secured ₹13.25 crore in the 2025 IPL auction. Kuldeep features in brand campaigns and conducts spin‑bowling clinics for emerging players. His inventive variations and match‑turning spells have added a new dimension to India’s spin arsenal. Yadav’s blend of skill and marketability underlines his growing stature in cricket.

Net Worth: ₹20–30 crore (US$2.4–3.6 million)