Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has stunned the cricket world by revealing that Indian cricket legends MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar earn astronomical 10-figure incomes annually. Shastri disclosed that these top stars rake in 10 figures on an annual basis and could even earn more if time allowed, highlighting the incredible commercial success of Indian cricket’s biggest names.
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Cricket Icons’ Estimated Net Worth (2025)
| Player | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Income Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | ₹1,250+ Crores | Brand endorsements, investments, legacy deals |
| MS Dhoni | ₹1,000+ Crores | IPL, endorsements, business ventures |
| Virat Kohli | ₹1,050+ Crores | Active cricket, endorsements, brand partnerships |
The Brand Endorsement Goldmine
Shastri explained how these cricket icons could have earned even more through brand endorsements, emphasizing the untapped potential that still exists despite their already massive earnings. The revelation came during a recent podcast where former England cricketer Michael Vaughan was stunned when Shastri disclosed the annual earnings of these cricket superstars.
The staggering figures reflect not just their on-field achievements but their massive commercial appeal across multiple revenue streams including brand deals, advertisements, business investments, and social media promotions.
Breaking Down the Revenue Streams
Brand Endorsements: Each of these icons commands premium rates for brand partnerships, with deals often running into hundreds of crores annually.
Legacy Value: Even retired players like Sachin Tendulkar continue to generate massive income through their enduring brand value and legacy deals.
Business Ventures: Strategic investments and business partnerships have diversified their income portfolios significantly.
Social Media Influence: Their massive social media following translates into lucrative digital marketing opportunities.
Current Market Dynamics
As of 2025, Virat Kohli leads with an estimated net worth of $127 million (approximately ₹1,050 crores), compared to MS Dhoni’s $123 million (around ₹1,020 crores). Kohli’s active playing status, combined with top-tier endorsements and successful ventures like his fashion brand Wrogn, has pushed his earnings higher.
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar maintains a reported net worth of ₹1,250 crores despite retiring in 2013, continuing to hold records for most runs in Test and ODI cricket formats, demonstrating the lasting commercial power of cricket legends.
The Global Impact
These astronomical earnings place Indian cricketers among the world’s highest-paid athletes, showcasing cricket’s commercial evolution from a gentleman’s game to a global entertainment juggernaut. The figures revealed by Shastri highlight how Indian cricket has transformed into a billion-dollar industry.
The revelation also underscores India’s position as cricket’s commercial powerhouse, where top players can command earnings that rival global sports superstars from other disciplines.
Beyond the Numbers
What makes these earnings particularly impressive is the diverse revenue generation model these players have created. Unlike athletes who depend solely on prize money and salaries, cricket’s biggest names have built comprehensive commercial empires spanning:
- Multiple brand partnerships across categories
- Investment portfolios in startups and traditional businesses
- Media and entertainment ventures
- Educational and charitable foundations
- International endorsement deals
For comprehensive coverage of cricket business insights and player earnings analysis, explore our detailed sports business section on TechnoSports where we track the financial aspects of modern cricket.
Industry Transformation
The evolution from Sachin’s era to today’s generation shows how dramatically cricket’s commercial landscape has changed. While Tendulkar pioneered the concept of cricket celebrity endorsements, players like Kohli and Dhoni have taken it to unprecedented levels through strategic brand building and social media savvy.
This commercial success story extends beyond individual wealth creation, contributing significantly to cricket’s ecosystem development, grassroots programs, and the sport’s global expansion.
For official cricket statistics and player profiles, visit the International Cricket Council website for comprehensive career data and achievements.
Stay updated with the latest cricket business news and player earnings insights on TechnoSports Cricket for comprehensive coverage of the sport’s commercial evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do cricket legends like Dhoni, Kohli, and Sachin earn 10-figure incomes annually?
A1: These cricket icons generate massive income through multiple streams including brand endorsements (often worth ₹100+ crores annually), business investments, social media partnerships, legacy deals, and ongoing cricket-related income. Their combined net worth exceeds ₹1,000 crores each, with earnings coming from diverse commercial activities beyond just playing cricket.
Q2: Who is currently the richest among Dhoni, Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar?
A2: As of 2025, Sachin Tendulkar leads with an estimated net worth of ₹1,250+ crores, followed by Virat Kohli at ₹1,050+ crores, and MS Dhoni at ₹1,000+ crores. However, Kohli’s active playing status and current endorsement deals make him the highest annual earner among the three, demonstrating how active players can leverage their current form for premium commercial deals.
