🏏 Introduction: Where Cricket Meets Crores
Cricketers In India, cricket isn’t just a game—it’s a religion. But for the top players, it’s also a multi-crore industry. While match fees and central contracts bring in decent earnings, a significant part of their wealth comes from beyond the boundaries—endorsements, personal ventures, investments, and brand partnerships.
2025 has seen a shift in cricketers who’s earning what. Some names are familiar, others surprising. Let’s dive into who the top earners are this year and how they’re growing their empires off the field.
🥇 1. Virat Kohli – The Brand Magnet
- Annual Income (2025 Estimate): ₹250+ Crore
- Sources of Income:
- Brand endorsements (Puma, MRF, Audi, etc.)
- Own brands: One8, Wrogn
- IPL fees from RCB
- Investments in startups and sports tech
Why He Tops: Even though he’s no longer India’s skipper, Kohli’s brand value remains unmatched. His Instagram reach alone brings in millions. He’s not just a cricketer—he’s a walking business.He is one of the best cricketer.
🥈 2. Rohit Sharma – The Captain and the Calm Face of Brands
- Estimated Income: ₹180+ Crore
- Sources:
- Central contract (A+ grade)
- Mumbai Indians salary
- Endorsements (CEAT, Dream11, Hublot)
- Social media brand deals
Beyond the Game: Rohit’s soft-spoken style appeals to family audiences and legacy brands. His consistent on-field presence makes him a dependable ambassador.The best sixer cricketer.
🥉 3. Hardik Pandya – Style + Strategy
- Estimated Annual Earnings: ₹140+ Crore
- Money Channels:
- Endorsements (BoAt, Monster Energy, Gulf Oil)
- IPL paycheck from Mumbai Indians
- Lifestyle collaborations and YouTube revenue
What Sets Him Apart: Hardik represents the new-age cricketer—bold, flashy, and marketable. With a fanbase among Gen-Z, he earns heavily from lifestyle and fitness partnerships.
🔢 4. KL Rahul – The Sophisticated Money-Maker
- Yearly Earnings: ₹100 Crore+
- How He Makes It:
- Commercial campaigns (NUMI, Zenovit)
- Social media presence
- Karnataka investments and ventures
- LSG contract (IPL)
Beyond Cricket: Rahul’s polished image and urban appeal make him a favourite for luxury and health-focused products.
🧢 5. Jasprit Bumrah – The Quiet Millionaire
- Income: ₹90 Crore (Est.)
- Income Avenues:
- Core cricketing salary
- Contracts (Zandu, Asics, SEIKO)
- Minimal yet high-value endorsements
- Limited but premium appearances
X-Factor: While Bumrah isn’t everywhere, the few brands he picks align with his serious and professional image—keeping his value high and clutter low.
🎯 6. Shubman Gill – The Future Face
- 2025 Earnings: ₹85 Crore+
- Streams:
- Endorsements (Fiama, Gillette, JBL)
- Social media reels and promotions
- National and IPL deals
On the Rise: Already being groomed as a next-gen leader, Gill’s clean charm and consistent performances are making brands line up for long-term deals.
🔥 7. MS Dhoni – Retired But Still Roaring
- Still Bags ₹80+ Crore in 2025
- Why?
- TVCs, old and new (Indigo Paints, Oreo)
- His brand SEVEN
- Chennai Super Kings (Mentor/Player-Advisor role)
- Farming and organic produce businesses
Legacy Power: Dhoni’s income remains impressive post-retirement. His trust factor among small-town India is gold for brands looking for deeper reach.
🚀 8. Rishabh Pant – Comeback King
- 2025 Income: ₹75 Crore+
- Sources:
- Comeback endorsements (Cadbury, JSW Steel)
- Contract income
- Digital brand shoutouts
- Gym & training content partnerships
Why Brands Back Him: His recovery journey after injury made him a relatable hero. He’s now positioned as a symbol of resilience and hope.
🧠 9. Ravindra Jadeja – The Reliable All-Rounder
- Estimated Earnings: ₹65–70 Crore
- How He Earns:
- Match and league payments
- Army association and patriotic campaigns
- Farming exports
- Select brand partnerships
Smart Moves: Jadeja keeps a low profile but knows where to invest and when. His rural background resonates with India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
🆕 10. Yuzvendra Chahal – Social Media Sensation
- 2025 Takeaway: ₹60–65 Crore
- Where It Comes From:
- BCCI & IPL
- Quirky brand tie-ups (Swiggy, Beardo)
- YouTube & Instagram revenue
- Appearances and influencer gigs
Offbeat Edge: Chahal brings humor and relatability to campaigns, making him a go-to for meme-friendly youth brands.
📈 What Fuels Their Income Beyond Cricket?
- Endorsements – The biggest chunk for many
- Startups & Investments – Cricketers now fund tech, fitness, and D2C businesses
- YouTube/Instagram – Direct monetization from platforms
- Merchandise – Own brands like One8, SEVEN, and fitness gear
- Franchise Ownerships – A few are moving towards owning teams or leagues
💡 Final Word: Not Just Players, But Entrepreneurs
The top cricketers of 2025 are far more than athletes. They are public figures, businessmen, and digital influencers. From owning fitness brands to investing in homegrown startups, they’ve built financial ecosystems that extend way beyond the cricket field.
For fans, it’s exciting to watch their favourite stars shine off-field too. And for aspiring athletes? It’s proof that with skill, discipline, and smart branding—you can build an empire while doing what you love.
