Virat Kohli is one of the best-known faces in cricket across the world, but his tremendous fortune has very little to do with his earnings from the sport itself. It has been estimated recently that Kohli’s net worth currently sits at the staggering figure of ₹1,115 crore. Though it may seem obvious to many people that the lion's share of his income is due to his cricket career, this perception could not be further from the truth.
Cricket Remains a Strong Source of Income
Being one of the best cricketers from India, Kohli earns well from his agreements with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), getting an annual retainer worth ₹5 crores and also earning match fees in all formats of cricket. It is estimated that Kohli gets about ₹15 lakh for each Test match, ₹6 lakh for each ODI, and ₹3 lakh for each T20 International.
Besides, Kohli continues to be among the most prized cricketers in the Indian Premier League, and his deal worth ₹21 crore with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 2025 season has become the richest contract in the history of IPL.
Brand Endorsements Generate Massive Earnings
Another important reason behind Kohli’s riches is the number of endorsements that he has made. Kohli, who used to be the leader of the Indian cricket team, is associated with many popular brands from various domains like fashion, sports, autos, and lifestyle.
Various industry reports have indicated that Kohli makes almost ₹200 crore each year from endorsements and business deals. He has been the brand ambassador for brands including One8, Manyavar, Puma, and Audi, amongst many others.
Social Media Adds Another Revenue Stream
However, the reach of Virat Kohli does not limit itself to just the stadiums. In fact, he is one of the most followed sportspersons globally on Instagram with more than 276 million followers, as well as the most followed personality from Asia on the same platform.
The massive following has made Virat Kohli into a marketable superstar. Estimates suggest that each sponsored Instagram post by Virat Kohli could cost several crores of rupees for any brand that pays him to do so.
Investments and Businesses Continue to Grow
Contrary to many sportsmen who depend on their playing careers, Kohli has managed to diversify his income streams through business activities. For example, his fashion line of Wrogn has gained popularity among the younger generation. On the other hand, One8 has diversified into lifestyle and sportswear through collaboration with big firms.
Furthermore, he has engaged himself in the fitness industry by setting up Vault Gyms . He ha also invested in startups like :-
- Blue Tribe Foods
- Rage Coffee
- Digit Insurance
- FC Goa
- Agilitas
A Luxury Lifestyle Backed by Valuable Assets
Not only that, but Kohli also has an extensive array of properties and cars to show off his wealth. Some of the notable properties include an expensive apartment in Worli, Mumbai, a palatial bungalow in Gurugram, and a farmhouse in Alibaug.
Additionally, his garage has some expensive cars, such as Audi, Bentley, and Range Rover, among others.
More Than Just a Cricketer
Virat Kohli's story exemplifies the potential of a contemporary sportsman to establish a lucrative brand identity beyond his field of excellence. By virtue of his investments, entrepreneurial activities, sponsorships, and presence on social media platforms, Virat has managed to evolve from being a successful cricketer to an entrepreneur.