An athlete’s brand value highlights their popularity in the sport, attractiveness, and influence in the market. In 2024, several sportspersons have not only achieved numerous records in their professional sports but also became iconic figures in public endorsements. It includes famous Indian superstars in the list such as the cricketers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Hardik Pandya, and KL Rahul. Also, the list comprises Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Football team captain Sunil Chhetri.
Let’s find out who ranks in the list of top 6 Indian male athletes by possessing the highest brand value in 2024 that reflects their successful sports careers and the companies they are associated with.
1. Virat Kohli: $227.9 million
Indian star batsman Virat Kohli continues to rank in the leading position with a brand value of $227.9 million (INR 1,912 crores approximately).
The former Team India captain has a huge fan base globally and is closely associated with top brands such as:
- Puma
- MRF
- Audi
- And many others.
The 35-year-old’s captivating personality and consistent performance in terms of batting and fielding on the field, make him a favorite celebrity among the leading advertising companies. Furthermore, Kohli is an active social media user and his online presence with millions of followers boosts the ability to be marketable.
2. MS Dhoni: $95 million
Even after retiring from international cricket, the former Indian captain MS Dhoni continues to be one of the highly valued male athletes with a brand value of $95 million (INR 766 crores approximately). The captain tool is hailed for his calm and strategic thinking and represents leading brands such as:
- JioCinema
- Panerai
- Indigo Paints
- And several other brands
Additionally, his investment in business ventures such as BluSmart marks a special recognition of his brand appeal.
One of the main reasons why MSD continues to attract high-profile brand deals is because of his high success rate as the captain of the Indian national team. Also, he guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL title wins.
3. Sachin Tendulkar: $91.3 million
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar who is hailed as the Cricket’s God, has a brand value of $91.3 million (INR 760 crores approximately). The 51-year-old former Indian cricketer is closely involved with brands such as:
- BMW
- Boost
- Luminous
- Unacademy
- And many more…
It is understood that Sachin has earned a huge sum of money by endorsing several products. His contribution to the Indian national cricket team has established his status as a long-term choice for brand endorsements.
Mainly, the leading companies have teamed up with Tendulkar to target a large audience, which includes countless fans of the Indian legendary batsman. Especially, Sachin’s 25-year partnership with Boost played a crucial role in its success and established the brand as the prime choice for drinks in India.
4. Rohit Sharma: $41 million
The Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, hailed as the Hitman, has a brand value of $41 million (INR 344 crores). The 36-year-old cricketer is popular for his power-hitting abilities and captaincy, which makes him attract endorsements from prestigious brands such as:
- CEAT
- Adidas
- La Liga
- And so on…
Most importantly, Rohit’s success as the 5-time winning captain for Mumbai Indians in IPL as well as in leading India to victories in the Asia Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024 enhance his ability to promote himself.
The Hitman’s collaboration with multiple brands draws attention to his growth in the cricketing as well as the branding world.
5. Neeraj Chopra: $40 million
Neeraj Chopra has instantly grown to unimaginable fame as the Olympic gold medalist in the Javelin throw. After winning the silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics for his 89.34-meter throw, Neeraj’s brand value increased to $40 million (INR 334 crores approximately). He was able to win a gold medal for India after 13 years in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and was the second Indian athlete as well to achieve this feat.
Despite recording numerous achievements in his career, the 26-year-old Indian athlete maintains a down-to-earth attitude, which grabbed the attention of top brands that include:
- Under Armour
- Tata AIA
- Gatorade
- And many more…
6. Hardik Pandya: $38 million
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s stylish looks and all-round cricket skills in terms of batting, bowling, and fielding make him acquire a brand value of $38 million (INR 317 crores). The 30-year-old cricketer is a top choice among brands that target more youthful audiences such as:
- Taco Bell
- Gulf Oil
- Gatorade
- Monster Energy
- And several others…
His dynamic performance on the field and consistency with the bat and ball make him a key source of strength for top companies’ advertisers. Hardik’s popularity in the sports and entertainment industry highlights his performance as Team India’s core cricket player. Based on Pandya’s current form and performance, it is expected that his brand value will be doubled in the upcoming days of his cricketing career
