Virat Kohli's brand value in 2025

Published - 26 Sept 2025, 21:49 IST | Updated - 26 Sept 2025, 22:18 IST

In India, cricket and cinema dominate the cultural aspect. Batting stalwart Virat Kohli continues to top the list of the most powerful celebrity brand values in 2025. Despite announcing his retirement from T20Is in 2024 and Tests, Kohli’s brand appeal has not been affected. According to Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report, the former India captain tops the charts once again with a whopping brand value of USD 231.1 million (INR 2,049 crore), beating Bollywood stars and sporting legends alike.

Kohli first overtook Shah Rukh Khan in 2016 to become India’s most valuable celebrity brand and has maintained the position for most of the past decade. From 2017 to 2021, he dominated the rankings, briefly granted the spot to Ranveer Singh in 2022, and then got back to the top position in 2023. Now, in 2025, even after retiring from two formats of cricket, he is ahead of names like Ranveer (USD 170.7 million) and Shah Rukh Khan (USD 145.7 million).

His brand value comes from his dual identity as a cricketing icon and a marketing leader. With 387 million followers across social platforms, he is the most-followed Indian on Instagram. His social media presence not only engages millions daily but also gives brands visibility and credibility. The 36-year-old's endorsement list ranges across sectors, from fashion labels and fintech to fitness, beverages, and automobiles.

Interestingly, while his endorsement fee is at INR 10 to 11 crore per deal, his overall brand value has grown. Meanwhile, the Delhi-born's marketability is not dependent solely on his on-field performance but also on his image as an athlete, family man, and entrepreneur.

What makes Kohli’s value remarkable is his ability to outshine Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Ranveer, despite having over 50 brand deals, saw a dip of 16% in brand value in 2024, due to fewer film releases. On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan enjoyed a 21% rise, yet still fell behind Kohli. Even cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar (USD 112.2 million) and MS Dhoni (USD 102.9 million) could not match Kohli’s valuation.

Moreover, his marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma only widened his reach. Apart from endorsements, he has built his brand through entrepreneurship. Kohli’s ability to bring both athletic credibility and entrepreneurial ventures makes him a brand powerhouse.

Currently living in London with his wife and two children, the cricketer continues to attract global campaigns, making him a rare Indian celebrity with international influence. The Kroll report mentions that the cumulative brand value of the top 25 Indian celebrities reached USD 2 billion in 2024, up by 8.6% from the previous year. The list still features stalwarts like Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan, and Amitabh Bachchan, but newer faces are climbing quickly. Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah entered the rankings at 22nd, while actors Kriti Sanon, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ananya Panday also saw a rise.