As Virat Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, fans worldwide are cheering for the cricket icon whose impact goes well beyond the field. Known for his record-breaking innings, Kohli is also making headlines with his impressive earnings and high net worth, estimated at over ₹1,000 crore (around $127 million). From top-tier brand endorsements to strategic investments, Kohli has built a wealth portfolio that ranks him among India’s richest athletes.
Here’s a look at how the former Indian captain earned his place at the top financially, exploring his sources of income, brand partnerships, and luxury lifestyle.
Massive Earnings Beyond Cricket
Kohli’s net worth isn’t just fueled by his stellar cricketing career. While he earns handsomely from the BCCI, Kohli has expanded his income through social media, brand endorsements, and a wide range of investments.
- BCCI Contract: As a player under the A+ contract category with the BCCI, Kohli receives an annual salary of ₹7 crore. For each match, he’s paid approximately ₹15 lakh for Tests, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20s.
- Social Media Influence: With over 260 million followers on Instagram, Kohli commands impressive earnings per sponsored post. Reportedly, he charges anywhere from ₹6 crore to ₹11 crore per post, making social media a significant income stream.
- Brand Endorsements: Kohli’s reputation as a dependable and charismatic athlete has led him to partner with some of the world’s biggest brands. He promotes companies like Manyavar, MPL, Pepsi, Philips, Audi, Puma, and Hero, with brand endorsement fees reportedly reaching into the crores. These deals have cemented Kohli’s status as a brand favorite in India and globally.
Smart Investments Powering Virat Kohli’s Net Worth
Kohli has carefully invested his wealth, building a portfolio that generates passive income through equity and partnerships.
Some of Kohli’s notable investments include:
- Blue Tribe Foods: Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, are stakeholders in this plant-based food startup aimed at promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
- Chisel Fitness: He has co-founded a fitness center chain, appealing to India’s growing fitness-focused population.
- Digit Insurance: As one of India’s rising insurance brands, Digit provides Kohli with a substantial stake in the financial sector.
- Nueva: Kohli owns this fine-dining restaurant in Delhi, which has become a hotspot for food lovers.
- Sport Convo and Galactus Funware Technology Pvt. Ltd.: Kohli has diversified into technology by investing in these companies, further expanding his income avenues.
Through his investments, Kohli secures high returns while supporting innovative brands and services that align with his personal interests.
Luxurious Lifestyle and Exotic Car Collection
Kohli’s luxury lifestyle reflects his substantial earnings, particularly his impressive car collection. Known for his love of Audi, he owns several high-end models, including:
- Audi Q7: Estimated to cost between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh.
- Audi RS5: Worth approximately ₹1.1 crore.
- Audi R8 LMX: A limited-edition supercar valued around ₹2.97 crore.
- Audi A8L W12 Quattro: This luxury sedan is priced at roughly ₹1.98 crore.
- Land Rover Vogue: A premium SUV valued at ₹2.26 crore.
In addition to these, Kohli reportedly owns two Bentley cars, adding to his fleet of luxury vehicles.
Consistent High Earnings and Advanced Tax Payments
Kohli’s high-income status is evident from his tax contributions. As per Fortune India’s September 2024 list, he ranked among the top taxpayers in the cricket world, with an advance tax payment of ₹66 crore for the financial year. This reinforces his status as one of India’s highest-earning and most financially responsible athletes.
A Diverse Portfolio Makes Kohli One of India’s Richest Athletes
Beyond his achievements in cricket, Virat Kohli’s net worth is a testament to his strategic financial choices. From endorsing popular brands and engaging millions on social media to investing in promising startups and establishing a luxury lifestyle, Kohli has built a well-rounded wealth portfolio. His focus on long-term growth and diversification not only sets an example for aspiring athletes but also strengthens his legacy as one of the most successful sports personalities in India.
