Cricket in India is more than just a game—it’s a part of life for many people. The richest cricketers in India became famous, perhaps earning a lot of money and becoming millionaires.
Cricketers don’t just make money by playing; their fame helps them earn through brand deals, endorsements, owning properties, and investing in growing businesses.
In this blog, I’ll share the richest cricketers in India and see how they made their money. From playing in the IPL to earning from ads and smart business moves, these cricket stars have built big fortunes. Let’s check out the top 12 richest cricketers in India and find out where their money comes from!
Top 12 Richest Cricketers In India
These cricketers have earned a lot of money by playing cricket and starting their businesses. Let’s take a look at the top 12 richest cricketers in India who are famous both for their talent in sports :
| Rank | Cricketer Names | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | $170 million |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | $110 million |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | $100 million |
| 4 | Sourav Ganguli | $80 million |
| 5 | Virendra Sehwag | $40 million |
| 6 | Yuvraj Singh | $35 million |
| 7 | Sunil Gavaskar | $32 million |
| 8 | Kapil Dev | $30 million |
| 9 | Suresh Raina | $25 million |
| 10 | Rahul Dravid | $23 million |
| 11 | Rohit Sharma | $20 million |
| 12 | Gautam Gambhir | $15 million |
Now you know all the top 12 rich cricketers in India. Let’s discuss a bit more about them:
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Known as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with an estimated net worth of $170 million. Not just in India, he is the richest cricketer in the world. His earnings come from:
- IPL and international cricket: During his playing career, Tendulkar earned substantial sums from his Mumbai Indians IPL contract and his long tenure with the Indian national team.
- Endorsement deals: Even in retirement, Tendulkar remains a brand magnet, endorsing major companies like Adidas, BMW, and Coca-Cola.
- Business ventures: He has invested in various businesses, including a gym chain (S RT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd) and a clothing line (True Blue).
- Estimated Net Worth: $170 million
- Age: 50
2. MS Dhoni
The former Indian captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni, comes in second with a net worth of approximately $110 million. His wealth comes from:
- IPL and international cricket: Dhoni has been one of the highest-paid cricketers in the IPL, captaining Chennai Super Kings for many years.
- Endorsements: He has lucrative deals with brands like Reebok, Sonata, and Gulf Oil.
- Investments: Dhoni has invested in various businesses, including a football team (Chennaiyin FC) and a fitness center chain (SportsFit).
- Estimated Net Worth: $110 million
- Age: 42
3. Virat Kohli
The current superstar of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, boasts a net worth of around $100 million. His earnings are derived from:
- IPL and international cricket: As captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore and a key player for India, Kohli commands high salaries.
- Endorsements: He is one of the most marketable athletes globally, with deals from brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF.
- Business ventures: Kohli has invested in the gym chain Chisel and co-owns the clothing brand WROGN.
- Estimated Net Worth: $100 million
- Age: 35
4. Sourav Ganguly
The former Indian captain and current BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, has an estimated net worth of $80 million. His wealth comes from:
- Cricket earnings: During his playing days, Ganguly earned significantly from international cricket and IPL.
- Endorsements: He has been associated with brands like Pepsi, Puma, and Tata Tetley.
- Administrative roles: His position as BCCI president has added to his earnings.
- Estimated Net Worth: $80 million
- Age: 51
5. Virender Sehwag
The explosive opener, Virender Sehwag, has amassed a fortune of approximately $40 million. His wealth sources include:
- Cricket earnings: Sehwag earned handsomely from his international career and IPL stints.
- Endorsements: He has endorsed brands like Adidas, Samsung, and Boost.
- Commentary and coaching: Post-retirement, Sehwag has taken up commentary and coaching roles, adding to his income.
- Estimated Net Worth: $40 million
- Age: 45
6. Yuvraj Singh
The flamboyant all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has built a net worth of around $35 million through:
- IPL and international cricket: Yuvraj earned substantial amounts from his international career and as a highly sought-after IPL player.
- Endorsements: He has been associated with brands like Puma, Pepsi, and Revital H.
- Business ventures: Yuvraj has invested in various startups and launched his own sports management company, YouWeCan Ventures.
- Estimated Net Worth: $35 million
- Age: 42
7. Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian opener, is renowned for his stellar 16-year international cricket career and for being the first cricketer to score over 10,000 Test runs.
- Commentary and TV appearances: A respected cricket commentator for over 40 years.
- Endorsements: Associated with brands like Thums Up, Dinesh, and Health Plan.
- Public appearances and investments: Earns through public engagements and strategic investments.
- Estimated Net Worth: $32 million (INR 262 crores).
- Age: 74.
Sunil Gavaskar remains an inspiration, celebrated for his iconic contributions on and off the cricket field.
8. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, fondly called “The Haryana Hurricane,” is a legendary Indian cricketer and the captain who led India to its first World Cup victory in 1983.
Earnings Highlights:
- IPL and international cricket: Retired as India’s top pacer with 434 Test wickets and 5,248 runs in 131 matches.
- Net Worth: $30 million (INR 248 crores)
- Sources of Income: Cricket, commentary, endorsements, investments, and public appearances.
- Endorsements: Brands like Palmolive, Boost, and AIPL ABRO (earning INR 20–30 lakh/year).
- Age: 65.
Kapil Dev’s legacy as an all-rounder and leader continues to inspire cricket fans worldwide.
9. Suresh Raina
Known as “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina has accumulated a net worth of approximately $25 million from:
- IPL and international cricket: Raina was one of the highest-paid cricketers in the IPL, particularly with Chennai Super Kings.
- Endorsements: He has deals with brands like Boost, Fantain, and RK Global.
- Investments: Raina has invested in various business ventures and real estate.
- Estimated Net Worth: $25 million
- Age: 37
10. Rahul Dravid
“The Wall” of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, has a net worth estimated at $23 million, derived from:
- Cricket earnings: Dravid’s long and illustrious international career and IPL stints contributed significantly to his wealth.
- Endorsements: He has been associated with luxury brands like Gillette, Reebok, and Citizen Watches.
- Coaching roles: His position as the head coach of the Indian national team has added to his earnings.
- Estimated Net Worth: $23 million
- Age: 51
11. Rohit Sharma
The current captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma, has built a net worth of around $20 million through:
- IPL and international cricket: Sharma commands high salaries as captain of Mumbai Indians and the Indian team.
- Endorsements: He has deals with brands like Adidas, CEAT, and Hublot.
- Investments: Rohit has invested in various business ventures and startups.
- Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
- Age: 36
12. Gautam Gambhir
Next is Gautam Gambhir, with a net worth of approximately $15 million. His wealth comes from:
- IPL and international cricket: Gambhir earned significantly during his playing career, especially as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Endorsements: He has been associated with brands like MRF, Reebok, and Red Bull.
- Political career: Post-retirement, Gambhir has entered politics, which may contribute to his earnings.
- Estimated Net Worth: $15 million
- Age: 42
Factors Contributing To Cricketer Wealth
Here are some factors that contribute to cricketers’ wealth:
- Lucrative IPL and international cricket contracts: The IPL has revolutionized cricketer earnings, with top players commanding multi-million dollar contracts. International cricket, especially for Indian players, also offers substantial financial rewards.
- Endorsement deals and sponsorships: India’s love for cricket makes its top players highly marketable. Many cricketers earn more from endorsements than from their playing contracts.
- Investments and business ventures: Savvy cricketers have diversified their income streams by investing in businesses, startups, and real estate, ensuring their wealth continues to grow post-retirement.
Also Read This:
Conclusion: Sachin Tendulkar Is The Richest Cricketer In India
Sachin Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in India, with a net worth —about $170 million! Cricket in India isn’t just a game anymore; it’s a big business. Top players can make money even after they stop playing by working as coaches, commentators, or endorsing brands.
As cricket keeps growing, especially with the IPL, more players will likely become very rich. For the best cricketers, the sport brings both fame on the field and the chance to earn a lot of money off it too!
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