Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. He is also a global brand. As a brand, Kohli has created a powerful and marketable identity combining his on-field achievements, charismatic personality and strategic business ventures.
1. Excellence and performance
Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, having scored over 27,000 international runs including 82 centuries (30 Tests, 51 ODIs, 1 T20I). His consistency, aggressive batting style and record-breaking performances (e.g., fastest to 8,000-13,000 ODI runs) have earned him recognition as a top-level athlete.
2. Fitness and discipline
Virat Kohli is a fitness icon, known for his rigorous training and dietary discipline (e.g., adopting a vegetarian lifestyle). His transformation from a young player to a fitness-focused athlete inspires fans.
3. Passion and authenticity
Virat Kohli's aggressive style on the field reflects his passion and connects with fans. Off the field, his candid conversations, philanthropic Virat Kohli Foundation and openness about mental health create an authentic and human brand image.
4. Youth Appeal
At 36, virat Kohli's modern lifestyle, fashion sense and social media presence appeal to a young audience. His roots in Delhi and middle-class upbringing also connect him with India's aspiring youth.
5. Global appeal
Virat Kohli has a fan following outside India as well. He has fans in countries like Australia, England and UAE. This is driven by his universal appeal as a sportsperson and a style icon. His marriage to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma adds to his brand glamour.
That is, through the combination of personal qualities, professional achievement and public perception, Virat Kohli has managed to become a global brand.
Advertising and brand associations
Virat Kohli's endorsement portfolio spans across diverse sectors, reflecting his versatile brand appeal. His major endorsements include brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, MPL, Hero MotoCorp, Tissot, Manyavar, Myntra, Vivo, Pepsi, Boost, American Tourister, Hyperice and Digit Insurance.
Virat Kohli Brand
One8: A fitness and lifestyle brand co-owned by Puma. It offers apparel, footwear and accessories. It includes One8 fitness centres (e.g., in Bengaluru) and a premium athleisure line. It has an annual revenue of around Rs 100 crore, thanks to Kohli's fitness initiatives.
Rogan: A youth-focused fashion brand launched in 2014 with Myntra. It targets millennials with trendy apparel. Its annual revenue is more than Rs 200 crore. It has a strong online presence through Myntra. It also has offline stores.
Chisel Fitness: A gym chain founded in association with Cornerstone Sports. It promotes accessible fitness. It has centres in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. Apart from this, Kohli also has businesses like Sport Convo, Stepathlon Kids and Football Ventures.
According to a Duff & Phelps report, Virat Kohli will be India's most valuable celebrity brand in 2023. He was worth $227.9 million i.e. around Rs 1900 crore. He also surpassed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan ($120.7 million i.e. around Rs 1 thousand crore). However, now his estimated brand value is close to Rs 1000 crore.
BCCI A+ Central Contract Earnings
Virat Kohli's journey to becoming one of India's highest-paid athletes began with his BCCI A+ central contract, which earns him Rs 7 crore annually. Apart from this, he also gets a per match fee - Rs 15 lakh for Tests, Rs 6 lakh for ODIs and Rs 3 lakh for T20Is.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the most lucrative domestic contract of his career. Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the league in 2008. What started as a modest Rs 12 lakh contract has now turned into a Rs 21 crore annual deal in 2025. According to OneCricket, his total earnings from the IPL now stand at Rs 212.44 crore.
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About the Author:
Ravi Thakur
Ravi Thakur is a seasoned writer specializing in SEO-driven sports content. With expertise in crafting engaging blogs, news articles, and entertainment pieces, Ravi brings a unique perspective to the world of sports journalism.
His skills extend beyond insightful analysis, as he is adept at keeping sports enthusiasts informed by regularly updating points tables and schedules for major events in football and cricket.Ravi Thakur's passion for sports and his knack for blending SEO principles with compelling writing make him a go-to source for those seeking a dynamic and informative sports content experience.
