Cricket in India isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion. When it comes to cricketers who have dominated the field and fans’ hearts, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are names that come to mind instantly. Both of them have been exceptional captains and players for the Indian cricket team but today we will know about their off-field achievements, especially focusing on their bank accounts. So, who’s richer between the two?
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible, comparing Virat Kohli net worth with MS Dhoni, earnings, and what drives their financial success.
How Much Is Virat Kohli Net Worth?
As of 2024, Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be over ₹1,100 crore. That’s a whopping amount for someone who’s just 35 years old. This immense wealth doesn’t just come from his exceptional cricket career but also from various business ventures and endorsements.
Kohli has represented India in all formats of the game and his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensures a steady income. Besides this, his IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is another major contributor to his wealth.
Where Does His Money Come From?
It’s not just cricket that’s filling Virat’s bank account. He has multiple sources of income:
- Endorsements: Kohli endorses big brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF. He is a brand ambassador for these companies and they pay him handsomely.
- Businesses: Kohli is also an entrepreneur. He co-owns the fitness brand One8 which he started with Puma. This business has been doing quite well and adds significantly to his wealth.
- Social Media: With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Kohli earns through social media posts and collaborations.
|
Source |
Contribution to Net Worth Overall (Indian Rupee) |
| Cricket Contracts |
100+ crore |
|
Endorsements |
200+ crore annually |
| Business Ventures |
200+ crore (One8 brand) |
His Tax Contribution
In the 2023-24 financial year, Virat Kohli was the highest tax-paying sportsperson in India, paying a hefty ₹66 crore. This clearly shows how much he’s earning and contributing to the country’s economy. In fact, he is ranked among the top celebrity taxpayers in India, only behind names like Shah Rukh Khan (92 crores) and ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay (80 crores)
MS Dhoni’s Net Worth
Now let’s shift the spotlight to MS Dhoni. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to stay relevant especially through the Indian Premier League (IPL). His net worth as of 2024 is estimated to be around ₹1,040 crore.
Dhoni may not be as active on the field as Virat these days but his brand value remains strong. He’s still endorsing several companies and his ventures like Seven (his clothing line) keep his income flowing.
Who’s richer between the two?
Who Is Richer? A Direct Comparison
Now, let’s get to the real question: Is Virat Kohli richer than MS Dhoni?
Earnings from Cricket and Beyond
|
Category |
Virat Kohli | MS Dhoni |
| Net Worth | 1,100+ crore (rupees) |
1,040+ crore (rupees) |
|
Highest Tax Paid (2023-24) |
66 crore | 38 crore |
| Active in IPL | Yes (RCB) |
Yes (CSK) |
|
Business Ventures |
One8 and Restaurants | Seven and Ranchi Farms |
| Endorsements | Puma, MRF, Audi | TVS, Dream 11, Oreo |
From the above table, it’s clear that Virat Kohli currently has a higher net worth than MS Dhoni. Virat’s active involvement in cricket, his younger age, and his diversified business ventures put him ahead in the financial race. Though Dhoni has retired from international cricket, his brand value is still strong, but it seems Kohli’s multiple streams of income have given him an edge.
The Fun Part: Taxes
Here’s a fun fact that adds some spice to our comparison: In the financial year 2023-24, Virat paid ₹66 crore in taxes, making him the top taxpayer among Indian sportspersons. Meanwhile, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020 and now only plays in the IPL, paid ₹38 crore in taxes. Both cricketers are doing a great job at contributing to the nation’s coffers, but Kohli’s earnings and tax payments are clearly higher.
Why the Gap?
So why does Virat Kohli have more wealth than MS Dhoni? Here are a few reasons:
- Age Difference: Virat is younger than Dhoni, which means he’s been actively playing cricket and getting paid big bucks for it while Dhoni has retired from international cricket.
- Endorsement Deals: Virat is currently the face of multiple international brands, which brings in more money compared to Dhoni’s current deals.
- Active Investments: Virat has smartly diversified his income into business ventures, which are performing well, especially his fitness brand One8.
Conclusion: Who Wins?
To answer the question in the title, yes, Virat Kohli is richer than MS Dhoni, at least for now. With his active cricket career, huge brand endorsements, and smart business investments, Virat is leading the race. Dhoni, though retired from international cricket, remains a legend in the business world and will always have a significant spot in the hearts of fans and sponsors alike.
At the end of the day, both of them are extremely successful and have redefined what it means to be a cricketer in terms of both skill and wealth. And honestly, whether you support King Kohli or are a die-hard Mahi fan, both have made India proud on and off the field.
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