Richest Athlete: India is home to a diverse array of sports, and over the years, athletes from different disciplines have not only gained recognition on the international stage but also amassed significant wealth. As of 2025, India’s wealthiest athletes come from various sports, including cricket, badminton, wrestling, and tennis. However, when it comes to the richest athlete in India, the title is generally contested by those who have made their fortunes through a combination of on-field success, brand endorsements, business ventures, and other investments.
In this article, we explore the wealthiest athletes in India, how they accumulated their wealth, and who currently holds the title of the richest athlete in India.
1. Key Factors Contributing to Wealth for Athletes
The wealth of athletes is typically determined by a combination of the following factors:
- On-field Earnings: This includes salary, match fees, and performance bonuses. In India, cricket players, particularly those in the national team, earn substantial match fees.
- Endorsements: Athletes are often associated with brands as ambassadors. Endorsement deals can often eclipse their earnings from sport itself, especially for those with high-profile status.
- Business Ventures and Investments: Many athletes invest in businesses or have stakes in ventures, which can significantly increase their net worth.
- Media Rights and Appearances: Some athletes also earn by participating in media shows, advertisements, or other public appearances, further adding to their wealth.
2. Richest Athletes in India: A Comparison
Below is a list of some of the wealthiest athletes in India, across different sports. The figures presented below are estimates based on their earnings from salaries, endorsements, and other income sources.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket)
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest athletes in India. Although he retired from international cricket in 2013, his legacy continues to earn him significant money through endorsements and business ventures. Tendulkar has been associated with numerous high-profile brands, and his business portfolio is also quite extensive.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹1,100 crore (approximately $140 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Endorsements (brands like Adidas, BMW, and Pepsi)
- Business investments (sports academies, investments in startups)
- Media appearances
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Match fees, endorsements, and IPL salary |
| Endorsements | Major brands including Pepsi, Adidas, BMW |
| Business Ventures | Investment in sports academies, startups |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹1,100 crore ($140 million USD) |
2. MS Dhoni (Cricket)
MS Dhoni, one of India’s most successful cricket captains, has also become one of the wealthiest athletes in the country. Dhoni’s wealth comes from his career as a cricketer, his IPL salary, as well as endorsements. After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to be an influential figure in Indian cricket and maintains numerous endorsement deals.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹1,000 crore (approximately $125 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Endorsements (brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and many more)
- IPL salary (captain of Chennai Super Kings)
- Business ventures (sports brands, gyms, and fashion lines)
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Salary from national cricket team and IPL |
| Endorsements | Major brands including Reebok, Pepsi, and more |
| Business Ventures | Sports brands, gyms, and fashion lines |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹1,000 crore ($125 million USD) |
3. Virat Kohli (Cricket)
Virat Kohli is one of the most successful cricketers in India and a global icon. He has accumulated wealth through his cricket career, endorsements, and investments. Kohli is widely regarded as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, thanks to his brand value. He has secured deals with numerous high-profile brands and has also launched his own businesses.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹1,000 crore (approximately $125 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Endorsements (brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF)
- IPL salary (captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Business ventures (health and fitness brands, fashion lines)
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Match fees and IPL salary (RCB captain) |
| Endorsements | Major brands including Puma, Audi, MRF |
| Business Ventures | Health and fitness brands, fashion line |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹1,000 crore ($125 million USD) |
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s Endorsement Rival: Yuvraj Singh (Cricket)
Yuvraj Singh has been another key figure in Indian cricket, known for his powerful batting and significant impact during major tournaments, such as the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Though Yuvraj’s career was shortened by injuries, he has made several investments and continues to be involved in several brand endorsements.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹300 crore (approximately $37 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Endorsements (brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and more)
- Business ventures (sports-related companies and gyms)
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Earnings from national cricket, IPL, and endorsements |
| Endorsements | Major brands including Reebok, Pepsi, and others |
| Business Ventures | Investments in sports-related companies, gyms |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹300 crore ($37 million USD) |
5. Saina Nehwal (Badminton)
Saina Nehwal is one of India’s most successful badminton players and has become a prominent figure in Indian sports. Her success in the international badminton arena, combined with several endorsement deals, has made her one of the wealthiest athletes in the country.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹100 crore (approximately $12.5 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Endorsements (brands like Adidas, Honda)
- Performance-based earnings (from various tournaments)
- Appearance fees
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Tournament prizes, endorsements |
| Endorsements | Brands including Adidas, Honda |
| Business Ventures | Investments in lifestyle brands and media ventures |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹100 crore ($12.5 million USD) |
6. Mary Kom (Boxing)
Mary Kom, the legendary Indian boxer and six-time world champion, is one of India’s richest athletes. She is not only an icon in boxing but also a role model for aspiring athletes in India. Her wealth comes from her achievements in boxing, sponsorships, and brand endorsements.
- Net Worth: Estimated at ₹80 crore (approximately $10 million USD)
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Government incentives and awards (for her boxing achievements)
- Endorsements (various national and international brands)
- Sponsorships and promotional deals
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| On-field Earnings | Earnings from international competitions and awards |
| Endorsements | Various national and international brands |
| Business Ventures | Endorsements and promotional deals |
| Estimated Wealth | ₹80 crore ($10 million USD) |
3. Comparison Table: Richest Athletes in India
| Athlete | Sport | Net Worth (INR) | Endorsements | Business Ventures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | Cricket | ₹1,100 crore | Adidas, BMW, Pepsi, and more | Sports academies, startup investments |
| MS Dhoni | Cricket | ₹1,000 crore | Reebok, Pepsi, and more | Sports brands, gyms, fashion lines |
| Virat Kohli | Cricket | ₹1,000 crore | Puma, Audi, MRF, and more | Health and fitness, fashion line |
| Yuvraj Singh | Cricket | ₹300 crore | Reebok, Pepsi, and others | Sports ventures, gyms |
| Saina Nehwal | Badminton | ₹100 crore | Adidas, Honda, and others | Lifestyle brands, media ventures |
| Mary Kom | Boxing | ₹80 crore | Various national and international brands | Promotional deals, sponsorships |
4. Conclusion: Who is the Richest Athlete in India?
As of 2025, the title of the richest athlete in India is contested mainly by Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, with each of them having a net worth estimated at over ₹1,000 crore ($125 million USD). While Tendulkar’s wealth comes mainly from endorsements and his business ventures, Dhoni and Kohli have continued to generate massive income from the IPL, brand endorsements, and personal investments.
MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are particularly notable for their post-retirement wealth-building through their involvement in various business ventures and ongoing endorsements. While Sachin Tendulkar might be the richest in terms of legacy and total wealth accumulated, Dhoni and Kohli continue to push the boundaries in terms of brand value and earnings, making them integral figures in India’s sports ecosystem.