The name Virat Kohli doesn’t merely spell cricket; it speaks of burning desire, resilience, and turning every deadly opportunity into gold. It has been, in a nutshell, the almost unfathomable ascent of Kohli from the tough streets of Delhi to cricket’s biggest stages. He now stands counted as one of the richest and most influential sportsmen in India, having been valued at ₹1,050 crore (close to $125 million).
Early Life and the Making of a Champion
Born to a modest family in Delhi in 1988, the early years of Virat were filled with a passion for cricket. His father, Prem Kohli, recognized the ability of his son and supported his dreams despite the hardships that befell the family. After the sudden demise of his father, his mother, Saroj, became the pillar of strength behind Virat, a tragedy that only added to his fervent spirit.
Kohli’s journey from the under-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008 to the captain of the Indian national team is a testament to his grit. His hunger for runs, discipline, and never-say-die attitude soon made him the backbone of Indian cricket.
Cricket Earnings: The Foundation of Wealth
Kohli’s cricketing prowess is the bedrock of his fortune. As a Grade A+ player under the BCCI contract system, he received ₹7 crore a year, besides match fees-₹15 lakh for every Test (until his retirement in May 2025), ₹6 lakh for every ODI, and ₹3 lakh for every T20.
His IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is the stuff of legend. Starting with a modest salary in 2008, Kohli’s IPL earnings soared over the years, reaching ₹21 crore per season in 2025, making him one of the highest paid players in the league’s history. Across all IPL editions, he has earned over ₹212 crore.
Brand Endorsements: The Face of Modern India
Kohli’s stature is greater than cricket. He became a player of influence due to his charm, physical conditioning, and an image devoid of blemishes. Thus, he has been a very desirable partner with brands. Kohli charges between ₹5 to ₹10 crore per endorsement and estimates suggest he earns around ₹175–200 crore annually from endorsements. His brand endorsements straddle India and a who’s who of others:
- Puma: Kohli ended his over-eight-year partnership with Puma in 2025 and is now associated with Agilitas, a new sportswear venture.
- MRF Tyres: ₹12.5 crore per annum for bat sponsorship
- Audi, Myntra, Vivo, Toothsi, Noise, Manyavar, Too Yumm, etc: Kohli is a face everywhere; luxury cars, lifestyle apps in multiple categories.
Kohli’s association with his wife, Anushka Sharma, a leading actress in Bollywood, enhances the value of his brands. Most recently they have appeared for Myntra and Toothsi. One of the unique aspects of their association is the partnership combines personal and professional lives remarkably well.
- Business Ventures: The Entrepreneurial Ace
Kohli is more than a cricketer and brand ambassador – His business ventures are:
- Wrogn: A fashion brand among youth that he co-founded, which has become a part of Indian comfort clothing.
- Chisel: A chain of fitness clubs across the country, revealing his interest in health and fitness.
- One8: His own brand, now in partnership with Agilitas after ending ties with Puma.
- FC Goa: Co-owner of the Indian Super League football club, revealing his passion for sports other than cricket.
- Nueva: A restaurant in Delhi.
- Investments in Startups: Kohli has invested in companies such as Rage Coffee and Digit Insurance.
| These businesses add an estimated ₹30–40 crore to his earnings every year, diversifying his wealth even more. |
Personal Life: The Family Man Behind the Fame
Behind the racing records and wealth, there was always a committed family man. In 2018, Kohli and Anushka Sharma shared an intimate wedding in Italy, away from all media glare1. Their family is blessed with two children-one daughter, Vamika, born in January 2021, and one son, Akaay, born in February 2024.
Kohli and Anushka are so protective of their children’s privacy that they rarely let their pictures be taken, by design creating a sense of normality for the youngsters away from their incredibly famous background.
In fact, Kohli once spoke about this with the words: “Our life together has been one of love, respect, and development,” which is enough to tell that even though Kohli would rule the world of cricket, he would never lose sight of his family.
Legacy: More Than Just Numbers
Kohli’s net worth is a reflection of his success, but his true legacy lies in his impact-on cricket, on aspiring athletes, and on millions who see in him the power of dreams. From a boy in Delhi to a global icon, Kohli’s story is proof that with talent, hard work, and the courage to dream big, anything is possible.
His journey does not end here as a cricketer or entrepreneur, but also as a symbol and icon to generations to follow.
Written by – Written By Smita Singh
