Former Indian captain and cricketing legend, Virat Kohli, has recently been recognized as the highest tax-paying cricketer in India. This news underscores not only his prowess on the cricket field but also his remarkable earning capability off it. Kohli, who continues to be a central figure in international cricket as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), paid a staggering INR 66 crore in taxes for the financial year 2023-24.
A report by Fortune India highlights this achievement, stating, “Virat Kohli emerged as the highest taxpayer from the country among sportspersons for the previous financial year, which ended on March 31, 2024. The star batter paid Rs 66 crore as taxes in the financial year.” With his incredible marketability and endorsement deals, Kohli remains one of the highest-earning sportspersons globally, making significant contributions to India’s revenue.
Close on Kohli’s heels is another iconic cricketer, MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain has consistently been a favorite among fans and sponsors alike, even though he retired from international cricket. He continues to make his presence felt in the IPL, and his popularity among advertisers remains undiminished. Dhoni paid INR 38 crore in taxes for the financial year 2023-24. “MS Dhoni, who has taken a backseat from cricket and is now seen only during the IPL, is second among the cricketers in the list. The wicketkeeper-batter, who enjoys a huge fanbase and has multiple endorsement deals, paid Rs 38 crore as tax in FY2024,” the report further elaborated.
Interestingly, retirement does not seem to have dented the earning capacities of some former cricketers. In fact, two retired legends, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, follow closely behind Kohli and Dhoni in terms of tax payments.
Sachin Tendulkar, an iconic cricketer whose influence goes beyond the cricket field, paid INR 28 crore in taxes for the same financial year.
. Tendulkar, who continues to be an influential figure in various capacities including endorsement deals and brand partnerships, has shown that his post-retirement years are financially productive. The ‘Master Blaster’ remains an excellent example of how sports personalities can continue to thrive even after ending their active sports careers.
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and ex-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ranks fourth on this elite list. Ganguly paid INR 23 crore in taxes for the financial year 2023-24. His transition from player to an administrative role in cricket has kept him in the public eye and ensured consistent revenue streams through various engagements.
Adding to the list are two present-day Indian cricket stalwarts, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. Hardik Pandya, known for his all-round performance on the field and his style off it, contributed INR 13 crore in taxes. Pandya’s appeal among younger audiences and his active role in both international and IPL cricket make him one of the top earners.
Rishabh Pant, another promising talent in the cricket world, paid INR 10 crore in taxes. Pant, who has been making waves with his performances, continues to attract significant brand endorsements, further boosting his income.
These figures not only reflect the immense earning power of these cricketers but also highlight their substantial contribution to the country’s revenue. While their skills and performances entertain millions, their financial dealings set an example of responsible citizenry.
In summary, as India’s cricket stars shine on the global stage, their earnings and subsequent tax contributions continue to impress. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly lead the way, followed closely by contemporary cricket heroes like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, demonstrating the financial might and responsibility of India’s cricketing fraternity.
