Revealed: How Much Indian Cricketers Earn From Bat Sponsorship

A major source of Indian cricketers’ income comes through the endorsements. The retainer fees of the Indian players is quite low when it is compared to their Australian or English counterparts but they are still the highest earners in the game and one of the biggest reason behind it is the vast amount of money they make by endorsing several products. And one such endorsement is displaying the sticker on the bat.

And while it is well-known that the players pocket a hefty amount for displaying the stickers on their bats, we are quite sure that you all have no idea about that exact money. So here we are revealing the amount that your favourite players earn by flashing the brand names on their willows.

As per report, current India skipper Virat Kohli has left behind his predecessor MS Dhoni as far as displaying stickers on the bat is concerned. According to The Times of India, Kohli is paid Rs. 8 Crore by MRF while Dhoni receives Rs. 6 crores from Spartan.

However, it is not their full earnings from endorsement. Kohli earns another Rs. 2 crores on the field for endorsing shoes and an apparel. On the other hand, Dhoni is ahead of Kohli as far as off-field brand endorsement value (Example: TV ads) goes. In the off-field brand endorsement fight, Dhoni earns Rs. 8 crores while Kohli earns almost Rs. 5 crores.

Other Indian players are also paid well for displaying stickers on their bat. Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma earn Rs. 3 crores from MRF and Ceat respectively, while Suresh Raina also earns Rs. 2.5 -3 crores from Ceat. Veteran batsman Yuvraj Singh gets Rs. 4 crores from Puma for his bat, shoes and apparel together, while Ajinkya Rahane earns almost Rs. 1.5 crores for that.

Among the international cricketers, only AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle have managed to pocket deal which is on par with the Indian batsmen. De Villiers receive Rs. 3.5 crores for displaying sticker on his bat while Chris Gayle is paid almost Rs. 3 crores for the same.

Here is the list of Cricketers with highest endorsements:

Virat Kohli:

Arguably, the best batsman in the world right now, Virat Kohli earns a whopping amount of Rs. 10 Crores from endorsements. Bat (8 Crores), Shoes and Apparel (2 Crores).

MS Dhoni:

The most decorated skipper in the history of Indian cricket pockets Rs. 6 Crores from endorsements. Bat (6 Crores)

Yuvraj Singh:

The 2011 World Cup hero earns Rs. 4 Crores from endorsements. Bat, Shoes and Apparel combined.

Shikhar Dhawan:

The southpaw from Delhi earns Rs. 3 Crores from endorsements (bat).

Rohit Sharma:

One of the batting mainstays of the Indian team, the stylish opening batsman receives Rs. 3 Crores from endorsements (bat).

Suresh Raina:

Currently out of the Indian team, the southpaw is still one of the highest earners through endorsements. He earns somewhere between Rs. 2.5 Crores to 3 Crores.

Ajinkya Rahane:

One of the most consistent performers for India in the last couple of years, Rahane pockets Rs. 1.5 Crores approximately. Bat, Apparel, and Shoes combined.