Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, made waves not only with his exceptional performances on the cricket field but also through his ventures off the field. By 2017, Kohli had firmly established himself as a global sports icon. His impeccable cricketing skills, relentless work ethic, and charismatic personality had led him to the top of the game. In addition to his success on the field, he was increasingly gaining attention for his brand endorsements, business ventures, and social media influence.
Virat Kohli: In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2017, exploring the sources of his income, his earnings from cricket, endorsements, business ventures, and other related income streams. We will also break down how each of these contributed to his overall financial portfolio and growth during that year.
1. Cricket Earnings in 2017
Virat Kohli: In 2017, Virat Kohli was the captain of the Indian cricket team, and his leadership was instrumental in India’s success on the global stage. He had already made a mark in world cricket with his aggressive batting, consistency, and hunger for runs. Kohli’s earnings from his cricketing career were substantial in 2017, with income coming from match fees, performance bonuses, and his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI Central Contract
Virat Kohli was placed in the top category of the BCCI central contract list in 2017 (Grade A+), which meant that he was one of the highest-paid cricketers in India. His annual salary from the BCCI alone was significant, which reflected his importance to the national team.
Match Fees and Performance Bonuses
Apart from his salary, Kohli earned additional income from match fees (from both Test and One-Day International matches) and performance-based bonuses. His phenomenal batting performances in the year contributed to him earning substantial match fees and performance rewards, which were in addition to his base contract.
In 2017, Kohli’s participation in international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is) allowed him to earn both match fees and incentives for outstanding performances, like centuries or match-winning performances.
IPL Salary
In addition to international cricket, Kohli played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2017, captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His IPL salary was one of the highest in the league, and his position as the face of RCB further cemented his wealth.
Breakdown of Cricket Earnings in 2017:
| Source | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI Salary (Annual Contract) | ₹7 Crore | $1,00,000 |
| Match Fees (International) | ₹2 Crore | $30,000 |
| IPL Salary (RCB) | ₹15 Crore | $2,25,000 |
| Performance Bonuses (International & IPL) | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| Total Cricket Earnings | ₹30 Crore | $450,000 |
From his cricketing career alone, Kohli earned ₹30 Crore (approximately $450,000) in 2017. This was primarily from his BCCI salary, match fees, IPL salary, and performance bonuses.
2. Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships in 2017
In 2017, Virat Kohli’s income from brand endorsements and sponsorships was a significant contributor to his net worth. Kohli was already a global ambassador for numerous prestigious brands, making him one of the highest-earning athletes in terms of endorsements. His popularity on and off the field, combined with his immense social media following, made him the perfect choice for global brands.
Major Brand Endorsements in 2017
Kohli’s endorsement portfolio in 2017 was impressive, with deals from various sectors including sportswear, automobiles, beverages, and lifestyle products. Major brands like Nike, Pepsi, Audi, Maharaja Whiteline, and Gatorade were among his high-profile sponsors. These endorsements added millions to his earnings in 2017.
Kohli’s association with Nike was one of the most significant deals of his career, and his social media presence helped amplify the reach of the brands he endorsed. Apart from global brands, he also had deals with Indian companies like Manyavar, Vivo, and Reebok.
Breakdown of Brand Endorsement Earnings in 2017:
| Brand | Endorsement Value (INR) | Endorsement Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | ₹10 Crore | $150,000 |
| Pepsi | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| Audi | ₹5 Crore | $75,000 |
| Manyavar | ₹4 Crore | $60,000 |
| Gatorade | ₹4 Crore | $60,000 |
| Vivo | ₹3 Crore | $45,000 |
| Other Brand Deals | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| Total Endorsement Earnings | ₹38 Crore | $570,000 |
In 2017, Kohli earned approximately ₹38 Crore (around $570,000) from brand endorsements. This was a substantial portion of his net worth for the year, and his diverse range of endorsement deals reflected his wide appeal across different markets.
3. Business Ventures and Investments in 2017
Virat Kohli’s business ventures also played a significant role in his increasing net worth in 2017. Kohli was not just focused on cricket; he ventured into several businesses, including fitness, fashion, and ownership in sports teams.
Wrogn Fashion Brand
Kohli had launched his fashion brand Wrogn, which became a massive success in 2017. The brand, which is a part of Universal Sportsbiz Pvt. Ltd., focuses on trendy and affordable fashion for the youth. The growing popularity of Wrogn made a significant impact on Kohli’s financial portfolio.
Chisel Fitness Centers
In addition to his fashion brand, Kohli was also involved in the fitness industry. He co-founded Chisel, a chain of fitness centers aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among Indians. The brand was aimed at targeting young fitness enthusiasts and rapidly grew in 2017.
FC Goa Stake (Indian Super League)
Kohli also owned a stake in FC Goa, a franchise in the Indian Super League (ISL). His investment in the football league showed his desire to diversify his portfolio into different sports. This involvement in football provided him with a profitable venture in addition to his cricket and endorsement earnings.
Breakdown of Business Ventures Earnings in 2017:
| Business Venture | Earnings (INR) | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Wrogn Fashion Brand | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| Chisel Fitness Centers | ₹3 Crore | $45,000 |
| FC Goa Stake (ISL) | ₹2 Crore | $30,000 |
| Total Business Earnings | ₹11 Crore | $165,000 |
Kohli’s business ventures contributed ₹11 Crore (around $165,000) to his total earnings in 2017, demonstrating his growing entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Virat Kohli’s Total Net Worth in 2017
By combining his earnings from cricket, brand endorsements, and business ventures, Virat Kohli’s total net worth in 2017 saw a significant surge. Kohli’s immense popularity, his rising cricketing career, and his expanding business portfolio played a key role in this financial growth.
Summary of Virat Kohli’s Earnings in 2017:
| Source | Earnings (INR) | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Earnings | ₹30 Crore | $450,000 |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹38 Crore | $570,000 |
| Business Ventures | ₹11 Crore | $165,000 |
| Total Net Worth | ₹79 Crore | $1.18 Million |
In 2017, Virat Kohli’s total net worth was approximately ₹79 Crore (around $1.18 million). His substantial income from cricket, the ever-growing list of brand endorsements, and his business ventures played a crucial role in elevating his wealth to new heights.
Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2017 was a testament to his remarkable rise in both cricket and the business world. His constant dedication to fitness, brand-building, and diverse investments allowed him to secure a position as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. As he continued to excel in cricket and his business ventures flourished, his financial growth was set to accelerate in the years that followed.
By 2017, Kohli had already cemented his place as not just a cricket legend, but a true global icon, with a significant influence on various industries beyond cricket. His journey from a cricketer to a successful businessman and brand ambassador is a remarkable example of how athletes can build lasting legacies both on and off the field.
