MS Dhoni Tops Brand Endorsement Charts, Outshining Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan; Virat Kohli Slips to 10th Spot
- MS Dhoni has topped the 2024 brand endorsement chart with 42 deals, surpassing Amitabh Bachchan (41) and Shahrukh Khan (34), according to TAM Media Research.
- The former cricketer’s brand value continues to rise, while Virat Kohli has seen a dip, landing in the 10th spot with 21 endorsements.
- The article also highlights key IPL 2025 retention and auction details, including Dhoni’s ₹4 crore retention by CSK and Kohli’s ₹21 crore deal with RCB, along with record-breaking purchases of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
- Dhoni’s appeal as a brand icon remains unmatched, bridging the gap between sports and marketability.
Dhoni’s Unstoppable Brand Value Growth
Interestingly, Dhoni has edged past veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who had 41 deals during the same period. Shahrukh Khan, another prominent Bollywood figure, secured the third spot with 34 endorsements.
Other Athletes on the List: Kohli’s Surprising Decline
Kohli’s dip highlights a shift in brand preferences, possibly influenced by evolving market strategies or his current cricketing form.
Dhoni vs. Kohli in IPL Retention
The rivalry between Dhoni and Kohli continues in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, both players were retained by their respective franchises.
- MS Dhoni: Retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore.
- Virat Kohli: Retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the most expensive player for ₹21 crore.
Dhoni, despite his retirement from international cricket, continues to be a massive crowd-puller and a cornerstone for CSK. Kohli, on the other hand, remains the face of RCB, although his hefty price tag reflects his unmatched cricketing stature.
IPL 2025: The Big Spenders
The IPL auction saw staggering deals, with players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer grabbing headlines.
- Rishabh Pant: Became the most expensive player in IPL history, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.
- Shreyas Iyer: Signed by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Kolkata Knight Riders’ costliest buy, snapped up for ₹23.75 crore.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹23 crore.
Notably, Venkatesh Iyer is also pursuing a PhD, adding an intellectual feather to his cap alongside his cricketing and financial successes.
What Makes Dhoni a Brand Magnet?
As IPL 2025 looms, the off-field battle of brand endorsements adds another layer of excitement to the cricketing calendar. For advertisers, Dhoni remains the ultimate captain cool – both on and off the field.
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Rajat N
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