Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, is one of the most successful and influential athletes of the 21st century. Known for his aggressive playing style, unmatched consistency, and leadership qualities, Kohli has become a household name not just in India, but globally. His remarkable rise in international cricket, along with his brand endorsements, business ventures, and personal investments, has made him one of the richest athletes in the world.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2016, analyzing the various factors that contributed to his wealth during that period. We will break down his earnings from cricket contracts, brand endorsements, personal business ventures, and other income sources.
1. Virat Kohli’s Cricket Contract and Earnings (2016)
By 2016, Virat Kohli had already established himself as one of the premier cricketers in the world. He was the captain of the Indian cricket team, and his performances in international cricket were stellar. This year was particularly significant for Kohli, as his career was at its peak in terms of both form and stature.
During 2016, Kohli’s salary from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was one of the major contributors to his wealth. He was part of the A+ category of players in the BCCI’s central contract list, which provided him with a lucrative salary. As the captain of the Indian team, Kohli earned a substantial amount through match fees, appearance fees, and performance bonuses.
In 2016, Kohli was also the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most lucrative cricket leagues globally. His IPL salary and performance bonuses added significantly to his earnings for the year.
Breakdown of Virat Kohli’s Cricket Earnings in 2016:
| Source | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI Salary (Annual Contract) | ₹7 Crore | $1,00,000 |
| Match Fees (International) | ₹1.5 Crore | $22,500 |
| IPL Salary (Royal Challengers Bangalore) | ₹15 Crore | $2,25,000 |
| Performance Bonuses (International & IPL) | ₹5 Crore | $75,000 |
| Total Cricket Earnings | ₹28.5 Crore | $425,000 |
Kohli’s earnings from cricket alone amounted to approximately ₹28.5 Crore (around $425,000) in 2016. This figure was substantial, considering the number of international matches and the IPL season, which brought him significant match fees and sponsorship bonuses.
2. Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships in 2016
Virat Kohli has long been one of the most marketable sports figures in India, and 2016 was a year where he signed several major endorsement deals. His popularity and influence off the field had grown exponentially, and he became the face of numerous top brands, both within India and internationally.
In 2016, Kohli signed deals with major brands like Nike, Pepsi, Toyota, Gatorade, Manyavar, and Audi, among others. These endorsements allowed him to generate a significant portion of his income outside cricket.
In fact, Virat Kohli’s endorsement earnings were growing rapidly in 2016, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world based on endorsements. His ability to attract brands from diverse sectors such as fashion, automobiles, technology, and beverages was a testament to his broad appeal.
Breakdown of Virat Kohli’s Brand Endorsement Earnings in 2016:
| Brand | Endorsement Value (INR) | Endorsement Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | ₹10 Crore | $150,000 |
| Pepsi | ₹8 Crore | $120,000 |
| Toyota | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| Manyavar | ₹5 Crore | $75,000 |
| Gatorade | ₹4 Crore | $60,000 |
| Audi | ₹4 Crore | $60,000 |
| Other Brand Deals | ₹10 Crore | $150,000 |
| Total Endorsement Earnings | ₹47 Crore | $705,000 |
In total, Virat Kohli earned approximately ₹47 Crore (around $705,000) from brand endorsements in 2016. This was a significant jump from previous years, and it showcased his rising popularity both as a cricketer and a brand ambassador.
3. Business Ventures and Investments
Apart from cricket and endorsements, Virat Kohli has also invested in several business ventures that added to his wealth. In 2016, Kohli was involved in businesses such as fitness startups, fashion, and even co-owning a sports team.
Virat Kohli co-founded Chisel, a chain of fitness centers, which was one of his most prominent business ventures. The brand aimed to make fitness more accessible to the masses and was in line with his own passion for fitness and wellness. In addition, Kohli was also a major stakeholder in the Indian Super League (ISL) football team FC Goa, showcasing his interests beyond cricket.
In 2016, Kohli also launched his own fashion brand Wrogn (in partnership with Universal Sportsbiz), which rapidly gained popularity, especially among younger audiences.
Breakdown of Virat Kohli’s Business Earnings in 2016:
| Business Venture | Earnings (INR) | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chisel Fitness Centers | ₹3 Crore | $45,000 |
| Wrogn Fashion Brand | ₹6 Crore | $90,000 |
| FC Goa Stake (ISL) | ₹4 Crore | $60,000 |
| Total Business Earnings | ₹13 Crore | $195,000 |
In 2016, Virat Kohli’s business ventures generated approximately ₹13 Crore (around $195,000). His investments in fitness and fashion were beginning to pay off, and these business avenues were expected to grow further in the coming years.
4. Virat Kohli’s Total Net Worth in 2016
Combining his cricket earnings, brand endorsements, and business ventures, Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2016 was substantial. The year was a turning point in Kohli’s career, as his income was significantly higher than before, owing to his success on and off the field.
Summary of Virat Kohli’s Earnings in 2016:
| Source | Earnings (INR) | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Earnings | ₹28.5 Crore | $425,000 |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹47 Crore | $705,000 |
| Business Ventures | ₹13 Crore | $195,000 |
| Total Net Worth | ₹88.5 Crore | $1.33 Million |
In 2016, Virat Kohli’s total net worth was approximately ₹88.5 Crore (around $1.33 million). This marked a major milestone in his career as he transitioned into a global icon with multiple revenue streams.
5. Virat Kohli’s Growing Influence and Future Outlook
2016 was just the beginning of Virat Kohli’s business and brand journey. By leveraging his image and the rise of social media, Kohli expanded his reach and influence, making him a highly sought-after personality for global brands. His focus on fitness and lifestyle also made him an ideal partner for several leading brands.
As his career continued to flourish, Kohli’s net worth has only grown in the subsequent years, aided by further endorsements, business ventures, and his cricketing achievements.
Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2016 was a reflection of his rise as not only a cricketing icon but also a powerful brand and entrepreneur. His earnings from cricket, endorsements, and business ventures helped him cement his position as one of the richest athletes in the world. With his continued success and business acumen, Kohli’s financial standing only improved in the years that followed, making him one of India’s most influential and wealthy figures.
