The title of “Top Taxpayer Among Cricketers in FY24” recognizes the cricketer with the highest tax contributions in the financial year 2024. This honor reflects substantial earnings and a commitment to tax compliance within the sports industry.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing sensation and marketing powerhouse, has become the highest tax-paying cricketer in the country for FY2024, as per data from Fortune India magazine. Kohli’s tax contributions amounted to an impressive Rs 66 crore, positioning him as the leading cricketer and the fifth highest taxpayer overall among Indian celebrities.
According to Fortune India, “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.” His earnings reflect both his on-field success and his strong endorsement portfolio, making him one of the most marketable athletes globally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Date of Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Estimated Annual Income | ₹200 crore (approx.) |
| Estimated Tax Paid | ₹50 crore (approx.) |
| Tax Rate | ~25% (approx.) |
| Major Income Sources | – BCCI Contract – Endorsements – Business Ventures |
| Notable Endorsements | – Puma – Audi – MRF – Many others |
MS Dhoni
Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, though retired from international cricket, continues to be a major force in Indian sports, largely due to his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his vast endorsement deals. Dhoni ranks second among cricketers with a tax payment of Rs 38 crore. His continued popularity and off-field deals keep him at the top of the list, despite his reduced on-field appearances.
The Fortune India report report states, “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.”
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1981 |
| Estimated Annual Income | ₹150 crore (approx.) |
| Major Income Sources | Cricket contracts, endorsements, business ventures |
| Estimated Yearly Tax Paid | ₹45 crore (approx.) |
| Tax Payment Percentage | 30% of income (approx.) |
| Notable Endorsements | Reebok, Pepsi, Gulf Oil, and others |
| Net Worth | ₹1,000 crore (approx.) |
Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also remains a significant taxpayer, even after retiring from the sport several years ago. Tendulkar paid Rs 28 crore in taxes, placing him third among cricketers. His earnings continue to flow from endorsements and investments, highlighting his lasting influence in Indian sports. Tendulkar’s tax payments illustrate the financial power of top retired athletes in India.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar |
| Date of Birth | 24 April 1973 |
| Total Net Worth | Approximately $170 million (as of 2024) |
| Estimated Annual Income | ₹300-400 crores (approximately $36-48 million) |
| Yearly Tax Paid | ₹60-90 crores (approximately $7-11 million) |
| Major Income Sources | – Cricket contracts – Endorsements – Business ventures |
| Notable Endorsements | Brands like Pepsi, Adidas, and BMW |
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, another former cricketer who transitioned into administrative roles, paid Rs 23 crore in taxes, ranking fourth among cricketers. Ganguly’s presence on the list reflects his continued involvement in Indian cricket as both a commentator and a sports administrator.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sourav Chandidas Ganguly |
| Date of Birth | 8 July 1972 |
| Estimated Annual Income | ₹40-50 Crores (approx.) |
| Primary Sources of Income | Cricket contracts, endorsements, commentary, and coaching roles |
| Estimated Yearly Tax Payment | ₹12-15 Crores (approx.) |
| Tax Rate | Approximately 30% on income |
| Notable Endorsements | Adidas, Coca-Cola, and others |
| Position | Former Captain of Indian Cricket Team |
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, known for his all-rounder skills on the field, paid Rs 13 crore in taxes, placing him fifth among cricketers. Rishabh Pant, another cricket star, paid Rs 10 crore in taxes, securing the sixth spot. Both cricketers have gained prominence in the Indian cricket team, and their tax contributions reflect their growing influence in the sport.
Fortune India highlighted, “India stars Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also made it to the list in fifth and sixth positions. The all-rounder paid Rs 13 crore as tax, while the wicketkeeper-batter paid Rs 10 crore.”
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hardik Himanshu Pandya |
| Date of Birth | 11 October 1993 |
| Estimated Annual Income (FY24) | ₹60 crore (approx.) |
| Sources of Income | – Cricket contracts – Endorsements – Business ventures |
| Estimated Tax Paid (FY24) | ₹18 crore (approx.) |
| Tax Rate | 30% (assuming income tax slab) |
