The financial year 2024-25 has been a revealing one in terms of tax contributions by Indian celebrities, particularly focusing on cricketers whose earnings often headline due to their global popularity and lucrative contracts. While Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay, and Salman Khan lead the pack in terms of tax paid, the cricketing world has its own financial titans. However, one name conspicuously absent from the list of top tax-paying cricketers was that of Rohit Sharma, which sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Highest income tax paid by celebrities –
In the broader entertainment industry, Shah Rukh Khan tops the list with an astonishing ₹92 crore, followed by ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay at ₹80 crore, showcasing the immense popularity and earnings of these film stars. Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are not far behind, contributing ₹75 crore and ₹71 crore respectively to the national treasury. When we shift our gaze to cricket, Virat Kohli stands out as the leader, contributing a hefty ₹66 crore in taxes, reflecting his status as one of the highest-earning athletes globally. Ajay Devgn, MS Dhoni, and Ranbir Kapoor follow with ₹42 crore, ₹38 crore, and ₹36 crore, respectively. The list continues with Sachin Tendulkar and Hrithik Roshan both at ₹28 crore, Kapil Sharma at ₹26 crore, and Sourav Ganguly at ₹23 crore. Among actresses, Kareena Kapoor paid ₹20 crore, while Shahid Kapoor, Mohanlal, and Allu Arjun each contributed ₹14 crore. Hardik Pandya, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Pankaj Tripathi, Aamir Khan, and Rishabh Pant each added to the coffers with figures ranging from ₹13 crore down to ₹10 crore.
Top 6 Tax-Paying Cricketers Of The 2024-25 Financial Year – No Place For Rohit Sharma
The exclusion of Rohit Sharma from this prestigious list was indeed a topic of intrigue. Despite his significant contributions to both the Indian cricket team and the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma did not feature among the highest tax-paying cricketers. This anomaly could be attributed to various factors, including the nature of his contracts, endorsements, or perhaps a different financial strategy for the year. However, the spotlight was firmly on those who did make the list, with Virat Kohli leading by example.
Virat Kohli, known for his fiery performances on the pitch, also set the bar high off it with his tax contributions. His earnings from cricket, coupled with numerous brand endorsements, have placed him at the pinnacle of financial success in sports. Following Kohli, MS Dhoni, even after retiring from international cricket, showcased his enduring appeal and financial acumen by securing the second spot.
Sachin Tendulkar, an icon not just in cricket but in Indian sports history, continued to pay a significant amount in taxes, a testament to his ongoing influence and business ventures post-retirement. Sourav Ganguly, with his roles in cricket administration and commentary, also featured prominently. Hardik Pandya, with his dynamic play and increasing popularity, managed to enter this elite club, followed by Rishabh Pant, whose recovery and return to cricket were marked by strong endorsements and match fees.
Virat Kohli Net Worth exceeds more than 1000 crore
Virat Kohli’s financial journey is one of the most remarkable in sports history. With a net worth exceeding 1000 crore, Kohli has not only dominated the cricket field but also the financial charts. His income streams are diverse, ranging from his cricket contracts, which include his BCCI salary and IPL earnings, to a plethora of endorsement deals that span across various industries. Kohli’s social media influence is unparalleled, with each post on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) fetching him millions in sponsorships due to his vast following.
Kohli’s investment in startups like Blue Tribe, Universal Sportsbiz, and MPL showcases his entrepreneurial spirit, further solidifying his financial standing. His real estate investments in Mumbai and Gurgaon, alongside luxury car collections and ownership of sports teams, illustrate a lifestyle that matches his earnings. Kohli’s endorsement with brands like Puma, MRF, and Audi not only adds to his wealth but also to his image as a global sports icon.
However, Kohli’s financial success is not just about accumulation; it’s also about strategic investments and understanding market trends. His involvement in tech startups, particularly in the health and fitness sectors, reflects a broader vision for his financial future beyond cricket. His partnership with Anushka Sharma in various ventures has been fruitful, contributing significantly to their combined net worth.
The financial year 2024-25 highlighted the fiscal responsibilities of cricketers like Kohli, Dhoni, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Pandya, and Pant through their tax contributions, it also underscored the evolving narrative of sports and entertainment in India’s economic landscape. The absence of Rohit Sharma from this list was a talking point, but it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of financial standings year by year. Meanwhile, Kohli’s journey to surpassing 1000 crore in net worth is a testament to his prowess, not just as an athlete but as a savvy businessman in the world of sports.
