There’s little to doubt about the kind of popularity cricket has in India. There’s an age-old adage that says “Cricket is a religion in India”, and even the finest debaters will stand mum in a motion to disprove that. The popularity of cricket in India has been like that stock in the national market that never drops down, not even momentarily.

Cricket is not followed by large swathes of the planet, but in India, finding even a single such sport that stands in the competition of cricket is an impossible task. Such zenithal fame of the game makes it a proper platform for brands to promote and endorse a variety of things. Apart from sponsoring, television advertisements, logos on the team’s jersey, and banners on the ground, a prominent manner of promoting brands happens to be bat sponsorship.

Over the years, there have been some renowned associations between players and companies as per which different the former have agreed to show off their sign on the bat and earn devastating sums of money. Consistent performers attract the attention of such brands and they end up paying massive sums of money to the players for their agreements.

Let’s take a look at 5 jaw-dropping bat sponsorship deals in Indian cricket-

1. Rohit Sharma- 3 Crore annually with CEAT

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-395282" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-395282" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The flamboyant Indian-opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rohit-sharma-unveils-his-virat-kohli-like-bearded-look-ahead-of-ipl-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rohit Sharma</a> has grown in leaps and bounds as a player in the last half a decade or so. His wondrous exploits in the limited-over formats with the bat have been second to only the mighty best Virat Kohli, and he has ensured to do everything right to garner the attention of leading companies to invest in him.

His association with CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer and a rival brand of MRF, dates back to 2016. As per The Economic Times, the right-handed batsman gets a fat paycheck of Rs. 3 Crore to display the CEAT logo on his bat. The prominent manufacturing company had extended the contract with Rohit for a period of three years in 2018.

Rohit Sharma has matured immensely and has established himself as a player of stature in the international set up. With feats like four IPL titles and 3 ODI double tons to his name, he has achieved a lot at a young age. In 32 Tests, 224 ODIs, and 108 T20Is, he has accumulated 2141, 9115, and 2773 runs respectively.

2. Shikhar Dhawan- 3 Crore annually with MRF

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-419722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-419722" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Much like his opening partner Rohit Sharma, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tu-yeh-sab-nah-kar-shikhar-dhawan-hilariously-trolls-hard-working-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has also tasted success as he has cemented his spot in the Indian team. The opening batsman has made a reputation in the top-order and has always fired on the big occasions for India.

Banking on his rising fame, MRF signed him for a sum of Rs. 3 Crore annually. With the MRF moniker on his bat, the Delhi-southpaw joined the elite list of players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli, all of whom have been sponsored by the leading tyre manufacturing brand over the years.

After initial years of struggle and failing to find enough opportunities to stabilize his spot in the team, Dhawan grabbed the chances later and has thus far represented India in 34 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 60 T20Is with 2315, 5688, and 1588 runs respectively.

3. Yuvraj Singh- 4 Crore annually with Puma

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-436212" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Yuvraj-Singh-with-Puma-bat.jpg" alt="Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-436212" class="wp-caption-text">Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The swashbuckling southpaw, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/punjab-cricket-association-pca-requests-yuvraj-singh-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yuvraj Singh</a>, has been another renowned and stylish brand icon over the years. The NatWest-trophy fame became a regular feature of the Indian outfit and established his name with some authority in the new millennium. Yuvraj scaled marvellous heights and the period between 2007 ICC T20 World Cup to the 2011 ICC World Cup fetched him supremely.

The World Cup-winning all-rounder began his association with PUMA, the world’s third-largest sportswear manufacturer, in the year 2011. As per The Hindu Business Line, Yuvraj Singh entered into an agreement with the brand and he earned a massive sum of Rs. 4 crores annually to flaunt the PUMA emblem on his bat.

Yuvi has been an inspiration for one and all after the way he has led in life by defeating the deadly disease of cancer. In an illustrious career of 17 years, he represented India in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is and scored 1900, 8701, and 1177 runs respectively.

4. MS Dhoni- 4.33 Crore annually with Spartan

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-310264" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-8.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni, India, finisher" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-310264" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption>

If there is any player after Sachin Tendulkar who has been deified by the fans and has been given a god-like status in the nation, it is <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-sakshi-dhoni-reacts-after-ms-dhoni-reunites-with-csk-members-for-training-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a>. Unarguably an astute leader, the most capable finisher, and the craftiest wicket-keeper, Dhoni was and continues to be a popular choice for brands.

As per The Economic Times, the Indian skipper was signed by Spartan, an Australian brand, in 2013 for a whopping amount of Rs. 25 crores to sponsor the brand on his bat. The deal was renewed in 2016 for another three years and the Ranchi-born superstar was to pocket Rs. 13 Crore i.e. 4.33 Crore annually. However, reports suggest that the company defaulted the payments in the second leg of the contract.

Dhoni’s rag to the riches story has been nothing short of inspirational. He ruled the hearts of the nation for years and continues to do so without any fading. In 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is for India, he amassed 4876, 10,773, and 1617 runs respectively.

5. Virat Kohli- 12.5 crore annually with MRF

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-402382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-9.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-402382" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The incumbent Indian skipper is undoubtedly the most famous sportsperson in India. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mums-been-crying-all-day-where-did-you-go-csk-react-hilariously-after-rcb-compare-virat-kohli-with-a-lion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Virat Kohli</a>, through his prolific performances over the last decade, has established his name as a brand in itself. His indescribable exploits with the bat are not unknown to any and the immense following and adulation of fans have made him a hot choice for companies to invest their bucks in.

MRF, which stands for “Madras Rubber Factory”, is the largest manufacturer of tyres in India and has been one of the most common sponsors of bats in Indian cricket. As per India Today, Kohli signed an unprecedented eight-year deal running from 2017 with MRF for a mind-baffling 100 Crores; which comes as 12.5 crores per annum. All of this just for flashing the MRF insignia on his willow!

He was earlier signed by MRF in 2015 for a three-year period and reportedly received 8 crores per annum, however, with his increasing dominance and popularity, MRF decided to pour in with both hands. The Delhi-dazzler has played 86 Tests, 240 ODIs, and 81 T20Is for India, scoring 7240, 11867, and 2794 runs respectively.

There’s little to doubt about the kind of popularity cricket has in India. There’s an age-old adage that says “Cricket is a religion in India”, and even the finest debaters will stand mum in a motion to disprove that. The popularity of cricket in India has been like that stock in the national market that never drops down, not even momentarily.
Cricket is not followed by large swathes of the planet, but in India, finding even a single such sport that stands in the competition of cricket is an impossible task. Such zenithal fame of the game makes it a proper platform for brands to promote and endorse a variety of things. Apart from sponsoring, television advertisements, logos on the team’s jersey, and banners on the ground, a prominent manner of promoting brands happens to be bat sponsorship.
Over the years, there have been some renowned associations between players and companies as per which different the former have agreed to show off their sign on the bat and earn devastating sums of money. Consistent performers attract the attention of such brands and they end up paying massive sums of money to the players for their agreements.
<h3>Let’s take a look at 5 jaw-dropping bat sponsorship deals in Indian cricket-</h3>
<h3>1. Rohit Sharma- 3 Crore annually with CEAT</h3>
<figure id="attachment_395282" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-395282" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-395282" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-395282" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The flamboyant Indian-opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rohit-sharma-unveils-his-virat-kohli-like-bearded-look-ahead-of-ipl-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rohit Sharma</a> has grown in leaps and bounds as a player in the last half a decade or so. His wondrous exploits in the limited-over formats with the bat have been second to only the mighty best Virat Kohli, and he has ensured to do everything right to garner the attention of leading companies to invest in him.
His association with CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer and a rival brand of MRF, dates back to 2016. As per The Economic Times, the right-handed batsman gets a fat paycheck of Rs. 3 Crore to display the CEAT logo on his bat. The prominent manufacturing company had extended the contract with Rohit for a period of three years in 2018.
Rohit Sharma has matured immensely and has established himself as a player of stature in the international set up. With feats like four IPL titles and 3 ODI double tons to his name, he has achieved a lot at a young age. In 32 Tests, 224 ODIs, and 108 T20Is, he has accumulated 2141, 9115, and 2773 runs respectively.
<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan- 3 Crore annually with MRF</h3>
<figure id="attachment_419722" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-419722" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-419722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-419722" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Much like his opening partner Rohit Sharma, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tu-yeh-sab-nah-kar-shikhar-dhawan-hilariously-trolls-hard-working-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has also tasted success as he has cemented his spot in the Indian team. The opening batsman has made a reputation in the top-order and has always fired on the big occasions for India.
Banking on his rising fame, MRF signed him for a sum of Rs. 3 Crore annually. With the MRF moniker on his bat, the Delhi-southpaw joined the elite list of players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli, all of whom have been sponsored by the leading tyre manufacturing brand over the years.
After initial years of struggle and failing to find enough opportunities to stabilize his spot in the team, Dhawan grabbed the chances later and has thus far represented India in 34 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 60 T20Is with 2315, 5688, and 1588 runs respectively.
<h3>3. Yuvraj Singh- 4 Crore annually with Puma</h3>
<figure id="attachment_436212" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-436212" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-436212" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Yuvraj-Singh-with-Puma-bat.jpg" alt="Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-436212" class="wp-caption-text">Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The swashbuckling southpaw, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/punjab-cricket-association-pca-requests-yuvraj-singh-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yuvraj Singh</a>, has been another renowned and stylish brand icon over the years. The NatWest-trophy fame became a regular feature of the Indian outfit and established his name with some authority in the new millennium. Yuvraj scaled marvellous heights and the period between 2007 ICC T20 World Cup to the 2011 ICC World Cup fetched him supremely.
The World Cup-winning all-rounder began his association with PUMA, the world’s third-largest sportswear manufacturer, in the year 2011. As per The Hindu Business Line, Yuvraj Singh entered into an agreement with the brand and he earned a massive sum of Rs. 4 crores annually to flaunt the PUMA emblem on his bat.
Yuvi has been an inspiration for one and all after the way he has led in life by defeating the deadly disease of cancer. In an illustrious career of 17 years, he represented India in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is and scored 1900, 8701, and 1177 runs respectively.
<h3>4. MS Dhoni- 4.33 Crore annually with Spartan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_310264" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-310264" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-310264" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-8.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni, India, finisher" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-310264" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
If there is any player after Sachin Tendulkar who has been deified by the fans and has been given a god-like status in the nation, it is <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-sakshi-dhoni-reacts-after-ms-dhoni-reunites-with-csk-members-for-training-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a>. Unarguably an astute leader, the most capable finisher, and the craftiest wicket-keeper, Dhoni was and continues to be a popular choice for brands.
As per The Economic Times, the Indian skipper was signed by Spartan, an Australian brand, in 2013 for a whopping amount of Rs. 25 crores to sponsor the brand on his bat. The deal was renewed in 2016 for another three years and the Ranchi-born superstar was to pocket Rs. 13 Crore i.e. 4.33 Crore annually. However, reports suggest that the company defaulted the payments in the second leg of the contract.
Dhoni’s rag to the riches story has been nothing short of inspirational. He ruled the hearts of the nation for years and continues to do so without any fading. In 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is for India, he amassed 4876, 10,773, and 1617 runs respectively.
<h3>5. Virat Kohli- 12.5 crore annually with MRF</h3>
<figure id="attachment_402382" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-402382" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-402382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-9.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-402382" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The incumbent Indian skipper is undoubtedly the most famous sportsperson in India. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mums-been-crying-all-day-where-did-you-go-csk-react-hilariously-after-rcb-compare-virat-kohli-with-a-lion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Virat Kohli</a>, through his prolific performances over the last decade, has established his name as a brand in itself. His indescribable exploits with the bat are not unknown to any and the immense following and adulation of fans have made him a hot choice for companies to invest their bucks in.
MRF, which stands for “Madras Rubber Factory”, is the largest manufacturer of tyres in India and has been one of the most common sponsors of bats in Indian cricket. As per India Today, Kohli signed an unprecedented eight-year deal running from 2017 with MRF for a mind-baffling 100 Crores; which comes as 12.5 crores per annum. All of this just for flashing the MRF insignia on his willow!
He was earlier signed by MRF in 2015 for a three-year period and reportedly received 8 crores per annum, however, with his increasing dominance and popularity, MRF decided to pour in with both hands. The Delhi-dazzler has played 86 Tests, 240 ODIs, and 81 T20Is for India, scoring 7240, 11867, and 2794 runs respectively.

There’s little to doubt about the kind of popularity cricket has in India. There’s an age-old adage that says “Cricket is a religion in India”, and even the finest debaters will stand mum in a motion to disprove that. The popularity of cricket in India has been like that stock in the national market that never drops down, not even momentarily.
Cricket is not followed by large swathes of the planet, but in India, finding even a single such sport that stands in the competition of cricket is an impossible task. Such zenithal fame of the game makes it a proper platform for brands to promote and endorse a variety of things. Apart from sponsoring, television advertisements, logos on the team’s jersey, and banners on the ground, a prominent manner of promoting brands happens to be bat sponsorship.
Over the years, there have been some renowned associations between players and companies as per which different the former have agreed to show off their sign on the bat and earn devastating sums of money. Consistent performers attract the attention of such brands and they end up paying massive sums of money to the players for their agreements.
<h3>Let’s take a look at 5 jaw-dropping bat sponsorship deals in Indian cricket-</h3>
<h3>1. Rohit Sharma- 3 Crore annually with CEAT</h3>
<figure id="attachment_395282" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-395282" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-395282" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-395282" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The flamboyant Indian-opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rohit-sharma-unveils-his-virat-kohli-like-bearded-look-ahead-of-ipl-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rohit Sharma</a> has grown in leaps and bounds as a player in the last half a decade or so. His wondrous exploits in the limited-over formats with the bat have been second to only the mighty best Virat Kohli, and he has ensured to do everything right to garner the attention of leading companies to invest in him.
His association with CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer and a rival brand of MRF, dates back to 2016. As per The Economic Times, the right-handed batsman gets a fat paycheck of Rs. 3 Crore to display the CEAT logo on his bat. The prominent manufacturing company had extended the contract with Rohit for a period of three years in 2018.
Rohit Sharma has matured immensely and has established himself as a player of stature in the international set up. With feats like four IPL titles and 3 ODI double tons to his name, he has achieved a lot at a young age. In 32 Tests, 224 ODIs, and 108 T20Is, he has accumulated 2141, 9115, and 2773 runs respectively.
<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan- 3 Crore annually with MRF</h3>
<figure id="attachment_419722" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-419722" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-419722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-419722" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Much like his opening partner Rohit Sharma, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tu-yeh-sab-nah-kar-shikhar-dhawan-hilariously-trolls-hard-working-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has also tasted success as he has cemented his spot in the Indian team. The opening batsman has made a reputation in the top-order and has always fired on the big occasions for India.
Banking on his rising fame, MRF signed him for a sum of Rs. 3 Crore annually. With the MRF moniker on his bat, the Delhi-southpaw joined the elite list of players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli, all of whom have been sponsored by the leading tyre manufacturing brand over the years.
After initial years of struggle and failing to find enough opportunities to stabilize his spot in the team, Dhawan grabbed the chances later and has thus far represented India in 34 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 60 T20Is with 2315, 5688, and 1588 runs respectively.
<h3>3. Yuvraj Singh- 4 Crore annually with Puma</h3>
<figure id="attachment_436212" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-436212" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-436212" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Yuvraj-Singh-with-Puma-bat.jpg" alt="Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-436212" class="wp-caption-text">Yuvraj Singh with Puma bat. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The swashbuckling southpaw, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/punjab-cricket-association-pca-requests-yuvraj-singh-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yuvraj Singh</a>, has been another renowned and stylish brand icon over the years. The NatWest-trophy fame became a regular feature of the Indian outfit and established his name with some authority in the new millennium. Yuvraj scaled marvellous heights and the period between 2007 ICC T20 World Cup to the 2011 ICC World Cup fetched him supremely.
The World Cup-winning all-rounder began his association with PUMA, the world’s third-largest sportswear manufacturer, in the year 2011. As per The Hindu Business Line, Yuvraj Singh entered into an agreement with the brand and he earned a massive sum of Rs. 4 crores annually to flaunt the PUMA emblem on his bat.
Yuvi has been an inspiration for one and all after the way he has led in life by defeating the deadly disease of cancer. In an illustrious career of 17 years, he represented India in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is and scored 1900, 8701, and 1177 runs respectively.
<h3>4. MS Dhoni- 4.33 Crore annually with Spartan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_310264" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-310264" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-310264" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-8.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni, India, finisher" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-310264" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
If there is any player after Sachin Tendulkar who has been deified by the fans and has been given a god-like status in the nation, it is <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-sakshi-dhoni-reacts-after-ms-dhoni-reunites-with-csk-members-for-training-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a>. Unarguably an astute leader, the most capable finisher, and the craftiest wicket-keeper, Dhoni was and continues to be a popular choice for brands.
As per The Economic Times, the Indian skipper was signed by Spartan, an Australian brand, in 2013 for a whopping amount of Rs. 25 crores to sponsor the brand on his bat. The deal was renewed in 2016 for another three years and the Ranchi-born superstar was to pocket Rs. 13 Crore i.e. 4.33 Crore annually. However, reports suggest that the company defaulted the payments in the second leg of the contract.
Dhoni’s rag to the riches story has been nothing short of inspirational. He ruled the hearts of the nation for years and continues to do so without any fading. In 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is for India, he amassed 4876, 10,773, and 1617 runs respectively.
<h3>5. Virat Kohli- 12.5 crore annually with MRF</h3>
<figure id="attachment_402382" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-402382" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-402382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-9.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-402382" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The incumbent Indian skipper is undoubtedly the most famous sportsperson in India. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mums-been-crying-all-day-where-did-you-go-csk-react-hilariously-after-rcb-compare-virat-kohli-with-a-lion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Virat Kohli</a>, through his prolific performances over the last decade, has established his name as a brand in itself. His indescribable exploits with the bat are not unknown to any and the immense following and adulation of fans have made him a hot choice for companies to invest their bucks in.
MRF, which stands for “Madras Rubber Factory”, is the largest manufacturer of tyres in India and has been one of the most common sponsors of bats in Indian cricket. As per India Today, Kohli signed an unprecedented eight-year deal running from 2017 with MRF for a mind-baffling 100 Crores; which comes as 12.5 crores per annum. All of this just for flashing the MRF insignia on his willow!
He was earlier signed by MRF in 2015 for a three-year period and reportedly received 8 crores per annum, however, with his increasing dominance and popularity, MRF decided to pour in with both hands. The Delhi-dazzler has played 86 Tests, 240 ODIs, and 81 T20Is for India, scoring 7240, 11867, and 2794 runs respectively.

Over the years, there have been some renowned associations between players and companies as per which different players have agreed to show off their sign on the bat and earn devastating sums of money.

Top 5 bat sponsorship deals in Indian cricket

There’s little to doubt about the kind of popularity cricket has in India. There’s an age-old adage that says “Cricket is a religion in India