Virat Kohli becomes India's most valuable celebrity in 2026, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli has become India's most valuable celebrity in 2026, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian cricket star topped the inaugural Fortune India-Interbrand Most Valuable Celebrities 2026 list with a brand value of ₹3,542 crore, making him the country's biggest celebrity brand.

The rankings were based on research by TAM Media Research. Former India captain MS Dhoni and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar are the only other sportspersons in the top 10 list. The remaining seven celebrities are from the Indian film industry, showing the strong influence of Bollywood.

Shah Rukh Khan secured the second spot with a brand value of ₹3,017 crore, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas ranked third. According to TAM Media Research, 29% of all television advertisements feature celebrities, and Bollywood actors account for 74% of that ad airtime. However, Virat Kohli's top ranking highlights the growing brand value and popularity of Indian cricketers.

Kohli dethrones Bollywood and cricket legends to top the 2026 rankings

Virat Kohli has topped the Fortune India-Interbrand Most Valuable Celebrities 2026 rankings with a brand value of ₹3,542 crore. He is ahead of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is second with ₹3,017 crore, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas ranks third with ₹2,507 crore. The study shows that brand value is no longer based only on popularity. It also considers trust, audience engagement, cultural relevance, social media influence and commercial impact.

The report highlights the growing value of celebrity endorsements in India. According to Kroll's Celebrity Brand Valuation Study, the combined brand value of India's top celebrity brands crossed $2 billion in 2024. The study measures each celebrity's contribution through brand endorsements, consumer trust, social media presence, cultural relevance, audience engagement and overall commercial value.

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Former India captains MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar are also among the top 10 despite retiring from international cricket. Dhoni continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League, while Tendulkar played his last competitive match in the International Masters League T20 final on March 16, 2025. Their continued presence in the rankings reflects their strong brand value and lasting popularity.

Top 10 most valuable celebrities in India 2026

Here's how Kohli's brand value compares to SRK, Dhoni and Sachin

Virat Kohli's brand value is driven by his massive popularity and strong connection with fans. He has more than 272 million Instagram followers, making him one of the most-followed athletes in the world. The study also noted that his social media engagement is higher than that of any other Indian celebrity, helping him stay ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli is not only a successful cricketer but also a smart businessman. He endorses more than 30 major brands across different sectors, including sportswear, automobiles, fashion, food and technology. Some of the leading brands associated with him are Puma, MRF Tyres, Myntra, Manyavar, Noise, Audi and HSBC.

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Apart from brand endorsements, Kohli has built his own business portfolio. He owns the One8 lifestyle brand, the WROGN fashion label and One8 Commune restaurants. He has also invested in Agilitas Sports. These businesses, along with his endorsement deals, have helped him become India's most valuable celebrity brand in 2026.

Which sports stars are in India's top 20 most valuable celebrities list?

Indian sportspersons have made a strong impact in the Most Valuable Celebrities 2026 rankings, with six athletes featuring in the top 20. Virat Kohli leads the list at No. 1 with a brand value of ₹3,542 crore. MS Dhoni is ranked fourth with ₹2,141 crore, while Sachin Tendulkar is eighth with ₹1,676 crore. Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma and Neeraj Chopra are also among the top 20, highlighting the growing commercial value of Indian athletes.

Former India captain MS Dhoni remains one of the country's most trusted celebrity endorsers. According to the study, he endorses 43 brands, the highest among all celebrities on the list. His endorsement portfolio includes State Bank of India (SBI), Gulf Oil, Indigo Paints, EMotorad, GoDaddy and Garuda Aerospace. His strong reputation for trust, consistency and calm leadership continues to make him a favourite among brands.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has also strengthened his brand value with an increase in endorsement deals. His portfolio includes BMW India, Unacademy, Spinny, Boost and Visa. The study said his growing commercial appeal helped him remain one of India's most valuable celebrity brands, showing that his popularity continues long after his retirement from international cricket.