Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36, marking a significant moment in Indian cricket. The decision comes just days before India's five-match Test series in England, which is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2025.
Kohli shared a heartfelt letter on Instagram to break the news, expressing his gratitude for the journey and his deep emotional connection to the longest format of the game. He wrote, "I've given everything I had," reflecting on the personal and professional significance Test cricket held for him.
Also Read - Virat Kohli: A monk in a civil society - Test cricket’s greatest devotee calls it a day
This announcement, signaling the end of an era in Indian cricket, follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement. As the team prepares for the upcoming England series, Kohli’s departure leaves a notable leadership and experience void in the squad.
According to a report in Times Now, Virat Kohli, with a net worth of Rs 1,050 crore, is now among the wealthiest sports personalities globally. His wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, has an estimated net worth of Rs 255 crore. Their combined wealth, which exceeds Rs 1,250 crore, stems from a blend of brand endorsements, entrepreneurial ventures, and strategic investments. The couple owns residences in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurgaon.
Illustrious legacyInspiring intensityIncredible iconThe Former #TeamIndia Captain gave it all to Test CricketThank you for the memories in whites, Virat Kohli #ViratKohli | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/febCkcFhoC
BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
Also Read - Virat Kohli’s Test Legacy: Captain fantastic who ended India’s overseas woes with bat and bravery
Kohli's income sources include match fees (Rs 15 lakh per Test, Rs 6 lakh per ODI, and Rs 3 lakh per T20I) and a BCCI A+ central contract worth Rs 7 crore annually. Since 2008, he has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, securing one of the most lucrative contracts in domestic cricket.
His IPL earnings have grown exponentially—from Rs 12 lakh in 2008 to Rs 17 crore annually between 2018 and 2021. As of 2025, he reportedly earns Rs 21 crore per season, bringing his total IPL earnings to Rs 212.44 crore, according to OneCricket. Despite stepping down as RCB captain in 2021, he remains the franchise’s marquee player.
Kohli is considered one of the world’s most marketable athletes, with endorsements for over 30 brands.
Some of his major deals include:
MRF Tyres: Rs 100 crore (8-year bat sponsorship)
Puma: Rs 110 crore (8-year deal)
Audi India: Rs 5 crore
Other notable brand associations include Nestlé, Reebok, Myntra, Tissot, Boost, Head & Shoulders, Pepsi, and more. As per StockGro and Forbes India, these endorsements account for a significant portion of his overall income.
Kohli also has a sharp business acumen, demonstrated through his entrepreneurial ventures:
One8 (in collaboration with Puma), which includes lifestyle apparel, fragrances, and the One8 Commune café chain
WROGN, a youth-focused fashion label
Chisel Fitness, a gym chain in which he invested Rs 90 crore
Nueva, a fine-dining restaurant in New Delhi
In sports ownership, he has stakes in:
FC Goa (Indian Super League)
UAE Royals (International Premier Tennis League)
Bengaluru Yodhas (Pro Wrestling League)
In the startup ecosystem, Kohli has invested in:
Blue Tribe (a plant-based meat startup, co-invested with Anushka Sharma)
Rage Coffee
Digit Insurance
Sport Convo, a UK-based sports social networking platform
Anushka Sharma, a leading figure in Indian cinema, also excels as an entrepreneur. Her production company, Clean Slate Filmz, along with endorsements and film projects, contributes to her personal net worth of Rs 255 crore. Together, they are among India’s richest celebrity couples.
The couple owns two luxurious residences:
A 10,000-square-foot mansion in Gurgaon, worth ₹80 crore, featuring a private art gallery, pool, and bar.
A 7,000-square-foot sea-facing apartment in Mumbai, valued at ₹34 crore, with opulent interiors and a lavish pool.
These homes symbolize Kohli’s journey from a Delhi boy with dreams to a globally celebrated figure.
Despite his luxurious lifestyle—which includes a collection of high-end cars like Audi, Bentley, and Mercedes—Kohli remains grounded through his philanthropic efforts. The Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF), founded in 2013, focuses on supporting underprivileged athletes and promoting sports at the grassroots level, with initiatives in education and healthcare.
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