Cricket stars are often recognized for their scintillating performances on the field and fan following off it. As a result, sometimes they also join various causes to social awareness among the citizens of India. However, there is one more aspect, which mostly goes unnoticed once the stipulated time given by the government passes away. That aspect is the responsibility of paying taxes on time to the Indian government, which contributes to the growth of the nation’s economy eventually.
Being a role model, paying taxes also raises awareness among the public to realize their responsibility to pay taxes which they are liable for. Hence in the fiscal year 2024, some Indian cricket stars showcased their financial commitment and their brand value. Star India batter Virat Kohli yet again topped the taxpaying charts by paying nearly 70 crore in taxes. Therefore, it is safe to say that he is the financial powerhouse of the Indian sports fraternity.
Interestingly enough, apart from former international cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni joined the bandwagon and continue to remain in the headlines, when it comes to paying taxes every year even after taking a backseat from cricket for a few years now. Additionally, the tax-paying activity not only shows the financial power of a cricket star but also reveals the other income sources away from the game thereby enhancing their business acumen. However, amidst all the news and data of the taxes revealed, surprisingly, the current Team India Captain, Rohit Sharma, was missing from the top 20 tax-paying cricket stars despite being one of the most popular Indian cricketers among the fans. This duly depicts
the diverse financial aspects of tax contributors.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 Indian cricketers who paid the highest income taxes:
5. Hardik Pandya (₹13 Crore)
The last name in the list may surprise some but the flamboyant allrounder Hardik Pandya also made his presence felt in the list of the highest tax-paying cricketers. Baroda-based Indian cricket star has continued to soar in his earnings.
Courtesy of his investment habits and brand endorsements. Pandya paid ₹13 Crore as taxes in FY2024. Notably, the allrounder recently took to the fashion retail business as well and expanded his ever-growing brand value by truing out his hands in multiple business ventures.
4. Sourav Ganguly (₹23 Crore)
Former Captain and opening partner of Sachin Tendulkar and BCCI’s top brass, Sourav Ganguly, continued his ‘dadagiri’ even when it comes to paying taxes. The ‘Prince of Kolkata’ contributed a notable 23 Crore for FY 2024. His sharp business skills can be attributed to his financial success.
Dada as he is fondly known, continues to relish his royal status even after stepping away from international cricket. Notably, after retiring, Ganguly continued to earn through various brand endorsements along with business investments reportedly in different realms in Bengal. This proves his versatile leadership even away from the field.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (₹28 Crore)
It seems like popularity and Sachin Tendulkar are like a match made in heaven. The Master Blaster is in the third spot when it comes to paying taxes responsibly. What is the most incredible thing about Tendulkar is that the legendary Indian batter stepped away from international cricket over a decade ago.
Yet the fans love him as if he never retired. Speaking of his tax contributions, the Mumbaikar paid ₹28 Crore in taxes for the financial year 2024.
2. MS Dhoni (₹38 Crore)
The former Indian legendary Captain, MS Dhoni, is widely known for his finishing acts on the field. The prolific paid a hefty ₹38 crore in taxes. Commendably enough, even after retiring from international cricket nearly five years ago, continues to enjoy immense popularity.
He not only is a fan favorite but also among big brands when it comes to brand endorsements. As a result, ‘Captain Cool’ is in the second spot of the highest taxpayers in the world of Indian cricket.
1. Virat Kohli (₹66 Crore)
The king of Indian cricket leads the highest taxpayers’ pack. Virat Kohli continues to remain at the helm of the highest payers list as he paid a mindboggling ₹66 crore income tax for the financial cycle 2024.
Consequently, King Kohli became the fifth-highest taxpayer among all Indian celebrities who hail from different walks of life. Notably, in recent years, the batting maestro’s net worth has increased manifold. To conclude, it would be fair to say that Indian cricket stars make a big impact even when they are out of action and contribute greatly towards the well-being of the country.