MS Dhoni Emerges as Top Brand Endorser, Surpassing Bollywood Legends
MS Dhoni, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, continues to maintain his dominance, not on the cricket field but in the world of brand endorsements. Even though he retired from international cricket four years ago, Dhoni’s appeal remains undiminished. His active involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), keeps him relevant in the public eye. Recently, he was retained by CSK for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, highlighting his enduring significance to the franchise.
What truly sets Dhoni apart is his growing influence beyond the cricketing arena. According to a recent report by TAM Media Research, Dhoni has surpassed Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in the number of brand endorsements for the first half of 2024. While Dhoni secured 42 brand deals, Amitabh followed closely with 41, and Shah Rukh held 34 deals. This achievement reflects Dhoni’s unparalleled marketability even years after stepping down from international cricket.
Dhoni’s association with several prominent brands showcases his wide-ranging appeal. He recently became the face of Eurogrip Tyres and has ongoing collaborations with leading companies like Gulf Oil, MasterCard, Cleartrip, Citroën, Lay’s, and Garuda Aerospace. These partnerships underline his strong reputation as a reliable and trustworthy brand ambassador. His off-field persona, characterized by humility and discipline, has contributed significantly to his success in the world of advertising.
In the cricketing realm, Dhoni’s transition from captaincy to a supporting role has been seamless. After leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, he stepped down as captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, Gaikwad’s leadership debut saw CSK failing to qualify for the playoffs. Despite this, Dhoni’s influence within the team remains significant, as reflected in his retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. CSK has also retained key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube, signaling their intent to build a strong team for another title challenge.
The IPL 2025 mega auction, set to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, promises to be an exciting event as teams aim to revamp their squads for the upcoming season. The introduction of a new retention rule, allowing franchises to keep players as uncapped if they haven’t played international cricket for five years, ensured Dhoni’s place in the CSK lineup. This innovative rule underscores the IPL’s focus on retaining iconic players who continue to contribute significantly to their franchises.
Dhoni’s rise to the top of the endorsement chart is a testament to his enduring popularity and widespread appeal. His journey from a cricketer to a global brand icon is remarkable, reflecting his ability to connect with diverse audiences. As one of India’s most respected sports personalities, Dhoni’s influence extends beyond cricket, inspiring millions with his discipline, work ethic, and calm demeanor.
The upcoming IPL season will once again see Dhoni donning the yellow jersey, bringing excitement to his fans worldwide. As he continues to dominate off the field through his brand partnerships and on-field presence in the IPL, Dhoni’s legacy as a cricketing icon and a marketable personality remains unmatched. His ability to adapt and stay relevant, even after retiring from international cricket, showcases the qualities that make him one of India’s most beloved sports figures.