Virat Kohli @ 36: Icon on the cricket field & star in the endorsement arena

Virat Kohli, the icon of Indian cricket, celebrates his birthday today. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Virat Kohli's rise in the cricketing world has been meteoric.

He first gained attention as the captain of the Indian U-19 team, leading them to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Kohli, known for his aggressive batting style, has broken numerous records. With his charisma and stellar performances, he has been reigning the cricketing universe and the endorsement world alike.

In the marketing landscape, Virat Kohli stands as one of the most valuable endorsements. Brands seek his association for their campaigns, knowing his influence can significantly boost their visibility and credibility. Kohli's positioning is further strengthened by his authenticity and relatability, making him a sought-after figure for various sectors, from sports to lifestyle. As he continues to evolve, Kohli's brand remains synonymous with success, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, securing his place as a key player in the marketing world.

One 8 Collaborations

Launched in 2018, One 8 is Virat Kohli's lifestyle brand, developed in collaboration with Puma, that reflects his passion for fitness, style, and modern living. The brand aims to inspire the youth to embrace an active lifestyle, aligning with Kohli's own commitment to health and wellness. One 8 has established itself in the market by offering an extensive range of products, including performance-driven activewear, stylish gym clothing, and sports shoes designed for both comfort and functionality.

In addition to its fitness apparel, One8 has ventured into the fragrance market, introducing scents that capture Kohli's dynamic personality and resonate with fans. The brand's reach extends into the culinary world with its restaurants and cafes, which focus on promoting healthy eating and nutritious options. These establishments are designed to provide a holistic lifestyle experience, encouraging patrons to maintain a balance between fitness and enjoyment.

Kohli's advertisements for One 8 are known for their high energy and motivational messages. The campaigns often highlight his commitment to fitness and showcase the versatility of the brand's products. In these ads, Kohli emphasizes the importance of staying active and encourages fans to embrace a healthy lifestyle. His relatable and inspiring persona helps connect the brand with a younger audience, making the advertisements memorable and impactful.

Along with wife actor Anushka Sharma, Kohli has been part of several ad campaigns.

Blue Tribe

Plant-based food innovation company Blue Tribe has the celebrity couples, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, star in its recent campaign. The duo is known for their commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and embodies Blue Tribe's mission to make plant-based eating mainstream.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its latest campaign for the Hero Xtreme Power Brand featuring Virat Kohli. The film is centred around the Xtreme brand's motto, “Challenging the Extreme.” The campaign along with Kohli celebrates the spirit of challenge and the joy of pushing limits.

Essilor

Essilor recently launched a new campaign featuring Kohli. The campaign film showcases him as an evangelist and advocate for Varilux to his coach from yesteryears. Narasimhan Narayanan, President, EssilorLuxottica South Asia, said during the campaign launch: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with global sports icon - Virat Kohli. His phenomenal appeal and pursuit of excellence are aligned with our mission to raise awareness about clear and healthy vision at all ages.”

Social Media Star

Virat Kohli has established his presence on social media platforms too, engaging with millions of followers. His lifestyle choices, fashion sense, and fitness regime make him a trendsetter, appealing to both sports fans and the general public. He embodies the spirit of modern athletes who leverage their fame to build diverse brand identities.

In a notable achievement, Kohli has surpassed Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh to secure the position of India’s most valuable celebrity by brand value. According to Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023, Kohli's brand value surged by 29%, reaching $227.9 million (approximately Rs 1,900 crore). This impressive rise underscores Kohli's widespread influence and dominant position among Indian celebrities.

As of October 2024, Virat Kohli's annual earnings exceed USD 17.5 million, with a substantial portion stemming from social media posts and brand endorsements. Ranked 14th among the highest-paid stars on Instagram as of 2022, Kohli reportedly earns $1,088,000 per post.

Kohli’s extensive brand endorsement portfolio includes Toothsi, Noise, Av?s Living, Blue Tribe, Rage Coffee, Fire-Boltt, Digit Insurance, Vivo, Vize, Great Learning, Blue Star, Wellman, Himalaya, Myntra, Google Duo, Mobile Premier League, Puma, Hero MotoCorp, Wrogn, MuveAcoustics, Too Yumm, Tissot, Audi India, Manyavar, Sun Pharma’s Volini, Royal Challenge Alcohol, MRF Tyres, Uber India, Valvoline, Remit 2 India, Philips India, Boost Energy Drink, Shyam Steel, Amaze inverters and batteries, Hyperice, American Tourister, Colgate, Herbalife Nutrition, Fire-Boltt, Pepsi, Munch, UPI Chalega, Fastrack, Celkon Mobiles, Cinthol, Adidas, Toyota, Clear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and Star Sports.

As Virat Kohli celebrates another year, his journey from a cricketing prodigy to a multifaceted brand reflects not only his talent but also his vision to inspire and lead.