Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, or Hardik Pandya: Who Paid the Highest Tax Among Cricketers in FY 2023-24?
When it comes to Indian cricketers, names like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Hardik Pandya dominate not just the sports field but also the financial landscape. These cricketers have built empires off the pitch, with income streams ranging from endorsements to business ventures. But who among them paid the highest tax in the fiscal year 2023-24? The answer is likely to stir debates and raise eyebrows.
Virat Kohli: The Brand King
Virat Kohli is more than just an aggressive batsman; he’s a marketing juggernaut. His endorsement deals with brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF earn him millions. Add to that his growing investments in the fashion label Wrogn and fitness ventures like Chisel gyms, and you have a cricketer who’s swimming in wealth. In FY 2023-24, Kohli’s earnings from both cricket and his off-field ventures were estimated to be in the vicinity of ₹250-300 crore. Given India’s progressive tax system, it’s no surprise that Kohli’s tax liability would be in the ballpark of ₹60-70 crore, making him one of the highest taxpayers in the country.
However, some critics argue that Kohli’s wealth doesn’t necessarily translate into proportionate taxes. The athlete, like many high-net-worth individuals, benefits from strategic investments that reduce taxable income. Rumors have also circulated that Kohli, through his companies and trusts, has managed to minimize his tax outlay. While there’s no direct evidence to support this, it does raise questions about how transparent our sports icons are about their financial dealings.
MS Dhoni: The Silent Billionaire
While Kohli’s wealth is always under the spotlight, MS Dhoni is a master of quiet accumulation. With his stakes in companies like 7InkBrews, investments in startups, and his widely successful endorsement portfolio, Dhoni’s earnings were substantial even after retiring from international cricket. His tax filings in FY 2023-24 reportedly reflect an income close to ₹150 crore. Dhoni, being a disciplined individual, has always maintained a clean slate with tax authorities, paying his dues without much noise. His estimated tax contribution for FY 2023-24 stands around ₹35-40 crore.
Interestingly, Dhoni’s investments in agriculture, particularly organic farming, have reportedly helped him claim certain tax benefits. Indian law offers tax incentives for income from agriculture, and Dhoni seems to have leveraged this to reduce his overall tax burden. While completely legal, this strategy could be seen as exploiting loopholes in the system, sparking debates about fairness.
Sachin Tendulkar: The God of Cricket and Taxes?
Sachin Tendulkar, although retired from active cricket, continues to enjoy immense earnings from endorsements, royalties, and various business interests. With investments in real estate and startups, Sachin remains a financial powerhouse. In FY 2023-24, his earnings are rumored to have crossed ₹120 crore, with his tax payments amounting to approximately ₹30 crore.
Despite his clean image, Tendulkar’s earnings have also come under scrutiny. Some financial pundits point out that his offshore investments and income from international endorsements could be taxed more rigorously. His status as a legend often shields him from the criticism other cricketers face, but is he really paying his fair share? Tendulkar’s tax filings have largely remained under the radar, raising the question: is he truly contributing his full due, or does his iconic status provide him a financial cover?
Hardik Pandya: The Upstart Millionaire
Hardik Pandya represents the new breed of cricketers who are not only in it for the game but also for the glamor. With endorsement deals with major brands like Gulf Oil and Monster Energy, and a slew of personal investments, Pandya’s income saw a sharp rise in FY 2023-24. He’s reportedly earned around ₹80-100 crore during this period. His tax payment, however, is estimated to be around ₹25 crore.
Pandya’s extravagant lifestyle is often in the news, from luxury cars to designer clothing, and it’s led to questions about how he manages his finances. There have been murmurs in financial circles that Pandya, unlike the more seasoned cricketers, may not yet have mastered the art of tax optimization, leaving him to pay a higher-than-necessary amount. His flashy persona might be catching up with him, as the taxman reportedly keeps a closer eye on his assets and earnings.
The Controversy: Are Cricketers Paying Their Fair Share?
While these cricketing giants rake in massive amounts of money, the question of whether they are paying their fair share of taxes continues to loom large. The Indian tax system, despite its progressive structure, allows for numerous deductions, exemptions, and loopholes that high-income individuals can exploit. It’s worth asking: are these icons truly contributing to the nation, or are they using their vast resources to minimize their obligations?
Virat Kohli, for instance, with his sprawling investments, may very well be paying less than his total earnings would suggest. Dhoni, with his agricultural ventures, seems to have found a legally sound way to reduce his tax bill, but does that align with the spirit of fairness? Tendulkar and Pandya, too, have their strategies, though they differ in sophistication.
In the end, it’s not just about who paid the highest tax. The real question is: are these superstars using their wealth to game the system? And if so, should we be holding them accountable?
Conclusion:
Virat Kohli might have paid the highest tax in sheer numbers, but when you dig deeper into the strategies employed by these cricketers, it becomes clear that tax payments alone don’t tell the whole story. Whether through agricultural investments or clever structuring of income, many of these stars might be paying less than they should, leaving us to wonder: are they heroes on the field but opportunists off it?