Virat Kohli topples Shahrukh Khan to become India’s most valuable celebrity brand

INDIA SKIPPER Virat Kohli is having a great year on and off the field. The prolific batsman, who is currently the ICC’s No. 1 batsman across both ODIs as well as T20Is, recently tied the knot with long-time partner and popular Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.

The Delhi-lad was recently spotted holidaying with Anushka in a ‘heavenly’ location. And now, the 29-year-old has another reason to celebrate. According to Duff & Phelps’ latest report - Rise of the Millennials: India’s Most Valuable Celebrity Brands, Kohli has measured at a brand value of USD 144 million. The elegant batsman is known to be a brand ambassador of the likes of Puma, Manyavar, Gionee, Audi, etc. saw a 56 percent jump in his brand value between 2016 and 2017.

As reported by IndianExpress, Duff & Phelps managing director and region leader – India, Japan and Southeast Asia Varun Gupta said.

“For the first time since we began publishing our rankings, Shah Rukh Khan has slipped from the top ranking and been replaced by Virat Kohli. Kohli is now the first choice of brands to engage and attract consumers, fueled by his extraordinary on-field performances and off-field charisma.”

Meanwhile, Bollywood King Shahrukh Khan, who is now placed at the 2nd position with a brand value of USD 106 million, saw a reduction of 20 percent in 2017 as compared to 2016. 

Other sportspersons to feature in the Top 20 list are MS Dhoni and PV Sindhu, at number 13 and number 15 respectively. 
 

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