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Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain renowned for leading India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, continues to make headlines even after his retirement. Five years on from leaving international cricket, Dhoni has become a formidable figure in the business and advertising sectors. In the first half of 2024, he surpassed Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to become the top celebrity in India for brand endorsements.

In a testament to his enduring popularity and market appeal, Dhoni signed 42 brand endorsement contracts in 2024. This puts him ahead of Amitabh Bachchan, who has 41 contracts, and Shah Rukh Khan, who has 34 contracts. Dhoni’s brand associations extend across a variety of industries, showcasing his versatility and reach as a brand ambassador. Some of the brands he is associated with include Cleartrip, a Flipkart-owned company; Citroën; EMotorad; Garuda Aerospace; Lay’s by PepsiCo; Mastercard; Gulf Oil; Orient Electric, and Explosive Whey.

Apart from his business ventures, Dhoni remains active in cricket, although not in an international capacity. He was recently retained by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season at a fee of 4 crores. Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings clinched IPL championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, affirming his legacy in the sport. Other players retained by the franchise include Ruturaj Gaikwad for 18 crores, Shivam Dube for 12 crores, Ravindra Jadeja for 18 crores, and Matheesha Pathirana for 13 crores.

Dhoni’s success in brand endorsements and his continued involvement in the IPL highlight his dual appeal in sports and commerce, which has kept him at the forefront of public attention in India. His ability to seamlessly transition from a celebrated sports figure to a top-tier brand ambassador underscores his unique position in the Indian celebrity landscape.

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