Top Endorsers 2024: Kohli, Dhoni, Tendulkar Lead, Deepika Shines

In 2024, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar have claimed the top three positions as India's most influential brand endorsers, according to the Brand Endorser Report 2024 by Hansa Research. The report highlights how these cricket icons continue to resonate with audiences across all age groups, outshining even Bollywood giants like Shah Rukh Khan, who ranks fourth, and Akshay Kumar in fifth place.

What makes this year’s report intriguing is the rise of South Indian star Allu Arjun, who jumped from 16th place in 2022 to seventh in 2024, marking a significant achievement. Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone stands out as the only female celebrity in the top 10, securing the tenth spot and representing a powerful female presence in an otherwise male-dominated list.

Kohli, Dhoni, and Tendulkar have not only dominated the list but have also managed to outperform Bollywood legends such as Amitabh Bachchan, who dropped to sixth place, and Salman Khan, who sits in the eighth position. According to Ashish Karnad, Executive Vice President of Hansa Research, these cricketers succeed because they connect with audiences on both emotional and aspirational levels.

“Kohli’s image as a modern, youthful, and confident individual makes him particularly attractive to brands,” Karnad noted. “His ability to inspire trust and admiration is a key factor in his top ranking.” Similarly, Dhoni and Tendulkar, representing different eras of Indian cricket, bring nostalgia and reliability, making them ideal brand ambassadors.

Deepika Padukone’s inclusion as the sole female celebrity in the top 10 underscores her wide appeal across demographics. Her brand image is associated with elegance, intelligence, and global appeal. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun's meteoric rise in the rankings reflects the growing influence of South Indian cinema and his expanding fan base nationwide.

Karnad emphasized that the study helps brands optimize their celebrity partnerships by providing a holistic view of each celebrity's value, helping maximize ROI and audience engagement. With 4,000 respondents surveyed across 36 cities, this extensive research offers valuable insights into how brands can select the right celebrity partner to enhance their campaigns.