Cricket, often known as the ‘Gentleman’s Game,’ has produced some iconic players who not only excel on the field but also serve as ambassadors for the sport, bridging the gap between the game and its fans. Let’s take a look at the top 10 cricketers who are brand ambassadors and have become the face of cricket through their stellar performances and off-field charisma.
Virat Kohli (India)
- Virat Kohli, often known as one of the best batsmen in the world, made his international debut in 2008. He rose through the ranks quickly, becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats. Kohli is known for his consistency and aggressive playing style.
- Kohli boasts numerous records, including being the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He has also achieved the top spot in the ICC rankings for batsmen multiple times.
- Kohli’s earnings come not only from cricket but also from endorsements. In 2021, Forbes listed him as the only cricketer in the top 10 highest-paid athletes. Kohli endorses brands like Puma, MRF, Audi, and Tissot, showcasing his versatility across industries.
Rohit Sharma (India)
- Rohit Sharma is renowned for being one of the best limited-overs batsmen. He made his debut in 2007 and since then he has been one of India’s most reliable openers. Rohit is the only player to have scored three double-centuries in ODIs.
- Apart from the double centuries, Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs with 264 runs. He has been a crucial part of India’s success in limited-overs cricket and has also captained the team.
- Known for his elegant stroke play, Rohit Sharma is a brand ambassador for brands such as CEAT, Adidas, Hublot, and Oakley. His association with these brands reflects his fan following both on and off the cricket field.
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
- AB de Villiers, known for his 360-degree batting, had a remarkable international career spanning from 2004 to 2018. He was the backbone of the South African batting lineup, showcasing his ability to adapt to various formats.
- The South African batting maestro has a global fan following. AB de Villiers is the face of brands like MRF, Montblanc, and Puma, showcasing his appeal not only in South Africa but also on the international stage.
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
- Babar Azam, a stylish and technically sound batsman, made his international debut in 2015. Babar is known for his elegant cover drives and has been a consistent run-scorer for Pakistan in all formats.
- The stylish Pakistani batsman has rapidly risen to the ranks, both in cricket and as a brand ambassador. Babar Azam is associated with brands like Head & Shoulders, QMobile, and Pepsi, showcasing his marketability in the Pakistani market.
David Warner (Australia)
- David Warner is a dynamic left-handed batsman known for his aggressive style. He made his debut in 2009 and has since been a vital part of the Australian cricket team in all three formats.
- The explosive Australian opener has made a mark not only with his aggressive batting but also as a brand ambassador. David Warner endorses brands like Spartan Sports, Asics, and Toyota, showcasing his popularity both in the cricketing world and beyond.
Steve Smith (Australia)
- Steve Smith, known for his unorthodox but effective batting technique, made his debut in 2010. Smith has consistently been among the top-ranked Test batsmen. His incredible run-scoring ability and leadership skills played a crucial role in Australia’s success in Test cricket.
- Another Australian cricketer making waves in the endorsement arena is Steve Smith. He is associated with brands like Weet-Bix, Vodafone, and New Balance, showcasing his diverse appeal to a broad audience.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- Kane Williamson made his debut in 2010. He became the captain of the New Zealand cricket team and led them to the World Test Championship victory in 2021. Williamson is known for his technically sound batting and genius captaincy.
- The Kiwi captain, known for his calm nature on the field, is a brand ambassador for brands like Adidas, Jockey, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Williamson’s endorsements highlight his steady and reliable image, making him a sought-after face for various products.
Joe Root (England)
- Joe Root, a stylish right-handed batsman, made his international debut in 2012. He became the captain of the England Test team and has been a prolific run-scorer across formats. His batting technique and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a key player for England
- England’s Test captain, Joe Root, has a charm that extends beyond the cricket pitch. He endorses brands like New Balance, Yorkshire Tea, and Vitality, showcasing his appeal to a diverse audience.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
- Shakib Al Hasan made his debut in 2006 and quickly became a prominent figure in the Bangladesh cricket team. He is known for his left-handed batting and effective left-arm spin. Shakib is the only cricketer to achieve the rare feat of scoring 5,000 runs and taking 200 wickets in ODIs.
- The Bangladesh all-rounder is not only a cricketing icon in his home country but also a popular figure in the endorsement world. Shakib Al Hasan endorses brands like Grameenphone, Pepsi, and Boost, reflecting his widespread popularity.
Andre Russell (West Indies)
- Andre Russell, a dynamic all-rounder, made his debut in 2010. He is known for his powerful batting and effective fast bowling. Russell has been a key player in T20 leagues globally. Russell has several match-winning performances in T20 cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to finish games with the bat and contribute with the ball makes him a sought-after player.
- The West Indian all-rounder brings his explosive style to the endorsement game as well. Andre Russell is the face of brands like Spartan Sports, Digicel, and JBL, reflecting his global appeal and charismatic persona.
Conclusion:
These cricketers have not only mastered the art of cricket but have also carved a niche for themselves in the world of endorsements. Their associations with top-notch brands not only boost their brand value but also contribute to the commercial success of these companies. As cricket continues to be a dominant force in the world of sports, these cricketers are likely to attract more brand partnerships, further solidifying their positions as ambassadors par excellence.