Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma to see net worth jump by 30% after Asia Cup'25 win
Endorsement fees are expected to rise by 25–30% across the board, with more ad films and higher-profile campaigns likely, marking a new chapter in the trio’s commercial journeys.
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The Asia Cup 2025 did more than crown a winner on the cricket field- it created a new class of marketable stars. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma emerged as the defining figures of India’s young cricketing brigade, and their performances against arch-rivals Pakistan are now expected to have a transformative impact on their net worth, endorsements, and commercial appeal.
Analysts suggest that the trio could see their market value increase by 20–30% in the coming months, positioning them as highly sought-after faces for brands targeting India’s urban, Gen Z consumers.
Tilak Varma: From Humble Beginnings to IPL Star
Tilak Varma’s meteoric rise is a textbook example of talent meeting opportunity. The left-handed batsman from Hyderabad made headlines during the Asia Cup with a fearless innings against Pakistan, thrilling fans and cementing his place as one of India’s next big cricketing sensations. While the innings itself earned him accolades, his journey from modest beginnings to IPL stardom adds a cinematic dimension to his persona.
Varma debuted for the Mumbai Indians in 2022 at an IPL auction price of ₹1.7 crore. His composure, stylish batting, and calm demeanor at the crease quickly made him a team favourite. By 2025, his IPL contract had jumped to ₹8 crore, reflecting both his growing stature and consistent performance. Complementing his on-field earnings, Tilak holds a Grade C BCCI contract, bringing in ₹1 crore annually, excluding match fees.
On the endorsement front, Tilak is associated with Boost, Dream11, SS, eBikeGo, Bombay Shirt Company, and Birla Opus paints. Post-Asia Cup, industry experts predict his endorsement fees could rise by 25–30%, with established brands showing interest in using his youthful, stylish image for electronics, household appliances, beverages, and scooters.
Sources estimate his net worth could climb from around ₹60 lakh to ₹80 lakh, with further gains possible as he features in upcoming international tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
Analysts describe Tilak as innovative, stylish, bold, and reliable—traits that resonate with brands looking to connect with young, aspirational audiences.
“He brings a unique combination of intensity and approachability,” says Sandeep Ranade, Executive VP at Hansa Research. “Brands can leverage this for electronics, beverages, and lifestyle products targeting Gen Z.”
Abhishek Sharma: Explosive Talent, Rising Commercial Clout
Abhishek Sharma, 25, is known for his fearless batting and high-octane style. His 74-run knock in the Asia Cup Super Fours against Pakistan not only sealed India’s victory but also earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Known for his animated on-field exchanges, Sharma embodies a youthful energy that brands can easily translate into marketing campaigns.
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At the IPL 2025 auction, Sharma was retained for ₹14 crore, making him one of the highest-paid uncapped players in IPL history. Coupled with his Grade C central BCCI contract earning ₹1 crore annually, and match fees across formats, his financial trajectory is on a sharp upward curve. Residing in a Rs 15 crore Amritsar bungalow, complete with luxury cars and a high-end Rolex, his lifestyle mirrors his rising cricketing fame.
Endorsement-wise, Sharma currently endorses brands like Liquid IV (fitness), RealMe (phones), Vadilal (ice cream), and Birla Opus paints, the latter in a campaign featuring him alongside Tilak Varma.
Post-Asia Cup, experts expect his endorsement value to increase to around ₹1.2 crore, with higher-profile brands seeking ad films and longer-term contracts.
“Abhishek’s personality is perfect for adventure and high-energy brands,” says M S Divya, Business Director at ITW Universe. “His explosive batting, fearlessness, and marketable youthfulness make him an ideal fit for fitness, tech, and lifestyle campaigns targeting Gen Z.”
Shivam Dube: The All-Rounder with International Appeal
Shivam Dube has quietly carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket. An all-rounder known for his power-hitting and versatility, Dube’s IPL career spans three franchises: Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019–2020), Rajasthan Royals (2021), and Chennai Super Kings (2022–present). His net worth in 2025 is estimated between ₹25 crore and ₹34 crore, primarily from IPL salaries, complemented by BCCI contracts and match fees.
Despite limited endorsement deals compared to his peers, Dube is beginning to attract brands in wearable tech, food, apparel, and BFSI. With his Asia Cup performance adding to his visibility, experts anticipate his endorsement value could rise to ₹60–65 lakh.
Shivam is seen as aspirational, stylish, and internationally appealing. He is considered a suitable endorser for health and nutrition products, banking and investment services, cars, and motorcycles. Analysts note that his strong all-round abilities and fitness make him particularly attractive to brands seeking long-term associations with energetic, versatile personalities.
The Commercial Impact: Why Brands Are Watching
The Asia Cup has amplified the commercial appeal of all three players. According to brand consultants, Varma, Dube, and Sharma now represent the “New India” - young, fearless, resilient, and ambitious.
Nisha Sampath of Brights Angel Consulting notes, “There is no downside to their image or popularity. These players are desirable endorsers across multiple categories- from fashion and F&B to smartphones and automotive. Brands are looking for fresh faces that can connect with younger consumers, and these three fit the bill perfectly.”
However, experts also caution that T20 cricket’s fickle nature can affect short-term popularity. “A star can dip as fast as they rise,” Sampath adds. Brands must either weather occasional poor performances or leverage the immediate post-Asia Cup window to maximize exposure.
Ambika Sharma, Founder and Chief Strategist, Pulp Strategy points out that Asia Cup has been a breakout moment for the trio. She expects endorsement deals and fees for all three to grow by 30 to 40% in the coming season, simply because performance on a big stage always lifts marketability.
"Their current endorsement rosters are still in the early stages compared to established stars. You see them in regional and digital-first campaigns, smaller FMCG tie ups, and local activations. Post Asia Cup, I believe they will graduate to larger national campaigns, with fee brackets moving into the high six to low seven figure range per deal."
Varma comes across as composed and grounded, which works well for BFSI, tech, and education. Dube is powerful and charismatic, a natural fit for fitness, auto, and fashion categories. Sharma has a youthful, fearless personality that can appeal to beverages, snacks, and youth centric lifestyle brands.
Quantitative research supports their rising value.
A study by Hansa Research found that Varma is seen as innovative (83%), stylish (79%), humble (75%), and bold (70%). Dube scores high on aspirational (77%), international appeal (80%), stylishness (74%), and reliability (72%). Sharma is recognized for his explosiveness and fearlessness. These traits directly inform which brand categories they can credibly endorse.
Yasin Hamidani, Director, Media Care Brand Solutions notes that with India’s Asia Cup 2025 title- Tilak Varma’s 69* in the final; Abhishek Sharma named Player of the Tournament- brand demand typically jumps ~25–50% for rising stars, so one can expect net-worth acceleration over the next 12 months.
"Emerging India cricketers generally charge ~₹1–2 cr per brand per year, post-heroics, fees/briefs often rise ~25–50%," he shared.
Net Worth and Endorsement Projections
Based on credible sources and industry analysis:
Tilak Varma – Current: ₹60 lakh → Projected post-Asia Cup: ₹80 lakh+
Abhishek Sharma – Current: ₹85 lakh → Projected post-Asia Cup: ₹1.2 crore
Shivam Dube – Current: ₹50 lakh → Projected post-Asia Cup: ₹60–65 lakh
Endorsement fees are expected to rise by 25–30% across the board, with more ad films and higher-profile campaigns likely, marking a new chapter in the trio’s commercial journeys.
A Fragmented Yet Promising Market
As Sandeep Goyal, chairman of Rediffusion, observes, “The cricket celebrity landscape is fragmenting. Unlike the eras of Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni, or Virat Kohli, today’s market has multiple high performers. These players will be picked and rewarded, though not at the stratospheric levels of the top stars. Yet, the Asia Cup has positioned them as highly marketable and relevant for brands targeting younger audiences.”
The new-age cricket stars combine athleticism, fitness, and charisma. Their performances, lifestyles, and marketability are aligning, creating a scenario where cricketing success directly feeds commercial potential. For brands, these players offer more than just cricket fame- they provide a connection to a demographic that values youth, style, and dynamism.
