Turning 36 today, Virat Kohli’s journey is a masterclass in excellence, where each century and each fierce stride on the pitch has mirrored his rise as the ultimate favourite, both for fans and for brands that resonate with his unstoppable spirit from redefining cricket’s standards to setting the gold standard in endorsements, Kohli has become as irreplaceable on billboards as he is on the scoreboard.
Born on November 5, 1988, Kohli, popularly known as ‘The King of Cricket’ started his journey as a professional cricketer in 2008 when he made his debut for the Indian national team. Since then, he has consistently shown his talent, becoming one of the highest run-scorers in international cricket.
But Kohli’s reach goes beyond cricket. He has also been the face of numerous brands throughout his career. With millions of fans worldwide, the former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Indian national team is always in demand, as global brands invest heavily to feature him in their campaigns.
Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023 crowns Virat Kohli as India’s most valued celebrity, with his brand valuation reaching $227.9 million. On the occasion of Virat Kohli’s 36th birthday, let’s revisit some of the most iconic campaigns he’s been a part of so far.
Boost
The “Boost is the secret of my energy” ad remains one of the most memorable and nostalgic commercials of the past three decades. As part of the #PlayBiggerGame campaign, this iconic ad featuring Kohli highlights his friendly, relatable style, making it easy for fans to connect with him. The ad was created by J Walter Thompson.
The ad was a reminder that even top athletes need a little boost to stay strong and perform at their best.
Puma
The cricketer has been a longtime ambassador for Puma and has appeared in several campaigns. One of the most notable campaigns was the “Come Out and Play” campaign in 2016, which encouraged people to adopt a more active lifestyle. The campaign not only made Kohli’s brand stronger but also changed sports marketing in India.
Moreover, Kohli and Anushka Sharma recently teamed up for a humorous advertisement for Puma, where they engaged in a playful cricket match that highlights their chemistry and quick wit. In this ad, Sharma introduced unconventional rules inspired by gully cricket, adding a fun twist to their competitive dynamic.
Myntra
Kohli’s association with Myntra has always been memorable, especially the ‘Myntra-la-la’ TV commercial. This fun and lively film featured the King of cricket in stylish outfits and the catchy jingle which is hard to forget, helped Myntra connect with young fashion lovers.
Manyavar
As the face of Manyavar’s ethnic wear campaigns, Kohli often appears in their festive ads that celebrate Indian culture and traditions. And in return the brand has given his fans some memorable moments, by pairing Kohli along with his wife Anushka Sharma for this beautiful commercial.
Google Duo
Known for his aggression on the field, the cricketing hero is seen in a whole new vibe in the Google Duo campaign with Anushka Sharma. This adorable ad captured the couple’s playful moments and sweet conversations, showing how technology brings loved ones closer.
MPL
Virat Kohli’s advertisements consistently resonate with audiences, and the MPL campaign is no exception. This particular ad takes a refreshing approach by breaking away from his typical serious cricket persona. It presents Kohli in a playful light, making it an enjoyable watch and a delightful departure from his usual image.
Amaze
Amaze, an energy solutions brand from Luminous Power Technologies, has launched a campaign featuring their brand ambassador, Kohli. This campaign emphasised the brand’s positioning around high-performance power backup solutions that are ‘Hamesha #ReadyToPerform’. The campaign was conceptualised by Grey.
Wrogn
In Wrogn’s latest campaign, ‘Love is Respect,’ created by Fisheye Creative Solutions, Kohli was seen demanding for more respect toward women in relationships, also highlighting how Indian men are becoming supportive partners. The campaign didn’t just reflect Wrogn’s commitment to social issues but also captured Kohli’s impact as a responsible, influential figure.
Clear Shampoo
It was eleven years ago when Kohli and Anushka featured in the Clear Shampoo ad. Even today, this ad is cherished not just as a promotional piece but as the starting point of a beautiful journey of the couple.
Too Yumm!
One of the campaigns of the brand captures the obsession of guilt-free snacking. With the catchy tagline #FriedNotFikarNot, the ad film highlights that you can enjoy tasty chips without worrying about health.
As part of the campaign, Kohli encouraged fans to snack freely and enjoy the tasty Multigrain Chips without any guilt.
Apart from these, Virat Kohli has been a part of many campaigns by various brands over the years, like MRF, Luxor Schneider, ESSILOR, American Tourister, Philips, O’cean Beverages, Herbalife India, Audi, and Valvoline, etc, and most of them have been very well received by fans. With this history with the brands, it’s no wonder how influential he has been in the world of advertising and marketing.
