Internet Desk: PepsiCo ended its 11-year endorsement contract with India’s One-day and Twenty20 Cricket Captain MS Dhoni. Popular names currently endorsing PepsiCo brands include cricketer Virat Kohli and actors Ranbir Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. Kohli is seen as an emerging new icon as he charges close to Rs 2 crore a day.
The 35-year-old cricketer, who rose from the ranks and became one of the country’s most successful captains, was the face of both Pepsi Cola and Lay’s chips. His association with PepsiCo dates back to 2005. ‘Oh Yes Abhi’ and ‘Change The Game’ were among the company’s biggest campaigns that featured him.
Arun Pandey, founder of Rhiti Sports Management, the agency that represents Dhoni’s business interests, said he was overseas. He didn’t respond to questions on PepsiCo matter. According to Forbes magazine’s listings for 2016, Dhoni earned $27 million from endorsements and is among the world’s highest paid athletes. Forbes estimated his salary and professional earnings at $4 million.