While cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have become global brands, their fortunes aren’t the largest in the cricketing world. The title of the richest cricketer in India belongs to Aryaman Birla, the son of billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla.
Aryaman Birla: From Cricket to Business
Aryaman Birla, who in 2023 joined the Aditya Birla Group as director of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), has a wealth that far surpasses his cricketing peers. He also serves on the boards of Aditya Birla Management Corporation and Grasim Industries, positioning him as the future leader of the family conglomerate. Before stepping into business, Aryaman pursued a brief cricketing career and even scored a century in the Ranji Trophy.
Aryaman’s Early Cricketing Journey
Born in 1997 in Mumbai, Aryaman moved to Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, where he began his cricketing journey in the junior circuit. His senior debut came in November 2017 during a Ranji Trophy match for Madhya Pradesh against Odisha. In his first innings, Aryaman made a modest score, but it was his performance a year later at Eden Gardens that brought him into the limelight. Facing Bengal, he scored a resilient 103 not out, showing his potential as a cricketer.
Battling Perceptions: Aryaman’s Transformation
Initially recognized for his surname, Aryaman faced the challenge of proving himself in the cricketing world. Over time, he changed these perceptions through his performances, earning respect for his skills rather than his family name. As he once shared, “When I started scoring runs, people started seeing me in a different light.”
IPL and His Departure from Cricket
Aryaman’s strong Ranji Trophy performances earned him a place in the 2018 IPL auction, where he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals. Despite his potential, he struggled to break into the playing XI, and after battling injuries, he was released in November 2019. In December 2019, Aryaman announced an indefinite sabbatical from cricket, citing mental health concerns and a need to focus on personal growth.
Shifting to Business and Family Legacy
Since leaving cricket, Aryaman has become deeply involved in the family business and has found considerable success. Although his net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be around INR 70,000 crore. In comparison, cricket icons Tendulkar, Dhoni, and Kohli have notable but smaller fortunes, with Tendulkar’s net worth at $170 million, Dhoni’s at $111 million, and Kohli’s at $92 million as of November 2024.
The Future of the Birla Legacy
While Aryaman Birla may not have followed the traditional cricketing path, his wealth and position within the Aditya Birla Group showcase his success beyond the sport. His transition from cricket to business reflects his broader ambitions and the continuing growth of his family’s legacy.
