Kohli filling in Tendulkar's boots... quite literally!

Virat Kohli first burst onto the cricketing scene in 2008 when he lead India to the Under-19 World Cup crown. Back then he was known as a talented lad who was made for bigger things. Soon, he was roped in to the senior One-day squad, making his debut against Sri Lanka.

- Is Virat Kohli the new Sachin Tendulkar?

With his aggressive batting and consistency, Kohli cemented his spot in India's ODI team. His odd break-out of unnecessary aggression not withstanding, Kohli was handed the responsibility of vice-captaincy last year.

His ability to play with a mature head and help India taste many a sweet, memorable victories –373 runs with two half centuries and a century in the CB series in Australia in early 2012 and his big runs in the Champions Trophy in June this year -- has rendered comparisons with the great Sachin Tendulkar.

This talented Delhiite’s run-scoring abilities have now caught the attention of the corporate world and he’s filling in very big boots – quite literally!

Earlier this month Kohli was signed as the new brand ambassador for German sports goods brand Adidas.

This move looks like a sign of the times. Tendulkar was endorsing Adidas in India for many years now and with his imminent retirement, Gen Y’s hero was signed on to replace the legend.

The young batsman has reportedly inked a Rs 10-crore per annum deal with German sports goods giant. The three-year contract will see him endorsing the brand’s apparel and shoes. 

Kohli, who endorses 13 brands -- including Pepsi, Toyota, Fasttrack watches, Flying Machine denim apparel and Cinthol deos – has landed a coup of sorts as far as signing endorsement deals go.

Other than the Adidas signing, The Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman, has also reportedly struck a Rs 6.5 crore a year deal with MRF tyres, a brand that was endorsed by Tendulkar and Steve Waugh.

The 2012 ICC Cricketer of the Year has earned Rs 40 crore from endorsements last year, but the figure will be much higher next year following these two big deals.

In the list released by Forbes in April this year, Kohli was the fourth highest earning cricketer with a total earning of $7.1m with $4m from endorsement deals.