He holds the most prestigious title of any sportman in India; the captain of the Indian Cricket team, and now he's proved he's not just a leader on the pitch.

MS (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni has been ranked as the highest paid athlete in the country earning $26million in the last year. Just $3.5m of the figure was from his salary and prize money while a staggering $23m came from endorsements.

Dhoni is regarded a national superstar with his humble beginnings being part of his appeal. Sangeet Shirodkar who signed him up to represent Rhiti Sports said: 'Because he has such a simple background, brands are attracted to him as he represents the average Indian man.'

The Rhiti Sports endorsement lasted for three years and is considered to be the most expensive deal in Indian sports history. Over the last few years Dhoni has also signed up for deals with over 20 brands including drinks company Pepsi and sportswear giant Reebok.  

And it's not just Indian sports players who he's ahead of in the wealth stakes, Dhoni who is ranked 31st richest sportsman in the world, also tops Olympic 100m champion Usain Bolt and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Top of the Forbes leader board for wealthiest sportsmen was awarded to boxer Floyd Mayweather who made $85 million between June 2011 and July 2012, while golfer Tiger Woods was placed third, with earnings of $59.4 million.

Last year Dhoni also appeared in Time Magazine's Top 100 list - named one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

In his cricketing career Dhoni is right-hand batsman and wicket-keeper who started playing the game professionally when he was a teenager. Under his captaincy India have won several major international championships including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 series, 2010 world cup against Australia and 2011 world cup against Sri Lanka.