Dhoni brand ambassador for R-ADAG

The contract is for a year and the endorsement fees is around Rs 4-5 crore.

The Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG) has roped in cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.

The contract with Dhoni is for a year and the endorsement fees is somewhere around Rs 4-5 crore. R-ADAG is expected to announce this on Thursday, sources close to the development told Business Standard here today.

When contacted, the company officials declined to comment.

Dhoni would endorse all customer-facing brands of R-ADAG, including its energy ventures, RCoVL- the holding company of telecom operations, Reliance Telecom (GSM operator), Reliance Infocomm (CDMA operator)and submarine cables FLAG and Falcon and Reliance Capital.

The most important customer-oriented firm would be Reliance Capital, which is investing Rs 5,000 crore and is getting aggressive in the mutual fund sector.

Dhoni would also endorse the group's entertainment businesses like the Adlabs, IPTV initiatives and expanding of webworlds in the country.

Earlier, the group had roped in Virendra Sehwag as brand ambassador for its 'Monsoon Hungama' launch.

The Indian wicket-keeper, who has been in good form both as a batsman and wicket-keeper, is ranked third by International Cricket Council (ICC) in One Day International (ODI) rankings and is the first Indian batsman to get the slot after Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar had occupied the position in 2004.

At present, Australian wicket-keeper and batsman Adam Gilchrist occupies the number one position while Australian captain Ricky Ponting comes second. Australian bowler Andrew Symmonds occupies fourth position.