At Rs 1 cr per ad, Saina now only after Sachin, Mahi

A series of her podium finishes over the last few months has shot top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal to the big leagues of endorsement world.

Leaving behind many sportspersons in the advertisement world, the world number three woman shuttler now commands a whopping Rs 1 crore per endorsement deal.

In fact, the only stars from the sporting arena who earn more per year per endorsement than Nehwal are two cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar and M.S. Dhoni.

Tendulkar and the Indian skipper reportedly pocket Rs 3 crore for each advertisement deal. Fellow cricketer Virender Sehwag, much like Nehwal, earns Rs 1 crore per ad deal.

Interestingly the much sought after Indian tennis star till recently, Sania Mirza's earnings have now tumbled to a paltry Rs 25 lakh per ad deal.

From earning Rs 10-15 lakh per deal to now Rs 1 crore, brand Saina is well and truly on the rise. She has deals with Airtel, Adani Wilmar, Yonex, Jaypee Cements and Star Plus.

Saina in fact may well be acting in a TV soap soon based on a badminton player's struggle and then subsequent rise. She is likely to be paid Rs 5 lakh per episode.

Nehwal has a guarantee fee of Rs 1 crore per year with her management firm. The Deccan Chargers Sporting Ventures are set to hike this fee further.