(Image source from: MS Dhoni is world's top-paid cricketer})

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the world's highest-paid sportsmen, according the latest Forbes list.

The Indian Skipper has been ranked at number 16 in the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes. Apparently, the 31-year-old cricketer earned $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore) between June 2012 and June 2013.

Forbes has ranked Dhoni above F1 racer Fernando Alonso, who is ranked 19th, Lewis Hamilton at 26th place, Novak Djokovic at 28th place, Rafael Nadal at 30th spot and Usain Bolt at 40th rank.

The calculation is clearly based upon the earnings estimates which includes salaries, bonuses and prize money from both club and national teams, as well as endorsement income.

Dhoni, who occupied 31st rank last year, climbed 15 positions up in this year's list. Besides him, Sachin Tendulkar is the only other Indian sportsman to feature in the list with a rank of 31st and total annual earning of $22 million (Rs.125 crore).

Golfer Tiger Woods topped the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes with a total income of $78.1 million, followed by tennis player Roger Federer who earned $71.5 million and basketball player Kobe Bryant, whose earnings stood at $61.9 million.

AW: Suchorita Dutta