New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS): Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni signed one of the largest single endorsement deals with the liquor to airlines conglomerate, the UB Group, valued at approximately Rs. 26 crore for three years, according to a person privy to the deal.

The deal puts the Indian captain in the select league of top Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan who charge anywhere near Rs.6 crore to Rs.8 crore per product's endorsements in a year.

A official with the talent management firm Rhiti Sports Management, through which the deal was struck, told IANS: "Yes, Dhoni has entered into a deal with the UB Group and is now in the exclusive league of stars like Shah Rukh and Aamir."

According to the official, the Indian cricket captain will endorse the company's McDowell soda.

"Right now, Dhoni is one of the most sort-after persons for endorsements, which is majorly due to the fact that the Indian team has been performing very well," the official added.

Earlier, Dhoni's most expensive deal was signed at a price of Rs. 6 crore per year with Reebok, which comes down to Rs.30 crore for a 5-year period.

Currently, he is associated with 22 brands -- among them beverages and snacks major PepsiCo, reality company Amrapali, telecom operator Aircel and retail chain Big Bazaar.