Highest Paid Indian Cricket Player

Cricket in India is not just a sport—it's a passion that drives the nation, with Indian cricketers often becoming icons and global superstars. As the game evolves, so do the financial rewards. The rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a major factor in boosting players' earnings. With massive broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and multi-million-dollar franchise contracts, players are amassing wealth like never before. But who leads the race when it comes to earnings? Let’s explore the highest-paid Indian cricketers and how their earnings have reached astronomical figures.

Overview of Cricketing Earnings in India

Cricket has always been a major source of income for players in India, but with the advent of the IPL and global endorsement deals, players now enjoy unparalleled financial success. The IPL, in particular, has seen a surge in salaries, with players like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma making substantial earnings year after year. However, the latest IPL auctions have reshuffled the financial landscape, setting new records in player salaries.

Top Earner in Indian Cricket

Rishabh Pant: The New IPL Record Holder

As of recent reports, Rishabh Pant has become the highest-paid cricketer in IPL history, setting a new benchmark with a ₹27 crore contract for IPL 2025 with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

• Salary and Match Fees: Pant's salary includes ₹3 crore from his Grade B BCCI central contract. His match fees from international appearances supplement his income, though the IPL deal is by far his largest earner.

• Endorsements: Pant has made significant strides in the endorsement world, with deals from major brands such as Puma, Jio, and GoDaddy, among others. These endorsements contribute significantly to his earnings, making him one of the most sought-after athletes for brand promotions.

• IPL Earnings: Pant's IPL salary of ₹27 crore with LSG is a record-breaking figure, marking a monumental leap in his financial stature.

2. Virat Kohli: The Endorsement King

Despite Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking deal, Virat Kohli continues to be one of the highest-paid cricketers globally, and certainly in India.

• Salary and Match Fees: Kohli earns a substantial sum from his BCCI central contract, where he is placed in the top category of A+ contracts. His international match fees add a consistent income stream, but they are just a fraction of his overall earnings.

• Endorsements: Kohli boasts one of the richest endorsement portfolios in the world of sports, with partnerships with brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, Colgate, and many more. His earnings from endorsements far exceed his playing fees, contributing to his global stature as one of the highest-paid athletes.

• IPL Earnings: Kohli plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where his IPL salary is typically in the ₹21 crore range per season. This, combined with his endorsements, makes Kohli one of the top-earning cricketers year after year.

3. Shreyas Iyer: The Rising Star

In the IPL 2025 auction, Shreyas Iyer broke into the list of highest-paid Indian cricketers with a ₹26.75 crore deal with the Punjab Kings.

• Salary and Match Fees: While Iyer is not currently on a central contract with the BCCI, his IPL deal has significantly boosted his earnings. His match fees from international cricket further enhance his overall income.

• Endorsements: Iyer also holds a growing list of endorsement deals with popular brands, although these are not yet as extensive as Kohli’s.

• IPL Earnings: His ₹26.75 crore salary in the IPL places him just behind Pant and in a solid third position among Indian cricketers, showcasing his growing importance in both domestic and international cricket.

4. Jasprit Bumrah: The Fast-Bowling Powerhouse

One of India's most reliable fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah also stands out as one of the top earners in Indian cricket.

• Salary and Match Fees: Bumrah is on the BCCI's A+ contract, earning ₹7 crore annually from the board. His earnings from international matches, including Test, ODI, and T20 formats, supplement this.

• Endorsements: Bumrah has signed high-profile deals with brands like Asics and Samsung, further enhancing his financial portfolio.

• IPL Earnings: He plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where his salary is ₹18 crore. Along with his BCCI contract, Bumrah's total earnings reach ₹25 crore annually, making him one of the highest-paid cricketers in India.

5. Ravindra Jadeja: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire

Another key member of the Indian cricket team, Ravindra Jadeja, continues to command top-tier earnings due to his all-rounder status.

• Salary and Match Fees: Jadeja is also placed in the Grade A+ category of BCCI contracts, with an annual income of ₹7 crore from the board. His match fees, like Bumrah, add to his overall wealth.

• Endorsements: Jadeja enjoys endorsement deals with brands like Nike and MRF, which contribute significantly to his income, though he is not as heavily endorsed as some of his peers.

• IPL Earnings: Jadeja plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and earns ₹18 crore from the franchise. His total earnings, combining his IPL salary and BCCI contract, are around ₹25 crore per year.

Conclusion

The financial rewards for Indian cricketers continue to rise, thanks in large part to the IPL’s massive revenue and growing sponsorships. While Rishabh Pant has now overtaken Virat Kohli in IPL earnings, the latter’s endorsement deals keep him in a dominant position in terms of total income. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are also securing hefty deals, making them key players not only on the field but also in terms of earnings.

Indian cricketers now have a diversified income stream that includes salaries from domestic and international cricket, lucrative IPL contracts, and endorsement deals with some of the biggest global brands, making them some of the highest-paid athletes in the world.