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In this collection of pictures we shall take a look at 10 highest paid players in IPL history. The list includes star players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Let's dive in.
MS Dhoni, the ex-captain of the Indian national team, ranks second with total IPL earnings of Rs 176.8 crore. He became a part of Chennai Super Kings in 2008 as a marquee signing for Rs 6 crore and has since remained the face of the franchise. Following CSK's championship win in 2010 under his leadership, his pay was increased to Rs 8.2 crore. By 2014, the team held onto him for a sum of Rs 12.5 crore.
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper and key figure, Virat Kohli, ranks third with total IPL earnings of Rs 173.2 crore. Back in 2008, RCB signed him for Rs 12 lakh for the initial three seasons. By 2011, his growing impact on the field led to his retention for Rs 8.2 crore. As his performances continued to rise and he took over the captaincy, his value increased significantly. In 2014, he was retained for Rs 12.5 crore, and by 2018, he became the first-ever IPL player to earn Rs 17 crore per season, making him the league's highest-paid player at that time.
Despite having retired, the left-handed batsman Suresh Raina still holds the fourth spot in overall IPL earnings, having accumulated Rs 110.74 crore over his career. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural 2008 season for Rs 2.6 crore and remained a crucial part of the squad in the early years. Raina was once the league's leading run-scorer until Virat Kohli surpassed him following the 2019 season. In 2011, CSK retained him for Rs 5.9 crore, and he consistently held the number 3 batting position. After CSK was suspended in 2015, the Gujarat Lions secured Raina for Rs 12 crore, though his salary was reduced to Rs 9.5 crore by 2017. Upon CSK's return in 2018, he rejoined the team for Rs 11 crore and continued with them into 2019.
In the number five spot, we have Ravindra Jadeja, who started his IPL career as an uncapped player– and now has a net IPL income of Rs 109 crores. Following his exploits in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008, Ravindra Jadeja was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 12 Lakh. However, later in 2010, he was banned for violating the IPL code of conduct. In 2011, he was picked up by now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala for Rs 43 lakhs. And after the franchise disbanded in 2012, CSK took Jadeja for Rs 9.2 crore. In 2014, playing for CSK, his salary was increased to Rs 5.5 crores and was the same amount when Gujarat Titans bought his services in 2016 when CSK was banned. In 2027, Gujarat retained him with a hike of Rs 9.5 crores, but he returned to CSK in 2018 for Rs 7 crores till 2021. In 2022, Jadeja stayed with the franchise for a whooping Rs 16 crores ahead of the 2022 auction that will continue in 2023 making him in the top 10 highest paid player in IPL history.
Sunil Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders' dependable match-winner, crossed the Rs 100 crore milestone in 2022, becoming only the second international player to reach that mark in IPL earnings, with a total income of Rs 107.2 crore. The spinner from Trinidad made his IPL debut with KKR in 2012 and has remained a core part of the squad every season since. He began his journey with a contract worth ₹3.51 crore, and thanks to his exceptional bowling performances coupled with his explosive batting, his salary steadily increased. Between 2018 and 2021, Narine earned Rs 12.5 crore each season. Although his pay dropped to ₹6 crore in 2022, his consistent presence and impact on the field helped him surpass the Rs 100 crore threshold, placing him among the highest-earning overseas players in IPL history.
Holding the seventh position on the list is former South African great AB de Villiers, who has amassed total IPL earnings of Rs 102 crore. He stands among the highest-paid players in IPL history, with a significant portion of his wealth coming from the tournament. One of the greatest IPL performers, AB de Villiers began his league career in 2008 with Delhi Daredevils, signing for Rs 1.2 crore. He represented the franchise for the first three seasons, earning Rs 1.4 crore and Rs 1.3 crore in the subsequent years. In 2011, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured his services for Rs 5 crore, marking the start of a long and impactful association until his retirement. Widely regarded as RCB's most dependable batter, he played several match-winning knocks that turned games in his team's favor. At the 2014 auction, the South African stalwart was acquired by RCB for Rs 9.5 crore. With his remarkable consistency, his pay saw further hikes— in 2018, he was signed again for Rs 11 crore and retained at the same amount for both the 2019 and 2020 seasons. AB de Villiers ranks among the top earners in IPL history.
Gautam Gambhir ranks among the most accomplished cricketers in IPL history. The left-handed opener accumulated an impressive Rs 94.62 crore over his remarkable 17-season run in the league, placing him among the top earners. He began his IPL journey in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals) and quickly became a key figure in the squad, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most consistent and dependable openers.
Shikhar Dhawan, the seasoned opening batsman, is one of the top earners in IPL history, with a total earnings of Rs 91.8 crore over his career. Dhawan made his IPL debut in 2008 with the Deccan Chargers, where he quickly became a crucial member of their batting order, known for his consistent run-scoring. In 2013, he was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 5.5 crore.
Dinesh Karthik began his IPL journey in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils. Over the following years, he played for multiple prominent franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2018, Karthik was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 7.4 crore, solidifying his position as one of the most valuable players in the league. Known for his leadership and finishing skills, he played a key role in guiding KKR to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019. With total earnings of Rs 86.92 crore, he ranks among the highest-paid players in IPL history.
