This Player Has Overtaken Virat Kohli as India’s Highest-Paid Cricketer in IPL 2025

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The conclusion of the IPL 2025 auction has reshaped the financial hierarchy of Indian cricket, with Rishabh Pant emerging as the highest-paid Indian cricketer. The star wicketkeeper-batter broke records after being bought by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

He was bought for an unprecedented ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Pant's total earnings now stand at ₹30 crore after combining ₹3 crore annual salary from his Grade B BCCI central contract.

This salary surpasses Virat Kohli's ₹28 crore. Kohli, retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹21 crore, also earns ₹7 crore annually from his Grade A+ BCCI contract, placing him second on the earnings list.

Rishabh Pant's Meteoric Rise

Pant's monumental IPL contract signals his growing stature in Indian cricket, both as a player and a leader. Expected to captain LSG in the upcoming season, Pant's performances across formats have solidified his reputation as a game-changer.

Shreyas Iyer Joins the Big Leagues

Shreyas Iyer, acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore in the auction, has climbed to third place among India's top-earning cricketers. While not currently under a BCCI contract, Iyer's hefty IPL deal places him just behind Pant in the list of most expensive IPL players ever.

Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja Retained

Mumbai Indians' spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Chennai Super Kings' all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja retained their spots among the top earners with ₹18 crore each from their IPL contracts. Both players, holding A+ contracts with the BCCI worth ₹7 crore annually, have a total income of ₹25 crore each.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Follow Close

Rohit Sharma, with his Grade A+ BCCI contract and ₹16.3 crore IPL retention by Mumbai Indians, ranks next with a total earning of ₹23.3 crore. Hardik Pandya, also with Mumbai Indians, earns slightly more from his ₹16.35 crore IPL deal, bringing his total to ₹23.35 crore.

As the IPL 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Pant and his ability to justify his record-breaking price tag. Meanwhile, Kohli, Rohit, and others remain vital pillars of Indian cricket, ensuring a thrilling season ahead.