Cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in India, and its players are national heroes. This popularity translates to significant financial rewards, with the top cricketers earning millions of dollars each year. In this article, we will unveil the top 10 highest-paid cricketers in the Indian cricket team, analyzing their earnings from BCCI contracts, IPL deals, lucrative endorsements, and calculating their estimated total income.
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These are the Top 10 Highest-Paid Cricketers in the Indian Cricket Team
10. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is one of the most successful fast bowlers in the Indian cricket team. He is a right-arm fast bowler who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He stands as one of the highest-earning athletes globally, boasting an estimated net worth of ₹50 crore as of 2023. His income streams are diverse, encompassing:
- BCCI Earnings: In his role as a Grade A player within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shami receives an annual salary of roughly ₹5 crore. His earnings break down to ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh per Twenty20 (T20) match.
- IPL Earnings: Within the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shami commands a substantial salary of ₹10 crore per season as a key player for the Gujarat Titans. Following his transfer from the Punjab Kings to the Gujarat franchise during the 2022 mega auction, he continued to represent them in the 2023 edition. His IPL performance has been notable, accumulating 127 wickets in 110 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: Shami remains a highly sought-after figure for numerous brands, both domestic and international. He serves as the face for a diverse range of products from brands such as ASICS, Pepsi, boAt, Stanford, Nike, OctaFX, Blitzpools, and more. According to Forbes, Shami rakes in over $18 million from brand endorsements and approximately $2 million from salary/winnings. Sources suggest that Shami commands fees ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore per endorsement deal.
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9. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the most successful off-spinner and batsmen in the Indian Cricket team. He is an off-spinner who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He’s one of the richest sports players globally, having a net worth of ₹120 crore in 2023. He earns money from different sources, like:
- BCCI Earnings: Being a Grade A player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ashwin earns around ₹5 crore every year. Also, he earns ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and ₹3 lakh for a T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ashwin is paid ₹7 crore every season to play for the Rajasthan Royals. They kept him in the 2022 mega auction, and he will play for them in 2023. He’s done well in the IPL, taking 171 wickets in 197 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: Ashwin is popular with lots of brands, both in India and worldwide. He advertises for brands like Muthoot FinCorp, MRF, Jio, Moov, Myntra, Manna Health Mix, Bombay Shaving Company, Specsmakers, Ramraj Linen Shirts, Oppo, and Aristocrat’s Bags. According to Forbes, he earns over $18 million from ads and about $2 million from playing cricket. As per sources, Ashwin asks for ₹95 lakhs to ₹1 crore for a year’s contract to be the face of a brand.
8. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is one of the most successful batsmen in the Indian Cricket team. He is a left-handed opening batsman who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He’s one of the richest sports players in the world, having a net worth of ₹125 crore in 2023. His money comes from different sources, like:
- BCCI Earnings: Being a Grade C player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Dhawan earns about ₹1 crore every year. He also earns ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and ₹3 lakh for a T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan is paid ₹8 crore every season to play for the Punjab Kings. They traded him from the Delhi Capitals to the Punjab franchise in the 2022 mega auction and made him the captain for the 2023 edition. He’s done really well in the IPL, scoring 6617 runs in 217 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: Dhawan is liked by lots of brands, both in India and other countries. He advertises for brands like Adidas, Dream11, Boat, Jio, Nerolac Paints, Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, GS Caltex, Zero Risque, Fever FM, DB Dixon, StanceBeam, IMG Reliance, Ariel India, Alcis Sports, Vedantu Learn and V Star, among others. According to Forbes, Dhawan earns over $2 million from ads and about $2 million from playing cricket. According to sources, Dhawan charges between ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh for each deal to be the face of a brand.
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7. Rishab Pant
Rishabh Pant is one of the most successful wicket-keeper and batsmen in the Indian cricket team. He is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a net worth of ₹82 crore in 2023, Rishab Pant is one of the youngest and richest sports person in India. He makes money from different sources, like:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant earns about ₹5 crore every year. He also earns ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and ₹3 lakh for a T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pant is paid ₹16 crore every season to play for the Delhi Capitals. They kept him in the 2022 mega auction and made him the captain for the 2023 edition. He’s done really well in the IPL, scoring 2838 runs in 98 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: Pant has endorsed multiple Indian and foreign brands in his career. He advertises for brands like JSW Sports, Puma, boAt, Noise, Realme, Dream11, Ketch, SG, Himalaya, Boost, Cadbury, and more. According to Forbes, Pant makes over $18 million from ads and about $2 million from playing cricket. According to sources, Pant charges between ₹30 lakh to ₹40 lakh for each brand endorsement deal.
6. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is one of the most successful opening batsman and wicket-keeper in the Indian cricket team. He is a versatile batsman who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹110 crore as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: KL Rahul earns about ₹3 crore per year salary as he comes under the Grade B players list in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also earns ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and ₹3 lakh for a T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahul is paid ₹17 crore every season to play for the Lucknow Super Giants. He was picked as one of the three marquee players by the franchise in the 2022 mega auction and retained as the captain for the 2023 edition. He has been one of the leading run-scorers in the IPL, with 4163 runs in 118 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: KL Rahul is a popular face for brand endorsements and has endorsed many brands as a cricketer. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Puma, Noise, Hero MotoCorp, Bharat Pe, boAt, Realme, Tata Nexon, Beardo, Zenovit, Cure.fit, Red Bull, Gully, Reserve Bank of India, NUMI, and more. KL Rahul earns over $18 million from ads and about $2 million from playing cricket. According to sources, Rahul charges between ₹70 lakh to ₹1.73 crore for a brand deal.
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5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world. He is an all-rounder who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹120 crore as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pandya’s salary from BCCI stands at approximately ₹5 crore per year. He also earns ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: Pandya is one of the most expensive players in the IPL, with a salary of ₹15 crore per season from the Mumbai Indians. He was traded back to the franchise in 2024 after leading the Gujarat Titans to the title in 2023. He has been one of the most valuable players in the IPL, with 2309 runs and 53 wickets in 123 matches.
- Endorsement Earnings: Hardik Pandya is known for his style and he is also the most demanded face for many national and international brands. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Gillette, Cars24, Gulf Oil, POCO, Hyundai, Taco Bell, Havmor Ice Cream, LenDenClub, Gatorade, KRAFTON India, BigMuscle Nutrition, Onsitego, and more. Hardik Pandya makes over $18 million from advertisement and about $2 million from playing cricket. Hardik Pandya charges between ₹1.25 crore to ₹1.5 crore for a brand deal.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world. He is a fast bowler who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹105 crore as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A+ player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah’s salary from BCCI stands at approximately ₹7 crore per year. He also earns ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: Bumrah is one of the most expensive players in the IPL, with a salary of ₹15 crore per season from the Mumbai Indians. He has been with the franchise since 2013 and has won five IPL titles with them.
- Endorsement Earnings: Bumrah is a sought-after face for many brands, both national and international. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Nike, Oppo, boAt, Dream11, Asics, OnePlus Wearables, Zaggle, Seagram’s Royal Stag, Cultsport, Estrolo, UNIX, and Bharat Pe among others. Jasprit Bumrah makes over $18 million from brand endorsements and around $2 million from salary/winnings. According to sources, Bumrah is said to charge between ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh per advertisement.
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3. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world. He is an all-rounder who plays for the Indian national cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹150 crore as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A+ player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jadeja’s salary from BCCI stands at approximately ₹7 crore per year. He also earns ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: Jadeja is one of the most expensive players in the IPL, with a salary of ₹17 crore per season from the Chennai Super Kings. He has been with the franchise since 2012 and has won three IPL titles with them.
- Endorsement Earnings: Jadeja is a sought-after face for many brands, both national and international. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Spartan Sports, Dream11, Byju’s, Thums Up, Gujarat Tourism, Incredible India, ASICS, Life OK, and more. Ravindra Jadeja earns over $18 million from brand endorsements and around $2 million from salary/winnings. According to the sources, Ravindra Jadeja is said to charge between ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore a day for endorsing a particular brand.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world. He is the captain of the Indian national cricket team in Test and ODI formats and the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹214 crore as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A+ player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sharma’s salary from BCCI stands at approximately ₹7 crore per year. He also earns ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: Sharma is one of the most expensive players in the IPL, with a salary of ₹16 crore per season from the Mumbai Indians. He has been with the franchise since 2011, leading them to five IPL titles, making him the most successful captain in IPL history.
- Endorsement Earnings: Sharma is a sought-after face for many brands, both national and international. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Adidas, Nissan, Maggi, Oakley, La Liga, Dr Trust, Hublot, SHARP, CricKingdom, Trusox, New Era, Aristocrat, Rasna, Ceat, Oakley, Massimo Batteries, Conekt Gadgets, IIFL France, Vega, Financepeer, Goibibo, Birla Sun Life Insurance, Oppo, Dream11, and more. According to Forbes, Sharma makes over $20 million from brand endorsements and around $2 million from salary/winnings. According to Outlook India, Sharma charges between ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore a day for endorsing a particular brand.
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1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world. He is the former captain of the Indian national cricket team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of ₹1065 crore ($128 million) as of 2023. His earnings come from various sources, such as:
- BCCI Earnings: As a Grade A+ player in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli’s salary from BCCI stands at approximately ₹7 crore per year. He also earns ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20 match.
- IPL Earnings: Kohli is one of the most expensive players in the IPL, with a salary of ₹15 crore per season from the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has been with the franchise since 2008 and has scored 6211 runs in the tournament, making him the highest run-scorer in IPL history.
- Endorsement Earnings: Kohli is a sought-after face for many brands, both national and international. He endorses a catalog of brands that include Puma, Myntra, Wrogn, MRF Tyres, Audi India, Manyavar, Colgate, Too Yumm, Uber, MPL, Vicks, Boost, Vivo, Toothsi, American Tourister, Go Digit General Insurance, Great Learning, Shyam Steel, Avas Living, Blue Tribe, and more. According to Forbes, Kohli makes over $24 million from brand endorsements and around $2 million from salary/winnings. According to the Economic Times, Kohli is said to charge between ₹7.5 crore to ₹10 crore a day for endorsing a particular brand.
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Conclusion
The Indian cricket team is not just a sporting powerhouse; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The players are not just athletes; they are national heroes. This is reflected in their immense popularity and the staggering financial rewards they receive. The top 10 highest-paid Indian cricketers earn millions of dollars each year from BCCI contracts, IPL deals, and lucrative endorsements.
While financial success is certainly a motivator, these players are also passionate about the sport and dedicated to representing their country with pride. They inspire millions of young people across India and the world to dream big and chase their goals.
As the popularity of cricket continues to grow, we can expect to see the earnings of these athletes rise even higher. It will be fascinating to see who emerges as the next generation of superstars and joins the ranks of the highest-paid cricketers in the world.
