Top 10 Highest Paid IPL Players of All Time
Based on the total earnings from IPL contracts spanning multiple seasons, here is the ranked list of the wealthiest IPL players as of 2025:
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Total Career Earnings (Approx.) | Peak Auction Price (INR crore) | Year of Peak Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians | $20.9 million (₹209 crore) | 16 crores | 2022 |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | $20.7 million (₹207 crore) | 9.5 crores | 2008 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | $20.3 million (₹203 crore) | 17 crores | 2018 |
| 4 | Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings | $13.0 million (₹130 crore) | Retention value | Multiple years |
| 5 | Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings | $12.8 million (₹128 crore) | 16 crores | 2022 |
| 6 | Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | $12.5 million (₹125 crore) | High retentions | Multiple years |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | $11.9 million (₹119 crore) | High retentions | Multiple years |
| 8 | Gautam Gambhir | Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders | $11.1 million (₹111 crore) | 14.9 crores | 2011 |
| 9 | Shikhar Dhawan | Punjab Kings | $10.7 million (₹107 crore) | Retentions / auctions | Multiple years |
| 10 | Dinesh Karthik | Royal Challengers Bangalore | $10.2 million (₹102 crore) | Retentions / auctions | Multiple years |
Detailed Player Profiles
1. Rohit Sharma – Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma stands as the highest paid IPL player in history with total career earnings around $20.9 million. Known for his calm captaincy and aggressive batting, Rohit has been the face of Mumbai Indians’ dominance. His peak auction price was ₹16 crores in 2022. He has led Mumbai to multiple IPL titles, making him one of the most valuable assets in the league.
2. MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings
The former India captain and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni was one of the first to get a massive IPL contract at ₹9.5 crores in the inaugural 2008 season. Over the years, retained by CSK, Dhoni amassed around $20.7 million in IPL earnings while leading CSK to multiple titles. His leadership and finishing skills made him indispensable.
3. Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Virat Kohli is not only one of the greatest cricketers globally but also a highly paid IPL player. He held the record for the highest auction price at ₹17 crores in 2018. Kohli’s consistency and fan following made him one of IPL’s most marketable players with career earnings of about $20.3 million.
4. Suresh Raina – Chennai Super Kings
Known as “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina earned an estimated $13 million over his IPL career. He played a key role in CSK’s success with aggressive batting and handy spin bowling. Raina’s retention and multiple season contracts contributed to his high earnings.
5. Ravindra Jadeja – Chennai Super Kings
Jadeja’s all-round prowess fetched him a peak price of ₹16 crores in 2022. With superb fielding and match-winning performances, Jadeja's consistent performances earned him over $12.8 million in IPL contracts.
6. Sunil Narine – Kolkata Knight Riders
Narine’s mystery spin and effective economy rates made him a valuable asset, with cumulative earnings near $12.5 million. He has been retained by KKR multiple times, maintaining his market value.
7. AB de Villiers – Royal Challengers Bangalore
“Mr.360” AB de Villiers thrilled IPL fans with his explosive batting. Although not always the top price earner, his long association with RCB resulted in €11.9 million total IPL earnings.
8. Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir was a key figure in Kolkata’s early IPL success and later Delhi Capitals. His leadership and run-scoring garnered him about $11.1 million in contracts, including a peak auction price of ₹14.9 crores in 2011.
9. Shikhar Dhawan
Known for uptime performances and a consistent opener, Dhawan has been retained and auctioned at competitive prices across seasons, accumulating over $10.7 million.
10. Dinesh Karthik
Karthik’s finishing skills and wicketkeeping helped him secure multiple contracts totaling $10.2 million. His value increases with his experience and versatility.
Highest Auction Prices in IPL History
Several elite players have fetched record prices in IPL auctions. The highest single season auction prices include:
- Rishabh Pant – ₹27 Crore (2025)
- Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 Crore (2024)
- Pat Cummins – ₹20.5 Crore (2024)
- Sam Curran – ₹18.5 Crore (2023)
- Virat Kohli – ₹17 Crore (2018)
- KL Rahul – ₹17 Crore (2022)
- Chris Morris – ₹16.25 Crore (2021)
- Yuvraj Singh – ₹16 Crore (2015)
- Ravindra Jadeja – ₹16 Crore (2022)
- Rohit Sharma – ₹16 Crore (2022)