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  • Unveiling the Most Expensive Player in IPL History Across All Seasons

    The thrill of an IPL auction is no less than the tournament itself— seeing your favorite team bidding for your favorite player is enough to spark excitement.

    The Indian Premier League is not just a regular sports event— it’s a mega cricket festival. In a franchise sports tournament like IPL, auctions play a significant role as players list their contracts for sale, and the owner bids to buy them.

    Over the years, the IPL auction has given the game of cricket many unknown faces who became big names and millionaires. The auction room has also witnessed star players being left unsold, franchises fighting for players, and millions and millions of dollars being spent on buying their services. As the wealthiest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League has seen it all.

    Here is the list of IPL highest price player of all seasons.

    Most Expensive Player in IPL History

    1. IPL 2008
    2. IPL 2009
    3. IPL 2010
    4. IPL 2011
    5. IPL 2012
    6. IPL 2013
    7. IPL 2014
    8. IPL 2015
    9. IPL 2016
    10. IPL 2017
    11. IPL 2018
    12. IPL 2019
    13. IPL 2020
    14. IPL 2021
    15. IPL 2022
    16. IPL 2023
    17. IPL 2024
    18. IPL 2025

    IPL 2008

    Name Mahendra Singh Dhoni
    Team Chennai Super Kings
    Price Rs. 9.5 crore
    Most Expensive Player in IPL 2008 - MS Dhoni
    Most Expensive Player in IPL 2008 – MS Dhoni

    ‌‌During the inaugural season of the IPL, MS Dhoni became the most expensive player when Chennai Super Kings bought him for INR 9.5 crore. It wasn’t a surprise that Dhoni got the highest bid. The then captain of the Indian T20I team, who won the ICC 2007 T20 World Cup, MSD in 2008, was unstoppable— the aura, the performances, the stats— he was the best finisher of the game. That year, leading CSK to the finals, Dhoni amassed 414 runs in 16 matches with a healthy strike rate of 133.54 and an average of 41.40. Under his captaincy, CSK won 4 IPL titles in— 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. After playing in all the IPL seasons for CSK, the veteran keeper-batter has taken retirement from international cricket in 2020 and will serve CSK for the last time in 2023.

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    IPL 2009

    Name Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen
    Team Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore
    Price Rs. 9.8 crore
    IPL highest price player all season - Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2009 – Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen

    ‌‌The England duo of Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were the joint most expensive players in IPL 2009.

    Chennai Super Kings bought the English all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff for 9.8 crores INR, and Kevin Pietersen, the English top-order batsman, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the same price. But neither of the cricketers proved to be worth the money. Flintoff had his first and last appearance in India’s premier domestic league in 2009. After taking two wickets and playing three matches, he withdrew from the franchise because of a knee injury. Kevin Pietersen also had a difficult season with the bat– he totaled 96 runs in six matches. He last played in the IPL in 2016 for the Rising Pune Super Giants.‌‌‌‌

    IPL 2010

    Name Shane Bond, Kieron Pollard
    Team Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians
    Price Rs. 4.8 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2010 - Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2010 – Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard

    ‌‌The 2010 IPL season saw a mini-auction of sorts with only 11 players ending up in the team shopping cart, with Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard sharing the tag of the most expensive player. Bond was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders and played eight matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2010, and the legendary Kiwi speedster had an impactful season. Clinching nine wickets at a decent economy rate of 7.22, he was outstanding throughout the season. But sadly, 2009 was Bond’s only appearance in the IPL. Shane Bond is the current bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians (MI).

    Kieron Pollard was bought by Mumbai Indians and had impressed the franchise by amassing 273 runs at an explosive strike rate of 185.71. He had the best figures of the season – 2/24 – for the franchise. The dashing right-arm batter and MI regular played a pivotal role in winning the title four times. Alongshore Shane Bond, Pollard is the batting coach for MI in the IPL 2023.

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    IPL 2011

    Name Gautam Gambhir
    Team Kolkata Knight Riders
    Price Rs. 14.9 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2011 | IPL Highest Bid Player
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2011 – Gautam Gambhir

    Following Gautam Gambhir’s match-winning 97 off 122 balls in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, he had to be the most wanted player that season. KKR went for the big move as the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise made its highest bid ever– INR 14.9 crores and became the most expensive player in IPL 2011. Gambhir did not disappoint the franchise and made 378 runs in 15 matches with an average of 34.36. Gautam Gambhir also led the side to its twin titles in 2012 and 2014 and is considered to be one of the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history.

    Now retired, Gambhir has been appointed the mentor for the Lucknow franchise and the 2023 IPL– along with Andy Flower and Rahul– Gambhir is working as the head coach for the team.

    IPL 2012

    Name Ravindra Jadeja
    Team Chennai Super Kings
    Price Rs. 12.8 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2012 | Highest Paid Player in IPL History
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2012 – Ravindra Jadeja

    Ravindra Jadeja became the most expensive player in IPL 2012. Bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 12.8 crore, the Indian all-rounder failed to impress the franchise during that season and made only 191 runs and took 12 wickets. Although he was retained by CSK management for the next season at a reduced price of INR 7 crores, Jadeja has been an indispensable part of CSK over the last decade. In the 2023 IPL, CSK retained Jadeja for INR 16 crores.

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    IPL 2013

    Name Glenn Maxwell
    Team Mumbai Indians
    Price Rs. 6.3 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2013 | IPL Most Expensive Player
    Highest Buy in IPL History – Glenn Maxwell

    The Aussie big-hitter, Glenn Maxwell, was picked by the Mumbai Indians for INR 6.3 crores before he became a star player. After aggregating 36 runs in three matches, he was released from the team. The subsequent year, Maxwell played for Kings XI Punjab and smashed a phenomenal 552 runs in 16 games, at an astounding strike rate of 187.75 and an average of 34.50. The Punjab-based franchise bought his services again before IPL 2020 for INR 10.75. For the 16th edition of the IPL, in 2023, the Aussie player was bought by the Bangalore franchise for INR 11.00 crore.‌‌

    IPL 2014

    Name Yuvraj Singh
    Team Royal Challengers Bangalore
    Price Rs. 14 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2014 -Yuvraj Singh
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2014 -Yuvraj Singh

    India’s white-ball legend, Yuvraj Singh, got the tag of the most expensive player when he was bought for INR 14 crore by RCB at the 2014 IPL auction. He had a decent season with the Bangalore franchise, amassing 376 runs in 14 games and picking up five wickets with his left-arm spin. It was the only year when the Southpaw represented Bangalore. He is also the only Indian player who, twice in a row, won the bid for the most expensive player.

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    IPL 2015

    Name Yuvraj Singh
    Team Delhi Daredevils
    Price Rs. 16 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2015 - Yuvraj Singh
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2015 – Yuvraj Singh

    Following Yuvi’s incredible 2014 season, he was again named the most expensive player during the IPL 2015 auction. Bought by the Delhi Capitals team for INR 16 crore, he had failed to perform for the Delhi franchise. Amassing 248 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of just 118.09, Yuvraj took only one wicket that season. He later represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) before retiring after the 2019 edition. ‌‌

    IPL 2016

    Name Shane Watson
    Team Royal Challengers Bangalore
    Price Rs. 9.5 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2016 - Shane Watson
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2016 – Shane Watson

    The Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 9.5 crore, was the most expensive player in IPL 2016. Although the Aussie player failed to impress with the bat and made only 179 runs in 16 matches, he was outstanding with the ball. Taking 20 wickets, Watson finished the season as the third-highest wicket-taker. In 2018, he represented CSK and even won the title with them that year. He is considered as the costliest player in IPL 2016.

    Watson played his final IPL season in 2020 for Chennai, and in the same year, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He stayed connected with cricket and joined Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach before the 2022 IPL season.‌‌‌‌

    IPL 2017

    Name Ben Stokes
    Team Rising Pune Supergiant
    Price Rs. 14.5 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2017 - Ben Stokes
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2017 – Ben Stokes

    Talismanic England all-rounder Ben Stokes played his debut IPL match in 2017 and was the most expensive player in IPL 2017. Sold to now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant for 14.5 crores INR, the English all-rounder justified his high price tag and did well in his debut season. The 28-year-old amassed 316 runs in 12 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 142.98 and an average of 31.60. He also made 12 scalps at an economy rate of 7.18, returning with the best figures of 3/18. He is also the second player who twice won the bid for the most expensive player.

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    IPL 2018

    Name Ben Stokes
    Team Rajasthan Royals
    Price Rs. 12.5 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2018 - Ben Stokes
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2018 – Ben Stokes

    Ben Stokes again won the tag of the most expensive player in the IPL 2018 auction when the Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 12.5 crore. Unfortunately, he failed to perform under the new franchise and made only 196 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of around 120. Despite his hefty price tag, Ben Stokes struggled to live up to expectations in the 2018 season. However, his acquisition remains a testament to the immense faith teams put in his talent and potential.

    IPL 2019

    Name Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Chakravarthy
    Team Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings
    Price Rs. 8.4 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2019 - Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2019 – Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy

    The duo became an overnight sensation when they shared the tag of the most expensive player in the IPL 2019 auction. Jaydev Unadkat was bought by Rajasthan Royals and Varun Chakravarthy by Punjab Kings for INR 8.4 crore each. Unfortunately, players were unable to impress with their performance.

    Unadkat, unable to justify his price tag, let Rajasthan Royals down as he claimed only ten wickets in 11 matches at a poor economy rate of 10.66. During the IPL 2023 mega auction, the Super Giants bought him at his base price of INR 50 lakhs.

    Varun Chakravarty, who started his IPL career with a tag of INR 8.4 crore in 2019, failed to make an impact and played just 1 match for the Punjab-based franchise, where he took one wicket at an economy rate of 11.66. He was the most expensive player in IPL 2019 together with Jaydev Unadkat. Following his failures, Varun is currently KKR’s mystery spinner, and during the IPL Auction 2023, the Kolkata franchise acquired his services for INR 12.00 crore.‌‌

    IPL 2020

    Name Pat Cummins
    Team Kolkata Knight Riders
    Price Rs. 15.5 crore
    Highest sold player in IPL history - Pat Cummins
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2020 – Pat Cummins

    In 2020, the Aussie fast bowler made history when he became the highest auction player in IPL history after the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for INR 15.5 crores. But Cummins ended up having a moderate season, claiming 12 wickets, with most of them coming in the second half of the season, and made 146 runs with the bat. Pat Cummins was the most expensive player in IPL 2020.

    Although the right-arm pacer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL 2023 auction for INR 7.25 crore, the Aussie decided to skip IPL 2023 to take some rest ahead of Australia’s jam-packed cricket schedule.‌‌

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    IPL 2021

    Name Chris Morris
    Team Rajasthan Royals
    Price Rs. 16.25 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2021 - Chris Morris
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2021 – Chris Morris

    The record of the most expensive IPL player was broken again in 2021 when Chris Morris became the most expensive player in IPL 2021 after the Rajasthan Royals bought him for a whopping INR 16.25 crores. The South African all-rounder claimed 15 wickets for Rajasthan Royals but had an economy of 9.17. The following year in January 2022, Chris Morris retired from all forms of cricket.

    IPL 2022

    Name Ishan Kishan
    Team Mumbai Indians
    Price Rs. 15.25 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2022 - Ishan Kishan
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2022 – Ishan Kishan

    During the 2022 auction, Ishan Kishan became the second most expensive Indian player in the history of IPL after Yuvraj Singh. For INR 15.25 crore, he was bagged by Mumbai Indians. The Indian keeper-batter had a mixed campaign with the bat and concluded his season by scoring 418 runs with three fifties, despite MI finishing last in the points table.

    IPL 2023

    Name Sam Curran
    Team Punjab Kings
    Price Rs. 18.5 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2023 - Sam Curran
    Highest Paid Player in All IPL Seasons – Sam Curran

    The England all-rounder Sam Curran broke all records when he became the most expensive player in the history of IPL. During the 2023 auction, he fetched a whooping INR 18.50 crore bid from Punjab Kings after he recorded his best T20I figures— 5–10 against Afghanistan in 2022. Curran was part of the winning England team during the 2022 T20 World Cup, and he took the most wickets for England at the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.

    IPL 2024

    Name Mitchell Starc
    Team Kolkata Knight Riders
    Price Rs. 24.75 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2024 - Mitchell Starc
    Most Expensive Player in IPL History 2024 – Mitchell Starc

    In the IPL 2024 auction, Starc was the center of a fierce bidding war, with multiple franchises vying for his services. Ultimately, the Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious, securing Starc’s signature for a staggering INR 24.75 crore, the costliest player in the IPL auction history.

    Starc’s exceptional performances in international cricket, particularly in the longest format, had made him a highly sought-after commodity. His ability to generate blistering pace, extract prodigious swing, and dismantle the best batting lineups in the world made him a prized asset for any team looking to bolster their bowling attack. He is considered to be the most expensive IPL player of all time. The Kolkata Knight Riders, who had struggled with their bowling in previous seasons, saw Starc as the missing piece to their championship puzzle. The franchise’s management was determined to secure the services of the Australian spearhead, understanding the immense value he would bring to their team.

    IPL 2025

    Name Rishabh Pant
    Team Lucknow Super Giants
    Price Rs. 27 crore
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2025 - Rishabh Pant
    Most Expensive Players in IPL 2025 – Rishabh Pant

    Rishabh Rajendra Pant is an Indian cricketer who plays as a wicket-keeper batter for the Indian team. He also plays for Delhi in domestic cricket and captains Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Pant is known for scoring runs consistently in Test cricket. In the IPL 2025 auction, Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore. This bid is considered the highest bid in IPL history.

    He was part of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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    FAQs

    Which is the richest IPL franchise?

    Mumbai Indians, owned by Mr Mukesh Ambani, is the richest franchise with a net worth of $87 million.

    Which is the most successful team in IPL?

    Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the most successful franchises in the history of IPL. They have won 5 titles each.

    Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?

    Rishabh Pant is the costliest player in the IPL auction history. Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore in 2025.

    Who is the richest IPL player?

    Rohit Sharma has earned the most from IPL, earning INR 178.6 crore. He is the richest IPL Player across all seasons.

    Who is the most expensive Indian player in IPL history?

    Rishabh Pant was bought for a whopping INR 27 crore in IPL 2025 and is considered to be the most expensive Indian player in IPL history.

    Who is the costliest player in the IPL auction history?

    Rishabh Pant is the highest paid player in IPL history. He was bought for INR 27 crore in IPL 2025.

    Who is IPL season 1 most expensive player?

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings was bought in INR 9.5 crore and was the most expensive player in IPL season 1.

    Who was the IPL 2011 most expensive player?

    Gautam Gambhir was bought in a staggering INR 14.9 crore in the IPL 2011 making him the then most expensive player.

  • Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL

    Run by the most affluent cricket board in the world– BCCI– the Indian Premier League is among the world’s highest-paid lucrative tournaments.

    As mentioned by Forbes, IPL is the sixth most valuable sports league in the world, ranking behind the NFL, the Champions League, and Europe’s four big football leagues.

    A franchise-based T20 game that began in 2008 has seen several youngsters soaring to new heights, and a few players have earned more than INR 100 crore from the league so far.

    No wonder this game attracts the best players in the world to play in the IPL every year. Let’s find players who have earned the most through IPL since its inception in 2008.

    Here’s the list of players who have earned INR 100 crores or more in the IPL.

    S. No Player Team Earnings
    1 Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians INR 178.6 crore
    2 Mahendra Singh Dhoni Chennai Super Kings INR 176.8 crore
    3 Virat Kohli Roya Challengers Bengaluru INR 173.2 crore
    4 Suresh Raina Chennai Super Kings INR 110.74 crore
    5 Ravindra Jadeja Chennai Super Kings INR 109 crores
    6 Sunil Narine Kolkata Knight Riders INR 107.2 crore
    7 AB De Villiers Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 102 crore
    8 Gautam Gambhir Delhi Capitals INR 94.62 crore
    9 Shikhar Dhawan Punjab Kings INR 91.8 crore
    10 Dinesh Karthik Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 86.92 crore
    11 Glenn Maxwell Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 85.42 crore
    12 Yuvraj Singh Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers
    Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, and Sunrisers Hyderabad    		 INR 84.6 crore
    13 David Warner Delhi Capitals INR 83.5 crore
    14 Ravichandra Ashwin Rajasthan Royals INR 82.4 crore
    15 Lokesh Rahul Lucknow Super Giants INR 82.1 crore

    Rohit Sharma

    Player Rohit Sharma
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Mumbai Indians
    Earning INR 178.6 crore
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Rohit Sharma
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL – Rohit Sharma

    Standing on the top of the list, we have Rohit Sharma, with an overall IPL earning of INR 178.6 crore. Leading the Ambani-owned franchise’s success and turnaround in the IPL since 2013, Rohit Sharma has propelled the side to 5 IPL titles from 2013 to 2020.

    His IPL career began in 2008 with Deccan Chargers, a Hyderabad-based franchise, for INR 4.8 crore. After playing for three seasons, he was sold to Mumbai Indians for INR 9.2 crore in the 2011 IPL mega auction. Since then, the franchise has retained him as their No.1 choice player in every mega auction. After playing for three seasons at MI in 2014, his salary increased to INR 12.5 crore and then to INR 15 crore in 2018. And ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction, MI retained Rohit for a whopping INR 16 crore.

    Rohit, the 3rd leading run-scorer in IPL history, is one of the few players who have been featured in all 15 seasons of the IPL so far. Sharma has played 232 IPL matches and amassed 6014 runs, averaging 30.22. Rohit Sharma is considered to have the highest earning in IPL history with a staggering INR 178.6 crore.

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni

    Player Mahendra Singh Dhoni
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Chennai Super Kings
    Earning INR 176.8 crore
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Mahendra Singh Dhoni
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Mahendra Singh Dhoni

    With an overall earning of INR 176.8 crore in the IPL, the former captain of Team India, MS Dhoni, comes second on the list.

    The wicketkeeper-batsman joined CSK in 2008 as a marquee player for INR 6 crore and remained at the team’s helm. After leading the team to their title win in 2010, his salary saw a hike that reached INR 8.2 crore, and in 2014, CSK retained him for INR 12.5 crore.

    When CSK got banned in 2015, RPSG picked Dhoni for INR 12.5 crore and played for the franchise for two years. When CSK returned in 2018, Dhoni played for INR 15 crore as their first player, and in 2022, CSK retained Dhoni for INR 12 crore, which continued in 2023.

    Dhoni, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020, had played 13 seasons for CSK and two seasons for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017 when CSK was banned. He is the 9th highest scorer in the IPL with 4878 runs, averaging 39 with a strike rate of 135. For the 16th season of IPL, Mahi is back in action, but perhaps for the last time. He is one of the highest earning IPL player all time.

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    Virat Kohli

    Player Virat Kohli
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru
    Earning INR 173.2 crore
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Virat Kohli
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Virat Kohli

    The former Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain and star player, Virat Kohli, has a net IPL earning of INR 173.2 crore and comes third on the list.

    In 2008, RCB picked up Kohli for INR 12 lakhs for the first 3 IPL seasons, and in 2011, RCB retained him for INR 8.2 crore. As his performances soared in the sky and he attained the captaincy post, his price also shot up. In 2014, Virat Kohli was retained for INR 12.5 crore, and in 2018, his price was INR 17 crore– and he was the first player in the IPL to get INR 17 crore per season making him the highest paid IPL player.

    After Kohli stepped down as captain from all formats of cricket, his IPL salary in 2022 was shaved off by two crores, making it INR 15 crore from INR 17 crore, which he drew from IPL 2018 to 2021. The RCB skipper will carry the same salary in IPL 2023 as well.

    The leading run-scorer in the IPL’s history, the RCB skipper, Virat Kohli, has played all 15 editions for RCB – and is the only player to achieve that for a single team. The 34-year-old star player has played 229 IPL matches, with a score of 6903 runs, averaging 36.72.

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    Suresh Raina

    Player Suresh Raina
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Chennai Super Kings
    Earning INR 110.74 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Suresh Raina
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Suresh Raina

    The now-retired Southpaw still stands in fourth place in terms of net IPL earnings. Suresh Raina has earned INR 110.74 crores, making him the 4th highest earner in the IPL.

    In 2008, the Chennai Super Kings bought Raina’s services for INR 2.6 crores for the first three IPL seasons, and since then, he has been the backbone of the franchise. Raina had been the highest run-scorer in the IPL before Virat Kohli overtook him after IPL 12. In 2011, CSK retained Raina for INR 5.9 crores— and throughout his IPL career, Raina has batted at the number 3 position. When CSK disbanded in 2015, Gujarat Lions took him for INR 12 crores, which dropped to INR 9.5 crores in 2017. In 2018, when CSK returned, Raina was taken in by the team for INR 11 crores and retained in 2019 as well.

    Popularly known as Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina had played 205 IPL matches and amassed 5528 runs, averaging 32.51. Raina had played with CSK for 11 seasons but was left unsold in 2020. He last played IPL in 2021 for CSK at INR 11 crores, and he took his retirement from the T20 league in September 2022. Kohli is one of the top 10 highest paid players in IPL history.

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    Ravindra Jadeja

    Player Ravindra Jadeja
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Chennai Super Kings
    Earning INR 109 crores
    Highest Earners in IPL History - Ravindra Jadeja
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Ravindra Jadeja

    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 INR 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 INR 43 lakhs. And after the franchise disbanded in 2012, CSK took Jadeja for INR 9.2 crore. In 2014, playing for CSK, his salary was increased to INR 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 INR 9.5 crores, but he returned to CSK in 2018 for INR 7 crores till 2021. In 2022, Jadeja stayed with the franchise for a whooping INR 16 crores ahead of the 2022 auction that will continue in 2023 making him in the top 10 highest paid player in IPL history.

    The Left-handed all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has played 215 IPL matches and has scored 2541 runs, with an average of 26.20.

    Sunil Narine

    Player Sunil Narine
    Country West Indies
    IPL Franchise Kolkata Knight Riders
    Earning INR 107.2 crore
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Sunil Narine
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Sunil Narine

    KKR’s go-to player, Sunil Narine, entered the 100-crore club in 2022 to become the second overseas player to earn a salary of 100 crores— with a net income of INR 107.2 crores.

    The Trinidadian bowler Sunil Narine played his first IPL match in 2012 for KKR and has featured KKR for every season since 2012. Starting his IPL journey with INR 3.51 crore, Narine, with his top-quality bowling attacks with his flamboyant stroke play, saw a spike in his earnings— from 2018 to 2021, he earned Rs 12.5 crore per season.

    But in 2022, that sum only reached INR 6 crore. However, after this, he breached the 100-crore mark and became the second-richest overseas player in the tournament, after RCB star AB de Villiers. In a decade-long ongoing IPL career, Narine has played 154 matches and has taken 158 wickets, with an average of 25.41, conceding nearly 6.70 runs per over.

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    AB De Villiers

    Player AB De Villiers
    Country South Africa
    IPL Franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru
    Earning INR 102 crores
    Highest Earners in IPL History - AB de Villiers
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – AB de Villiers

    At the seventh spot is now retired South Africa’s finest batsman, AB de Villiers, with a net IPL earning of INR 102 crores. He is one of the cricketers who has most money earned in IPL.

    The finest IPL player, ABD, started his IPL journey in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils franchise for INR 1.2 crores and played for the franchise in the first three seasons at an income of INR 1.4 and 1.3 crores. Later, in 2011, he was bought by RCB for INR 5 crores, initiating his long journey with the franchise till his retirement. As RCB’s most successful batsman, he single-handedly won many matches for his team. In the 2014 IPL auction, RCB bought the South African player for INR 9.5 crores. With his consistently good performance, ABD’s salary kept increasing— in 2018, RCB bought his services for INR 11 crores. He was retained in the team in 2019 and 2020 for the same price. He is one of the highest earners in IPL history.

    In 2021, RCB bought de Villiers for INR 11 crores, which marked the last season before his retirement. ABD has played 184 IPL matches and scored 5162 runs, averaging 39.70.

    Gautam Gambhir

    Player Gautam Gambhir
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Delhi Capitals
    Earning INR 94.62 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Gautam Gambhir
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Gautam Gambhir

    Gautam Gambhir is one of the most decorated players in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-handed batsman amassed a staggering ₹94.62 crores in earnings throughout his illustrious 17-year IPL career making him in the list of highest earning player in IPL history. Gambhir first debuted his IPL in 2008 for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He went on to play a crucial role in the team’s success over the next few seasons, emerging as one of the league’s most reliable opening batsmen.

    In 2011, Gambhir was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹11.04 crores, a then-record fee for an Indian player. He justified the price tag by leading the team to IPL title victories in 2012 and 2014, scoring 3,035 runs across 122 IPL innings at an average of 31.77 and a strike rate of 124.23 during his time with KKR. Gambhir’s performances and leadership helped establish Kolkata Knight Riders as one of the IPL’s dominant franchises in the early 2010s. After leaving KKR in 2018, he had stints with the Delhi Daredevils and the defending champions Mumbai Indians before announcing his retirement from the IPL in 2019.

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    Shikhar Dhawan

    Player Shikhar Dhawan
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Punjab Kings
    Earning INR 91.8 crores
    Highest Earner in IPL History - Shikhar Dhawan
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Shikhar Dhawan

    Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is one of the highest-earning players in the history of the Indian Premier League, having accumulated a staggering ₹91.8 crores throughout his IPL career. Dhawan first entered the IPL in 2008, representing the Deccan Chargers. He became a vital part of their batting lineup, emerging as one of the consistent run-getters in the league. In 2013, he was purchased by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹5.5 crores.

    Dhawan’s performances only improved after that, and he cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable opening batters in the IPL. He was a key contributor to the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign in 2016, scoring 501 runs at an average of 38.54.

    In 2019, Dhawan was traded to the Delhi Capitals, where he has continued to deliver match-winning displays. Over the years, his consistent run-scoring, explosive starts, and experience have made him an invaluable asset for the various franchises he has represented.

    Dinesh Karthik

    Player Dinesh Karthik
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru
    Earning INR 86.92 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Dinesh Karthik
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Dinesh Karthik

    Dinesh Karthik first entered the IPL in 2008, representing the Delhi Daredevils. Over the next decade, he went on to play for several high-profile franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2018, Karthik was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹7.4 crores, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after players in the league. His leadership skills and finishing abilities made him an invaluable asset for KKR, as he helped the team reach the playoffs in 2018 and 2019. He is one of the most earning player in IPL with an earning of INR 86.92 crore.

    Karthik’s versatility as a wicket-keeper batsman, his experience, and his skills in pressure situations have seen him command high auction prices throughout his IPL journey. He has scored 4,453 runs at an average of 25.58 and a strike rate of 129.77 in 233 IPL matches.

    Glenn Maxwell

    Player Glenn Maxwell
    Country Australia
    IPL Franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru
    Earning INR 85.42 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Glenn Maxwell
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Glenn Maxwell

    Glenn Maxwell, an Australian cricketer, bats right-handed and bowls off-spin. He first played in the IPL in 2012 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In 2021, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bid the highest amount of INR 14.25 crore to get Maxwell on their team. Since then, he has been with RCB. In 2023, RCB decided to keep him for the IPL 2024 season with a deal of INR 11 crore.

    He is known for his powerful batting, great fielding, and off-spin bowling. However, he has chosen to take a break from IPL 2024 because he feels mentally and physically tired. He has earned a whopping INR 85.42 crores through IPL.

    Yuvraj Singh

    Player Yuvraj Singh
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Mumbai Indians
    Earning INR 84.6 crores
    Highest Earning Player in IPL - Yuvraj Singh
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Yuvraj Singh

    Yuvraj Singh is a former Indian cricketer who played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for several teams, including Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has earned INR 84.6 crore in his IPL journey.

    Yuvraj is in talks with Delhi Capitals about becoming a coach for the 2025 IPL season. He also wants to help young cricketers and work with the Indian cricket team as a mentor.

    David Warner

    Player David Warner
    Country Australia
    IPL Franchise Delhi Capitals
    Earning INR 83.5 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - David Warner
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – David Warner

    David Warner played for Delhi Capitals (DC) in two different periods—first from 2009 to 2013 and then from 2022 to 2024. He is the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history with 6,565 runs at a strike rate of nearly 140, with over 2,500 runs for Delhi.

    However, DC did not retain him, and no team bought him in the IPL 2025 auction. If DC wants him back, Warner, now 38 years old, will have to decide between playing in the IPL or for Karachi Kings in the PSL, as both leagues happen at the same time.

    Ravichandra Ashwin

    Player Ravichandran Ashwin
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Rajasthan Royals
    Earning INR 82.4 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - Ravichandra Ashwin
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – Ravichandra Ashwin

    With R. Ashwin in their squad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have gained a strong advantage. Alongside Yuzvendra Chahal, Ashwin forms a powerful spin duo that will be tough for batsmen to handle.

    Ashwin’s record speaks for itself—he has been a legendary off-spinner with outstanding performances, including recent matches against Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. In the Mohali Test, he surpassed Kapil Dev to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker.

    Known for his sharp cricketing mind, Ashwin is a hardworking and strategic player, always coming up with new tricks to outsmart the opposition. Keep an eye on this magical spinner!

    Lokesh Rahul

    Player Lokesh Rahul
    Country India
    IPL Franchise Lucknow Super Giants
    Earning INR 82.1 crores
    Players Who Have Earned the Most Through IPL - KL Rahul
    Players Who Have Highest Earning in IPL History – KL Rahul

    KL Rahul plays cricket with style and elegance. He leads Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with confidence and a calm attitude.

    When LSG made their IPL debut in 2022, Rahul was the perfect choice as captain. He led the team to the playoffs with nine wins in 14 matches.

    Rahul was the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2022, scoring 616 runs at an average of 51.33. His partnership with Quinton de Kock at the top created many memorable moments.

    Before LSG, Rahul played for Punjab and remains the only Indian batter to score 500+ runs in five consecutive IPL seasons (2018-2022)—a true mark of consistency!

    After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)‘s heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, Sanjiv Goenka‘s angry reaction towards KL Rahul made it clear that there were issues within the team. The video of this outburst went viral on social media. After that, it was clear that LSG would not retain Rahul for IPL 2025, which later turned out to be true.

    As per reports on March 11, 2025, KL Rahul has declined the opportunity to captain Delhi Capitals. The 32-year-old batter was offered the role but chose to focus on playing in the 2025 IPL instead. Rahul, who has previously captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, was bought by Delhi for Rs 14 crore in the 2025 mega auction.

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    highest-paid

    FAQs

    Who has earned the most money from IPL?

    Rohit Sharma from Mumbai Indians has earned most money from IPL. He has made a staggering amount of INR 178.6 crore in his IPL journey so far.

    Which board is the Indian Premier League run by?

    Indian Premier League is run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and is among the world’s highest-paid lucrative tournaments.

    Who are the players who have earned INR 100 crores or more in the IPL?

    Here’s the list of players who have earned INR 100 crores or more in the IPL:

    • Rohit Sharma
    • Mahendra Singh Dhoni
    • Virat Kohli
    • Suresh Raina
    • Ravindra Jadeja
    • Sunil Narine
    • AB De Villiers

    Sunil Narine plays international cricket for which country?

    Sunil Narine is a Trinidadian cricketer who plays internationally for the West Indies.

    What is Suresh Raina IPL salary?

    Suresh Raina has earned an amount of INR 110.74 from IPL.

    What is AB de Villiers net worth?

    AB de Villiers has an estimated net worth of INR 74 crore or $9 million, as of 2024.

    Who is the highest paid player in IPL history?

    As of March 2025, the highest paid player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history is Rishabh Pant, who was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore (approximately $4.92 million) during the IPL 2025 mega auction.