Virat Kohli has been replaced as India's top-earning cricketer by Rishabh Pant, following the IPL 2025 auction.
The conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction has shifted the cricketing landscape in India. Rishabh Pant made history by setting a new record, being acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 crore. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer were bought for INR 26.75 crore and INR 23.75 crore, respectively. In terms of retention, Virat Kohli emerged as the top pick among Indian players, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) securing him for INR 21 crore to retain his place in the franchise.
With the salaries of IPL players now confirmed, Rishabh Pant has emerged as the highest-earning Indian cricketer, solely from his cricketing commitments. The wicketkeeper-batter now earns a total of INR 32 crore annually, surpassing Virat Kohli, whose earnings stand at INR 28 crore per year.
Both Pant and Kohli derive their incomes from two main sources: their BCCI central contracts and IPL contracts. Pant is placed in the A category of the BCCI’s central contracts, earning INR 5 crore annually, while his IPL earnings amount to INR 27 crore. This brings his total earnings to INR 32 crore. On the other hand, Kohli, being part of the A+ category, earns INR 7 crore annually from his BCCI contract. In the IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pays him INR 21 crore, pushing his total income to INR 28 crore.
Pant’s earnings, however, could increase when the new BCCI central contracts are announced in March next year. There is a strong possibility that Pant may be promoted to the A+ category, given his importance to India’s plans across all three formats. If this happens, his lead over Kohli could widen further.
Meanwhile, Kohli, who is no longer part of India’s T20 squad, could potentially see his earnings decrease if he is demoted to the A category, resulting in a pay cut.
As for Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, the next top earners from the IPL auction, neither currently holds a BCCI central contract. However, Shreyas still has a chance of being included in the next round of central contracts if he returns to the Indian team.
(Source: NDTV)
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