How these Indian stars became IPL's highest earners
The IPL, a glitzy spectacle of cricket, has transformed the sport not just on the field but also financially. While Aussies like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are grabbing headlines with their skyrocketing salaries, Indian players are no strangers to big bucks in the IPL. Let's delve into the stories of the top five Indian earners in IPL history and explore their journeys to the top of the pay scale.
Ravindra Jadeja's IPL story began in 2008 with the Rajasthan Royals, where he was picked up for a modest INR 12 lakh. However, a two-year suspension and a stint with the Kochi Tuskers in Kerala followed.
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Jaddu is a key member of CSK since 2012
The turning point came in 2012, when the Chennai Super Kings snapped him up for a then-whopping INR 12.8 crore. Since then, Jadeja has become an integral part of CSK's success story, showcasing his all-around skills and fierce loyalty to the franchise.
Suresh Raina, fondly known as 'Mr. IPL,' recently announced his retirement from the league. His journey started in 2008 with the Chennai Super Kings, where his consistent batting made him a valuable asset. CSK recognised his talent, retaining him and raising his salary significantly.
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They said Raina is the Mr. IPL
While a brief stint with the Gujarat Lions broke his continuity with CSK, Raina eventually returned to his 'home' franchise, amassing a total earning of INR 110 crore throughout his IPL career.
Virat Kohli's loyalty to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is legendary. Picked up for a base price in 2008, Kohli's exceptional talent was soon recognized. He became the sole player retained by RCB before the 2011 mega-auction, with a significant pay raise.
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King Kohli is literally a king
Over the years, Kohli donned the captain's hat and shouldered RCB's batting responsibility, becoming the franchise's highest earner (INR 173 crore) despite the team's lack of IPL titles.
MS Dhoni, synonymous with captaincy brilliance, has been at the helm of the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) success story. Signed for a record-breaking INR 6 crore in 2008, Dhoni's leadership qualities were clear.
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He is the most successful captain of IPL
He has captained CSK to multiple IPL titles, earning the trust and a raise in salary over the years. Even during CSK's suspension, Dhoni continued to lead, this time for the Rising Pune Supergiant. A true leader by example, Dhoni's IPL earnings stand at a staggering INR 176 crore.
Rohit Sharma, the most successful captain in IPL history, has led the Mumbai Indians (MI) to a record-breaking five IPL titles. While he started his IPL journey with the Deccan Chargers, his true potential was unlocked at MI, where he was bought for a hefty INR 9.2 crore in 2011.
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Current Indian skipper earning the most
Sharma's exceptional leadership and explosive batting have been instrumental in MI's dominance. Retained by the franchise year after year with increasing salaries, Rohit Sharma currently holds the top spot amongst Indian earners in the IPL, with a total income of INR 178 crore.
These are just a few of the many Indian cricketers who have made their mark on the IPL, not just with their skills but also with their hefty paychecks. The IPL has become a platform for immense financial rewards, and these top earners are a testament to the league's ability to transform cricketing careers.
