The IPL (Indian Premier League) is undoubtedly one of the richest T20 leagues globally. Millions of bucks are invested by different franchises to get the best players in their dugouts. Even a not-so-popular player attracts millions with his base price. Since its (IPL) introduction, the tournament has grown with every passing season, whether it’s the fans’ response or the amount of money invested in it. As far as the IPL’s revenue generation is concerned, it even overpowered English Premier League and the NBA. The cash-rich league just gets bigger.
Any player who plays domestic cricket in their country attracts a decent amount of money. In this piece, we are about to discuss the ten highest-paid cricketers in the history of IPL. The players mentioned in our list have attracted a hefty sum, and it’s because of their brand value as well as their reputation as a player. Some of these players are still active in the league. These players vary in their skills, but they have showcased their class at the highest level, which is why they were in the bracket of the highest-paid players in the league’s history. Let’s have a look at the ten highest-paid cricketers in IPL history.
#10 Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans, 2022) – 15 crores
Gujarat Titans were lucky to have Rashid Khan in their dugout. Rashid Khan’s variations make him one of the best in the business; he can test batters with six different deliveries in an over, if he wants. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler played an important role in helping his side win the 2022 IPL title. The leg spinner took 16 wickets in 19 IPL games as he was the go-to man in the bowling department for captain Hardik Pandya. Rashid will surely play a big role in the next Season of the franchise.
#9 Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2020) – 15.5 crores
For the last few years, Pat Cummins has done a wonderful job for the Australian side. Kolkata Knight Riders needed someone to pick wickets during critical junctures, so the franchise thought Pat Cummins was the right man for them. The Australian all-rounder was also the number-one bowler in Tests for some time, per the rankings that prove his capabilities. The franchise managed to buy the pacer for a sum of INR 15 crore after a close fight with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
#8 Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians, 2022) – 15.25 crores
Ishan Kishan, the recent addition to the ODI double century club, is amongst the most exciting left-handers in modern-day cricket. Many franchises wanted to buy him, but Mumbai Indians managed to get hold of him for a sum of 15.25 crore. The 24-year-old is touted to be the next big thing after MS Dhoni, who is also from Ranchi (Jharkhand) like Kishan. He could surely be a healthy addition due to his attacking game and ability to take the game away from the opposition.
#7 Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals, 2022) – 15 crores
Rishabh Pant is another player touted to be an exciting sensation in World Cricket. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been playing for Delhi Capitals for some time and, in 2021, was made the skipper of the side. He also holds a big marketing surplus with big Advertisement brands. Pant is also known for his aggressive style of play, as we have already witnessed it. Pant is a clever communicator with the seniors as well as the juniors. Delhi Capitals bought him for a sum of 15 crores which is understandable. Here are the best 5 batting performances of Rishabh Pant in IPL.
#6 Ravindra Jadeja ( Chennai Super Kings, 2022) – 16 crores
Jadeja has showcased his all-round capabilities for the national side, domestic side as well as IPL franchise. The all-rounder played for Rajasthan Royals for four seasons since 2008 but, in 2012, was bought by Chennai Super Kings. Sir Jadeja, as he is fondly called, can change the outcome of a game with his batting, bowling, and fielding. The left-hander was also made the skipper of Chennai Super Kings in the 2022 edition but left the post after some time, eventually handing it over to former skipper MS Dhoni. Chennai Super Kings retained him for a sum of 16 crores during the 2022 season.
#5 Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians, 2022) – 16 crores
The Indian skipper is the 5th highest-paid cricketer in the IPL. Sharma has been playing for Mumbai Indians since 2011. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times. The right-hander has looked a class apart with his effortless batting as well as his clever field placing and bowling changes, so the price he holds in the IPL is quite reasonable. Although questions were asked when the franchise retained him due to his age, the Mumbai Indians management has backed him.
#4 Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils, 2015) – 16 crores
The left-hander had just come out of a life-threatening disease, so his form would be affected. Delhi Daredevils bought the charismatic cricketer for a sum of INR 16 crores in 2015. Delhi Daredevils fought hard during the auction with other franchises, but coach Gary Kirsten and Delhi Daredevils were determined to bring him into the dugout. He was bought for a sum of 14.25 crore in the 2014 season and, during the 2015 season, became the highest-paid cricketer for the second time in a row.
#3 Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals, 2021) – 16.25 crores
Although Chris Morris performed impressively with the bat as well as the ball in his 2020 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, the management decided to release him after that season, which surprised everyone. Rajasthan Royals bought the South African all-rounder for a sum of INR 16.25 crore for the 2021 season, which made him the highest-paid cricketer in the history of IPL then. Rajasthan Royals did this to add strength to their bowling and batting departments.
#2 KL Rahul (Lucknow Supergiants, 2022) – 17 crores
The India opener batted extremely well for Punjab Kings for 3-4 seasons before associating with Lucknow Supergiants. After seeing his form with the bat while playing for Punjab Kings, the Uttar Pradesh franchise was eager to bring him into their dugout. Rahul’s deal with Lucknow Giants made him the second-highest-paid cricketer in the IPL. Seeing his capabilities in all formats, including the T20, Lucknow Giants decided to sign him in one go. Rahul was made the skipper of the team ahead of the 2022 season.
#1 Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2018) – 17 crores
Virat is arguably the superstar of modern-day cricket, so obviously, his IPL price suits his caliber. His reputation as a player and a big marketing personality for any advertisement brand is very high. His performances truly reflect why he attracts so much prize money in the IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the right-hander in 2008 and, since then, shared a good understanding with the team owners. The former India skipper is now the highest-paid player in the history of IPL. He was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore just before the 2018 season.
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