Virat Kohli has been surpassed as the highest-paid Indian cricketer by Rishabh Pant following the IPL 2025 auction. Pant achieved a landmark in this event by securing a contract for INR 27 crore with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer also fetched significant sums, at INR 26.75 crore and INR 23.75 crore, respectively.
During the player retentions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained Kohli for INR 21 crore, the highest among Indian players in that category. As a result, Pant tops the earnings chart in Indian cricket, with an annual income of INR 32 crore from his cricketing activities, moving ahead of Kohli, who earns INR 28 crore annually.
#Crickit | India wicketkeeper batter #RishabhPant surpassed #ViratKohli to become the highest-paid Indian cricketer after #LSG acquired him for a record-breaking bid at the #IPL2025 auction.
More details here: https://t.co/4mR71leWI3
(via @CrickitbyHT) pic.twitter.com/LhDsPWKiqR
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) November 29, 2024Both Pant and Kohli derive their incomes from two sources: BCCI and IPL contracts. Pant, in the A category of BCCI’s central contracts, earns INR 5 crore, with his IPL income contributing another INR 27 crore. Conversely, Kohli falls into the A+ category with the BCCI, earning INR 7 crore, and receives INR 21 crore from his IPL team.
Pant’s earnings could increase next March when the BCCI central contracts are reviewed. Due to his crucial role across all formats for Team India, he might be elevated to the A+ category, potentially increasing his earnings lead over Kohli.
Rishabh Pant contract value from IPL & BCCI is the highest for an Indian cricketer – currently 30 Crores 🤯
– It will have an increase next year as he might be moved to A+ or A grade cricketer. pic.twitter.com/e3hoLyGAIj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 28, 2024Conversely, Kohli, no longer in India’s T20 squad, might face a demotion to the A category, which could reduce his BCCI earnings.
Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, notable earners from the auction, currently do not hold BCCI central contracts. However, Shreyas’s potential return to the Indian team could lead to a contract, enhancing his earnings.
