The world of cricket, particularly in India, is not just about the sport; it’s an industry where talent, performance, and popularity translate into substantial financial rewards. Traditionally, names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have dominated discussions about earnings in Indian cricket, with their prowess on the field matched by their lucrative endorsement deals off it. However, the landscape is changing, and a new name has emerged to claim the title of India’s highest-paid cricketer, outshining even these stalwarts.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has catapulted to the top of the earnings chart with an unprecedented IPL deal and a robust BCCI contract, making him the highest-paid Indian cricketer in recent times. His journey from being a promising talent to the financial pinnacle of Indian cricket is a testament to his on-field performances, especially after his remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident.
Pant’s total annual income from cricket has been reported to be around ₹30 crore, with a significant portion coming from his IPL salary after being picked up for a record-breaking ₹27 crore by the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 mega auction. This deal not only reflects his value as a player but also his marketability, which has been on an upward trajectory. Beyond his IPL earnings, Pant holds a Grade B BCCI contract, further boosting his income.
The Kohli and Sharma Benchmark
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have long been the benchmarks for earnings in Indian cricket. Kohli, with his A+ BCCI contract, earns ₹7 crore annually from the board, complemented by his ₹21 crore IPL salary from Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli’s brand power extends his earnings through numerous high-profile endorsements, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally.
Rohit Sharma, similarly, with an A+ contract from the BCCI, pockets ₹7 crore per year, with an additional ₹16.3 crore from his IPL deal with Mumbai Indians. Both players have enjoyed years of consistent performance, leadership roles, and an almost unparalleled fan base, which has translated into lucrative deals with brands like Puma, MRF, and CEAT for Kohli, and Adidas and CEAT for Sharma.
Pant’s Rise in Cricket and Commerce
What sets Rishabh Pant apart in this financial narrative is not just his earnings but how he has achieved them. His aggressive style of play, particularly in T20 cricket, has made him a fan favorite, leading to a surge in his brand value. His IPL performances, coupled with his international cricket achievements, have made him a prime target for advertisers looking to tap into the youth market, where Pant’s energetic persona resonates.
Pant’s IPL deal is not just about the money; it’s a statement of his worth in the cricketing ecosystem. His ability to score quickly, his flair for big hits, and his growing reputation as a match-winner have made him indispensable. His recovery from injury has only added to his narrative of resilience, making him an inspirational figure for brands.
The Economic Impact of IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a game-changer in terms of player earnings, turning cricketers into multimillionaires overnight. The league’s auction dynamics, where franchises bid aggressively for talent, have significantly impacted who becomes the highest earner. Pant’s record deal in the IPL 2025 auction underscores how the IPL has altered the financial hierarchy in Indian cricket, sometimes placing younger or newer talents above established names.
Endorsements and Investments
While IPL and BCCI contracts form the bulk of player earnings, endorsements are where players like Pant, Kohli, and Sharma truly magnify their incomes. Kohli’s endorsements are diverse, covering everything from sports gear to luxury cars, while Rohit Sharma’s association with high-end products has cemented his status. Pant, on the other hand, has seen a recent surge in brand interest, with companies eager to align with his youthful and vibrant image.
Moreover, investments in startups, real estate, and other ventures by these cricketers have diversified their income streams, adding layers to their financial portfolios. Pant, despite being relatively new to this aspect, is already showing signs of following in the footsteps of Kohli and Sharma, with strategic investments that promise growth beyond cricket.
The Future of Cricket Earnings
The emergence of Pant as the highest earner signals a shift in how cricketers are valued, both by the franchises and the endorsement market. It suggests a future where performance, potential, and marketability might increasingly dictate earnings over just reputation or past achievements. This could encourage a new breed of cricketers to focus not just on playing well but also on building a personal brand.
In Summary
Rishabh Pant’s ascent to become India’s highest-paid cricketer above Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is more than a financial milestone; it’s a narrative of changing times in Indian cricket. His story is one of talent meeting opportunity, resilience meeting reward, and how quickly the financial landscape can shift in the world’s most cricket-crazed nation. While Kohli and Sharma continue to be icons of the game, Pant’s journey illustrates that in the IPL era, the next big earner might just be the next big talent on the pitch.
