Published: November 29, 2024
The conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction has reshaped Indian cricket’s earning dynamics, with Rishabh Pant emerging as the nation’s highest-earning cricketer. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) set a new record by signing Pant for an eye-popping INR 27 crore, surpassing Virat Kohli, who now occupies the second spot in earnings.
Rishabh Pant Tops the Chart
Pant’s IPL salary, combined with his BCCI central contract earnings, brings his total annual cricketing income to INR 32 crore, dethroning Kohli, whose earnings stand at INR 28 crore.
- Rishabh Pant’s Earnings:
- BCCI Category A Contract: INR 5 crore/year
- IPL 2025 Salary (LSG): INR 27 crore/year
- Total: INR 32 crore/year
- Virat Kohli’s Earnings:
- BCCI Category A+ Contract: INR 7 crore/year
- IPL 2025 Retention (RCB): INR 21 crore/year
- Total: INR 28 crore/year
IPL Auction Highlights
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction witnessed intense bidding wars, with several Indian players breaking records:
- Shreyas Iyer was signed for INR 26.75 crore.
- Venkatesh Iyer fetched INR 23.75 crore.
- Kohli was retained by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 21 crore, making him the highest-paid retained player.
Both Shreyas and Venkatesh, while not part of the BCCI central contracts, have dramatically boosted their earnings through the auction.
Future Implications
With the BCCI central contracts set to be revised in March 2025, further changes in the earnings hierarchy are likely:
- Pant, given his pivotal role in all three formats, could be promoted to the A+ category, further increasing his lead over Kohli.
- Kohli, on the other hand, may face a potential demotion to the A category, considering his absence from India’s T20 setup.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Pant’s rise signifies a shift in cricketing prominence, reflecting the importance of young, versatile players in modern cricket. Kohli remains an icon, but the emergence of Pant as the new highest earner underscores the evolving landscape of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
As the IPL and central contract earnings shape the financial trajectories of Indian cricketers, players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer represent the new generation driving the sport forward. Pant’s milestone deal with LSG is a testament to his growing influence both on and off the field, while Kohli’s legacy remains firmly intact despite the shift in rankings.
Stay tuned to BOSI for more updates on cricketing milestones and the latest developments in Indian sports.
