Every aspiring cricketer dreams of making it to the biggest stages in the sport, and at the heart of that dream lies the Indian Premier League (IPL). The thought of wearing the jersey of an iconic franchise, sharing the field with international superstars, and performing in front of millions is enough to inspire countless young players. But while passion for the game is the driving force, the financial rewards the IPL offers are impossible to ignore.
The IPL doesn’t just offer players the chance to perform under the brightest spotlights. It also promises lucrative contracts that can transform careers overnight. This article highlights five IPL players who are already living that dream. We will discuss their current salaries, as well as their careers and the achievements that have led them to the top of the earning charts.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant became the highest-paid IPL player when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for a record-breaking ₹27 crore ($3.1 million) at the 2025 mega auction. This figure shattered the previous record of ₹24.75, which was set by Mitchell Starc in 2024 and made Pant the face of the league.
Rishabh Pant’s IPL journey began in 2016 with Delhi Capitals, where his fearless batting and sharp glovework quickly made him a fan favorite. He later captained the side in 2021 and had scored over 3,200 runs by the time Delhi released him in 2025. Pant’s career on the international stage has been equally eventful and inspiring. After making his T20I debut in 2017 and Test debut in 2018, he quickly established himself as India’s go-to wicketkeeper across formats. Despite facing a near-fatal car accident that sidelined him for more than a year in 2022, he was still able to make a career comeback, leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.
Shreyas Iyer
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired Shreyas Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore ($3.07 million) in the 2025 IPL Auction, making him the second-most expensive Indian cricketer in league history. This figure was double what he earned with the Kolkata Knight Riders when the franchise got him for ₹12.25 crore at the 2022 mega auction.
Iyer’s IPL story began in 2015 when the then Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) signed him for ₹2.6 crore, a massive deal for an uncapped youngster at the time. He repaid that faith immediately, scoring 439 runs in his debut season and earning the Emerging Player of the Year award. Over the next few years, he established himself as the backbone of Delhi’s batting, even leading them to their first-ever IPL final in 2020. With the Kolkata Knight Riders, he also won the IPL title, this time as a team captain.
On the international stage, Iyer’s journey has been equally inspiring. He made his India debut in 2017 and has since become a mainstay in the middle order across formats. Fans following Cricket Live India have witnessed his match-winning knocks, including contributions to the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy triumphs.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer joined KKR in 2021, and he made an immediate impact, scoring 370 runs in just 10 matches. From that breakthrough, he quickly became a mainstay in KKR’s setup. By 2024, his value had soared, with his salary sitting at eight crore. Ahead of the 2025 season, the franchise re-signed him for a staggering ₹23.75 crore ($2.72 million), nearly tripling his previous deal. He was also made vice-captain for the season.
Among the league’s most expensive players, Venkatesh has had one of the shorter IPL careers so far, yet he’s already carved out an impressive profile. In just 51 matches, he has amassed 1,326 runs at a strike rate of 137.64, proving his ability to score quickly and consistently.
Internationally, Venkatesh’s journey also began in 2021. He was drafted into India’s T20 World Cup squad as a net bowler and soon after made his T20I debut against New Zealand, where he showcased his all-round skills with both bat and ball. Building on that momentum, he made his ODI debut in early 2022 against South Africa, further establishing himself as a versatile option for India.
Arshdeep Singh
The Punjab Kings, who had nurtured Arshdeep since 2019, used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring him back for ₹18 crore at the 2025 auction. This made him the highest-paid pace bowler of the season.
Arshdeep, who had already cemented his place as Punjab’s spearhead, became the franchise’s all-time leading wicket-taker just a few weeks after the auction. Across 65 IPL matches, he has already claimed 76 wickets, an impressive record for someone still early in his career.
Arshdeep has also built a strong international resume. He made his T20I debut in 2022 against England. Since then, he has been a regular feature in India’s white-ball squads, playing crucial roles in global tournaments. In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, helping India lift the trophy.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal started his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2011 but saw little action, featuring in just one match over three seasons. His breakthrough came in 2014 when the Royal Challengers Bangalore picked him up for his base price of ₹10 lakh. That move became one of the greatest bargains in IPL history, as he went on to become the cornerstone of RCB’s bowling attack. He was particularly instrumental in guiding them to the 2016 final, though they fell just short of the title.
In 2022, Chahal moved to the Rajasthan Royals, and by 2024, Chahal had already etched his name into history, becoming the first bowler to take 200 IPL wickets. So, it came as no surprise when Punjab Kings went all in and secured him for a massive ₹18 crore at the 2025 auction. Chahal has quickly justified that investment with match-winning performances. Early in the 2025 season, he produced a brilliant 4/28 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, almost single-handedly turning Punjab’s fortunes around. That spell helped defend just 111 runs, the lowest total ever successfully defended in IPL history.
Beyond the IPL, Chahal’s international career is also packed with milestones. He made his India debut in 2016, and in 2017, he became the first Indian bowler to take a six-wicket haul in T20Is. Over the years, he has been part of multiple ICC tournaments, including the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
The IPL remains the ultimate destination for aspiring cricketers across the globe. It gives rising stars the chance to test themselves against the best, create unforgettable moments, and of course, secure financial rewards that can change their lives overnight. The league’s top earners on our list embody this reality, standing not only as the highest-paid players in the IPL but also among the richest cricketers in the world.
As with transformative technologies like blockchain reshaping industries worldwide, the IPL continues to redefine benchmarks in global sports economics.
This industry announcement article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
