Rishabh Pant has officially become the highest-paid Indian cricketer following the IPL 2025 auction, surpassing renowned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
This significant milestone was achieved after Pant was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, setting a new standard in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Record-Breaking IPL Auction
In the recently concluded IPL 2025 mega auction, Rishabh Pant staggering bid not only made him the most expensive player in IPL history but also highlighted his growing prominence in Indian cricket.
This contract eclipsed the previous record held by Mitchell Starc, who was bought for ₹24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction.
Rishabh Pant’s Earnings Breakdown
Rishabh Pant’s total annual earnings now stand at approximately ₹30 crore, which includes:
- ₹27 crore from his IPL contract with LSG.
- ₹3 crore from his Grade B contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which reflects his status as a key player despite being demoted due to an injury that sidelined him for a significant period.
In contrast, Virat Kohli, retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹21 crore and earning an additional ₹7 crore from his Grade A+ BCCI contract, now has total earnings of around ₹28 crore. Rohit Sharma follows behind with earnings of approximately ₹23.3 crore.
Rishabh Pant Leadership Role
Pant is expected to lead the Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL season, which kicks off on March 14, 2025.
His leadership skills and match-winning abilities have made him a pivotal figure in both domestic and international cricket.
His rise to the top of the earnings chart is a testament to his talent and influence on the field.
Rishabh Pant’s Future Prospects
With Pant’s impressive performances across formats, there are expectations that he could be promoted to a higher grade in the BCCI’s annual contracts when they are announced next March.
If this happens, his earnings could further increase, solidifying his position as India’s top-earning cricketer.
Also Read: IPL Brand Value Surges 13% to USD 12 Billion, CSK, MI on Lead
