Cricket is an integral part of Indian culture and is widely celebrated across the country, whether one is a die-hard fan or not. Cricket has long been a beloved sport and a lucrative profession in India, with the country producing a wealth of talented players. Over time, Indian cricketers have not only garnered acclaim for their on-field performances but have also secured valuable contracts that provide them with substantial financial compensation.
In this article, we will explore India's cricket elite by examining the top 9 highest-earning Indian cricketers. We will delve into their base salaries and match fees, providing insight into the immense success achieved by these sports icons who have captivated the hearts of millions and transformed the game of cricket in India.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the embodiment of contemporary cricketing excellence, is a formidable force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket. Hailing from Delhi, India, Kohli displayed a profound passion and aptitude for the game from a young age. Through his remarkable consistency and insatiable drive for success, he rapidly ascended the ranks to become a pivotal figure in the Indian national cricket team. Kohli's aggressive batting style, impeccable technique, and prodigious run-scoring ability have earned him numerous accolades, including being named the ICC Cricketer of the Year on multiple occasions.
Contract Category: A+
Base Salary: 70.000.000 Rupees
Records and Awards: Arjuna Award (2013), Khel Ratna (2018), Padma Shri (2017), Padma Vibhushan (2008), Bharat Ratna (2013)
Most wins as captain of the Indian cricket team in Test matches - 40 out of 68 matches
Most ODI centuries while chasing a target - 26
Most runs scored in T20 International cricket - 4,008 runs
Most runs scored in the Indian Premier League - 7,263 runs
These statistics showcase Kohli's dominant performances and unparalleled success both at the international level and in the IPL. He has cemented his status as one of the all-time greats of the game through his remarkable run-scoring abilities, tactical leadership as captain, and an insatiable drive to achieve victory for the Indian team. His records and accolades across all formats of the sport are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to cricket.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a highly skilled and accomplished cricketer who has made a remarkable impact on the sport. Hailing from Mumbai, India, his journey in cricket has been extraordinary. With his elegant and well-timed strokeplay, Rohit has captivated audiences around the world. His ability to consistently convert his starts into big scores has earned him the nickname "Hitman." Rohit holds numerous records in limited-overs cricket, including the highest individual score of 264 in One-Day International matches. Beyond his exceptional batting skills, Rohit also displays admirable calmness and leadership as the Captain of the Indian cricket team, further cementing his status as one of the all-time greats of the game.
Contract Category: A+
Base Salary: 70.000.000 Rupees
Records and Awards:
Arjuna Award (2015), Khel Ratna (2020)
Hailing from Mumbai, India, his journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. With his elegant and precisely-timed strokeplay, Rohit has captivated fans across the globe. His ability to consistently convert his starts into big scores has earned him the coveted nickname of "Hitman." Rohit holds several noteworthy records, including the world record for the highest individual score of 264 in a One-Day International match. He is the only player to have scored three double-centuries in ODI cricket, and the sole batsman to score five centuries in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup. Beyond his unparalleled batting prowess, Rohit also exudes admirable calmness and leadership as the Captain of the Indian national cricket team, further cementing his status as one of the all-time greats of the game.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, commonly referred to as "Sir Jadeja," is a formidable all-rounder who has made a significant impact on Indian cricket. Hailing from the Saurashtra region of India, Jadeja's versatile skills have played a crucial role in the team's success across all formats of the game. He has emerged as an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team, excelling in batting, bowling, and fielding, which has greatly contributed to India's achievements. Despite unfortunate injuries that caused him to miss important matches last year, Jadeja has now made a remarkable comeback and reclaimed his place in the Indian squad. Recognising Jadeja's exceptional all-around abilities, the BCCI has elevated him to the prestigious Grade A+ category, resulting in a well-deserved increase in his annual salary from ₹5 Crore to ₹7 Crore.
Contract Category: A+
Base Salary: 70.000.000 Rupees
Records and Awards: Arjuna Award (2019), Madhavrao Scindia Award
Highest Test wickets by an Indian left-arm spinner: 268
Most Test wickets by an Indian left-arm spinner in a calendar year: 54
Highest score by an Indian batting at number 7: 175
These statistics demonstrate Jadeja's versatility and dominance as a cricketer, both with the ball and the bat, for the Indian national team across all formats of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is an Indian cricketer renowned for his exceptional fast bowling skills. He burst onto the scene in 2016 and quickly established himself as a crucial member of the national team across all formats. Bumrah's distinctive bowling action and remarkable ability to consistently deliver yorkers have made him a formidable force, particularly in the crucial death overs. Despite his relatively short career, he has already amassed numerous accolades, including being named the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2019. Bumrah's contributions to the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2013 have been instrumental in the team's multiple IPL championship victories. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) payment policy for contracted players, Bumrah earns an annual salary of 7 crore Indian Rupees. Additionally, he receives 15 lakh, 6 lakh, and 3 lakh Rupees for each Test, ODI, and T20I match he plays for the Indian team, further supplementing his earnings.
Contract Category: A+
Base Salary: 70.000.000 Rupees
Records and Awards: Dilip Sardesai Award(2018-19), Polly Umrigar (2018-19)
Jasprit Bumrah is the fastest Indian bowler to reach 50 and 100 wickets in ODIs. He achieved 50 ODI wickets in just 24 matches, and 100 ODI wickets in 56 matches, both records for the fastest by an Indian bowler.
Additionally, Bumrah is the fastest Indian to reach 50 wickets in T20Is. He reached this milestone in just 27 T20I matches, further cementing his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket.