In the fiercely competitive realm of the Indian Premier League (IPL), characterized by epic on-field battles, a subtle yet equally intense competition takes place beneath the surface. It revolves around securing the most lucrative contracts and earnings. While the undeniable cricketing prowess of players remains a focal point, the business dynamics of the IPL are equally enthralling. This article delves into the captivating universe of IPL captains who have now surpassed the iconic MS Dhoni in terms of earnings.
Before delving into the captains who have surpassed MS Dhoni in earnings, let’s acknowledge the indomitable figure himself. MS Dhoni, often hailed as “Captain Cool,” stands as an icon in IPL history, not only as a cricketing legend but also as one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Steering the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles, Dhoni’s shrewd captaincy has solidified CSK’s dominance in the league.
CSK’s victories in the IPL came in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and most recently in 2023, showcasing Dhoni’s unwavering consistency and leadership prowess. His strategic acumen played a pivotal role in etching CSK’s name in the annals of IPL history.
Ravindra Jadeja: While MS Dhoni remains an IPL legend, the cricketing landscape evolves, and new stars emerge. Ravindra Jadeja, with a remarkable salary of Rs 16 crore, has surpassed Dhoni in earnings. In an unexpected turn of events, Jadeja was CSK’s top pick during the IPL 2022 mega-auction, marking a significant shift in the earnings hierarchy at CSK, where Dhoni was relegated to the second-choice retention. Ben Stokes and Deepak Chahar also boast higher paychecks, pushing Dhoni to the fourth spot among the highest earners in the CSK lineup.
The trend of captains earning more than Dhoni extends beyond CSK. Several IPL captains from different franchises have secured lucrative contracts. Here are some high earners:
KL Rahul: KL Rahul, the dynamic batsman and skipper of the Lucknow Super Giants, currently holds the crown for the highest-earning IPL captain. Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for a staggering Rs 17 crore before the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Rahul showcased his leadership prowess as he guided LSG to the second round of IPL 2022.
Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma, captain of the Mumbai Indians, is another player who now earns more than MS Dhoni. Leading Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, Rohit’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Rishabh Pant: Renowned for his explosive batting and captaincy, Rishabh Pant was Delhi Capitals’ first-choice retention before the IPL 2022 mega-auction, with a hefty salary of Rs 16 crore. Despite an injury sidelining him in IPL 2023, Pant is anticipated to make a robust comeback in IPL 2024.
Hardik Pandya: Gujarat Titans strategically acquired Hardik Pandya’s services before the IPL 2022 mega-auction, paying him a salary of Rs 15 crore. Pandya not only guided Gujarat to a championship in their debut season but also led them to the IPL 2023 final.
Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, is another high earner in the IPL. Picked as the first-choice for Rajasthan Royals before the IPL 2022 mega-auction, Samson boasts a salary of Rs 14 crore.
Shreyas Iyer: Kolkata Knight Riders secured Shreyas Iyer’s services for Rs 12.25 crore during the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Despite sitting out IPL 2023 due to a back issue, Iyer is set to return as the skipper for IPL 2024.
