IPL Stalwarts Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit Among Legends Set to Shine and Their Salary Journeys in 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has captivated cricket fans since its inception in 2008, and a select group of legendary players have been a constant presence throughout its history. These iconic figures, including MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who were part of the league’s inaugural season, are now gearing up to participate in the upcoming 2025 edition. Let’s take a look at these enduring stars and how their earnings have evolved over the years.
MS Dhoni: The former Indian captain, widely regarded as one of the most successful IPL skippers with five titles, was first acquired by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2008 for $1.5 million, which was equivalent to ₹9.5 Crore at the time. Remarkably, after 17 seasons, “Thala” continues to be a vital part of CSK. In the IPL 2025 season, he will be playing as an uncapped player with a salary of ₹4 crore.
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli holds the unique distinction of having played for only one franchise throughout his IPL career – the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He was initially signed by RCB for ₹12 lakhs. Having risen to become their captain and a global icon, Kohli will be the highest-paid Indian player in the IPL 2025 season, commanding a salary of ₹21 crore.
Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma’s IPL journey began with the Deccan Chargers, who secured his services for ₹3 crore in 2008. He later moved to the Mumbai Indians, where he led the team to five IPL championships. The 37-year-old is set to earn ₹16.30 crore in the IPL 2025 season while continuing to represent the Mumbai franchise.
Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja was part of the Rajasthan Royals team that won the inaugural IPL title in 2008, having been signed for ₹12 lakh. He subsequently played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala before joining the Chennai Super Kings. The talented all-rounder also had a stint with Gujarat Lions when CSK was temporarily suspended. Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, CSK has retained Jadeja for a substantial sum of ₹18 crore.
Manish Pandey: Manish Pandey, who was initially signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹75 lakhs, will have a homecoming of sorts in the IPL 2025 season. The experienced batter had actually started his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2008, who bought him at his base price of US $30,000 (approximately ₹6 Lakhs).
Ishant Sharma: The tall fast bowler made his IPL debut with KKR, who acquired him for a significant ₹3.8 crore in the 2008 auction. In the IPL 2025 season, Ishant Sharma will be playing for the Gujarat Titans, who purchased him for ₹75 lakhs.
Ajinkya Rahane: Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL career commenced with the Mumbai Indians, who signed him for ₹12 lakhs in 2008. For the IPL 2025 season, Rahane will be representing the Kolkata Knight Riders. The defending champions spent ₹1.5 crore to secure his services in the auction.