Cricket is one of the biggest industries in India. Players are not just athletes; they are major celebrities with massive influence, brand power and business value. This is why discussions about the richest cricketer in India always attract attention, especially as the sport continues to grow. In 2026, Indian cricketers dominate endorsement charts, feature in high-value advertisements and earn huge sums through the Indian Premier League (IPL), central contracts and personal business ventures.
This detailed guide by top10ofall explores the top 10 richest cricketers in India, how they earn their money, what makes them so wealthy and how they manage to stay relevant in a competitive sporting environment. The ranking reflects income from cricket, advertising, business ventures and investments.
Top 10 Richest Indian Cricketers in 2026
Below is a detailed list of the top ten wealthiest players, each contributing to India’s cricketing legacy on and off the field. Each profile includes net worth factors, earnings and lifestyle highlights. These players frequently appear in discussions about the richest cricketer in India due to their exceptional portfolios.
10. Ravindra Jadeja – Net Worth and Earnings
Ravindra Jadeja is one of India’s most dependable all-rounders and also a standout fielder. His earnings come from the BCCI’s central contract, match fees and his long-term association with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Jadeja also partners with sports and lifestyle brands, adding significantly to his annual income.
He owns premium properties, a superb collection of high-end vehicles and a horse ranch that reflects his personal interests. His consistent presence in international cricket ensures that he remains among the richest cricketers in the country.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
As a Test specialist and a core all-rounder, Jadeja often appears in the A or A+ category.
IPL Earnings:
A long-time CSK star, he has earned crores through contracts, bonuses and retentions.
Endorsements:
Jadeja works with sports gear brands, supplement companies and regional businesses.
Why He’s Among the Richest
Longevity, steady performance, smart investments and IPL success make Jadeja one of the richest cricketers in India.
9. Jasprit Bumrah – Net Worth and Earnings
Known for his bowling precision, Jasprit Bumrah earns handsomely through his match fees, IPL contract and growing brand portfolio. Although still early in his career compared to legends, Bumrah has become one of the richest cricketer in India due to consistency and high demand.
Bumrah represents sports brands, insurance companies and lifestyle products. His disciplined lifestyle, strong performances and marketable personality continue to make him a favorite among advertisers.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
Bumrah is part of the A+ contract grade and receives top-tier match earnings across formats.
IPL Earnings:
He has been one of Mumbai Indians’ most valuable players, earning steadily through high-retention deals.
Endorsements:
Bumrah endorses brands related to footwear, fantasy sports platforms, insurance, beverages and performance gear.
Why He’s Among the Richest
Consistency, A+ contracts, IPL value and dependable endorsements have built his strong financial profile.
8. Rishabh Pant – Net Worth and Earnings
Rishabh Pant has evolved into one of the most explosive batsmen in modern cricket. Despite his young age, he has built an impressive financial portfolio through IPL deals, BCCI contracts and numerous endorsement partnerships.
Pant works with tech companies, fitness brands and lifestyle labels. His vibrant personality and growing leadership role have increased his commercial value, pushing him into the top ten richest cricketers in India in 2026.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
Pant is placed in a high-grade category and earns strong match fees as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
IPL Earnings:
He is one of Delhi Capitals’ most valuable players and receives a premium salary along with incentives.
Endorsements:
Pant endorses leading brands in tech, athleisure, insurance, beverages and gaming platforms. His youthful energy guarantees brand attention.
Why He’s Among the Richest
His rising brand value, IPL prominence and central BCCI role make him financially powerful at a young age.
7. Shikhar Dhawan – Net Worth and Earnings
Shikhar Dhawan’s longevity and consistent run-scoring across formats has kept him financially secure. Brand endorsements and IPL contracts add to his wealth, making him one of the top 10 richest cricketers in India.
Dhawan also invests in fitness centers, owns premium real estate and collaborates with educational and sports brands. His long IPL career has played a major role in cementing his financial success.
Income Sources
BCCI & IPL Earnings:
Dhawan has earned consistently through IPL contracts and past central contracts. His experience and reliability kept him in demand for years.
Endorsements:
He endorses grooming brands, fitness companies, and lifestyle products. Brands love his energetic personality and social media presence.
Business Interests:
Dhawan has invested in sports academies and startups, ensuring continuous income even outside cricket.
Why He’s Among the Richest
Long-term cricketing success, stable endorsements and good investments place Dhawan comfortably in the top richest list.
6. Hardik Pandya – Net Worth and Earnings
Hardik Pandya’s journey from a small-town cricketer to one of India’s richest modern players is inspiring. His IPL stardom, BCCI contract and huge influencer presence make him a favourite of advertisers. He endorses premium fashion, grooming, beverage and lifestyle brands.
Hardik is also known for his impressive lifestyle, including luxury cars, designer fashion and investments in fitness and apparel brands. His commercial appeal ensures that he is always mentioned in conversations around the richest cricketer in India.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
He is a regular in India’s limited-overs setup, earning strong match fees and contract payments.
IPL Earnings:
Hardik became a top earner after leading Gujarat Titans and later returning to Mumbai Indians. His captaincy roles have added to his financial rise.
Endorsements:
He endorses lifestyle brands, grooming products, footwear, beverages and sports gear. His flashy style appeals strongly to the youth.
Why He’s Among the Richest
High IPL value, strong brand associations and a bold digital presence make him one of India’s richest cricketers.
5. KL Rahul – Net Worth and Earnings
KL Rahul is among the most stylish and consistent players in Indian cricket. His IPL salary as a captain and top-order batsman adds significantly to his net worth. He collaborates with grooming brands, sportswear companies and tech brands.
Rahul’s calm demeanour and strong presence across formats have made him extremely valuable to marketers. His lifestyle choices, including luxury homes, cars and fashion partnerships, further enhance his financial profile.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
Rahul is placed in the A category and earns solid match fees across formats.
IPL Earnings:
As a former captain of Punjab and now a major figure in Lucknow Super Giants, his IPL income comes from premium contracts and performance bonuses.
Endorsements:
Rahul is associated with grooming brands, apparel companies, tech gadgets and fitness products. His fashion sense and social media influence boost his commercial appeal.
Why He’s Among the Richest
His combination of rising brand value, strong cricketing form and premium IPL deals place him firmly in the top richest bracket.
4. Sachin Tendulkar – Net Worth and Earnings
Sachin Tendulkar remains the “God of Cricket” and a global icon even years after retirement. His name continues to command tremendous respect and financial value.
Income Sources
Endorsements:
Sachin endorses premium brands across automobiles, insurance, footwear, beverages and technology. Many brands renew contracts because of his unmatched credibility.
Business Investments:
He owns stakes in sports teams, restaurants, technology companies and sports academies. His business portfolio is diverse and long-term.
IPL & Mentorship:
Tendulkar has been associated with Mumbai Indians as a mentor, which contributes to his earnings.
Why He’s Among the Richest
His legendary status, evergreen brand value and profitable business ventures keep him among India’s wealthiest cricketers.
3. Rohit Sharma – Net Worth and Earnings
As a seasoned captain and one of India’s most consistent batsmen, Rohit Sharma earns big from the BCCI, IPL and endorsements. His marketability makes him one of the richest cricketer in India in 2026.
Rohit is also associated with wildlife conservation, which increases his public appeal. His investments, real estate properties and enduring success in cricket solidify his position among India’s richest players.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
Rohit is part of the A+ category and earns a high annual retainer along with match fees from Tests, ODIs and T20s.
IPL Earnings:
As the long-time captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit has earned crores through retentions, bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Endorsements:
Rohit works with premium brands in sportswear, watches, beverages, electronics and travel. His calm demeanor and massive fan base make him a reliable face for advertising.
Why He’s Among the Richest
Rohit’s strong cricketing career, leadership, brand stability and IPL legacy ensure steady financial growth.
2. MS Dhoni – Net Worth and Earnings
MS Dhoni remains a financial powerhouse even after retiring from international cricket. Loved across generations, Dhoni’s calm personality and trustworthy public image make him a dream choice for advertisers.
Income Sources
IPL Earnings:
Dhoni has been the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the beginning. His long-term retention deals and captaincy bonuses place him among the top IPL earners of all time.
Endorsements:
Dhoni endorses a wide range of brands—technology, agriculture, finance, automobiles, fitness equipment and more. Many of these partnerships have lasted over a decade because of his credibility.
Business Ventures:
His investments include gyms, sports teams (like Chennaiyin FC), organic farming projects, a racing team and a film production house.
Why He’s Among the Richest
Dhoni’s long-term endorsement deals, enormous IPL salaries and business diversification keep him at the top financially even after retirement.
1. Virat Kohli – Net Worth and Earnings
At number one in 2026, Virat Kohli stands tall as the richest cricketer in India today. Known for unmatched fitness, batting prowess and immense popularity, Kohli’s earnings are spread across playing contracts, brand endorsements, business ventures, and strategic investments.
Income Sources
BCCI Contract & Match Fees:
Kohli is placed in the A+ category, which includes India’s most valuable players. This brings him a high annual retainer along with top-tier match fees for every international match.
IPL Earnings:
As a long-time RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) icon, Kohli has consistently been among the highest-paid stars in IPL history. His loyalty to the franchise and his popularity ensure major bonuses and long-term earnings.
Endorsements:
Kohli is one of the highest-paid brand ambassadors in Asia. His endorsements include sportswear giants, luxury watches, automobiles, fintech, beverages and lifestyle brands. He also collaborates with premium global companies, earning crores every year.
Why He’s Among the Richest
His massive global fan base, record-breaking brand value, consistent endorsements and diversified business investments make him the richest cricketers in India.
What Makes Indian Cricketers So Rich?
The financial ecosystem of Indian cricket is exceptionally strong. The combination of passionate fans, billion-dollar tournaments and global recognition ensures that top players achieve extraordinary wealth. Understanding the factors behind their financial success provides context to why the race to become the richest cricketers in India is so competitive.
Central Contracts and Match Fees
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the wealthiest cricket board globally. Players receive contracts categorized into four slabs: A+, A, B and C. The A+ category players earn the highest salaries annually, in addition to match fees for every Test, ODI and T20I they play. This consistent income forms the financial foundation for most players.
IPL Salaries
The IPL changed the economics of cricket entirely. Each year, players are auctioned or retained for massive sums. Even newcomers can earn significant figures, while star players earn contracts worth over 15–20 crores per season. For many players, IPL earnings surpass their annual BCCI salaries.
Endorsements and Brand Deals
Endorsements form a huge share of income for the richest cricketers. Leading players endorse smartphones, automobiles, sports brands, beverages and lifestyle products. Their fan following across social media allows brands to reach millions instantly. This is one of the biggest reasons why players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni remain among the top earners.
Business Ventures and Investments
Modern cricketers are more financially aware than ever before. They invest in gyms, fashion lines, fitness apps, tech startups, sports academies and restaurants. These ventures help them grow wealth even after retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.
And if you’re also curious about the best cricket players in India across formats, check out our detailed post on best cricket players in India.
How Endorsements Boost a Cricketer’s Wealth
Endorsements have become one of the strongest income streams for modern cricketers. Companies prefer athletes due to their clean image, fitness appeal and youth connect. When a player becomes popular, their endorsement value often exceeds their cricket salary.
Brands select players for both national and global campaigns. Television ads, print ads, social media promotions and event appearances contribute significantly to a cricketer’s net worth. This is why players like Dhoni, Kohli, Hardik and Rohit enjoy massive incomes even during off-season periods.
Cricketers Investing Beyond Cricket
Today’s cricketers understand the importance of having multiple income sources. Many invest in:
- Startups and tech companies
- Restaurants and cafes
- Sports teams and academies
- Fashion labels and fitness chains
- Real estate for long-term growth
These ventures ensure that players maintain financial stability beyond their active playing years. By diversifying income, they strengthen their wealth and maintain their ranking among the richest cricketers in India.
Conclusion
Indian cricket continues to grow, and with it grows the financial success of players. The richest cricketers in India in 2026 is Virat Kohli, followed by other legendary names like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. Their wealth is built on cricketing excellence, brand appeal and smart business strategies.
This list, prepared by top10ofall, showcases the incredible journey of players who transformed their skills into powerful financial empires. Whether through endorsements, IPL contracts or business ventures, these cricketers have set new standards for wealth in the world of sports.If you want to read more lists and updates on cricket rankings, you can explore our guides on the best T20 batsman published on top10ofall for deeper insights.
FAQs
Q1. Who is the richest cricketer in India right now?
As of 2026, Virat Kohli is the richest cricketers in India. His income comes from cricket contracts, the IPL, global endorsements and multiple business ventures, making him the highest-earning cricketer in the country.
Q2. How do Indian cricketers make so much money?
Indian cricketers earn through multiple channels including BCCI annual contracts, match fees, IPL salaries, endorsements, brand collaborations, social media influence and long-term investments. IPL alone contributes a major percentage of their annual income.
Q3. What is Virat Kohli’s net worth?
Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be several hundred crores, driven by endorsements, business investments, brand partnerships, fitness ventures and his long IPL association with RCB.
Q4. Who is the richest retired cricketer in India?
Sachin Tendulkar is consider one of the richest cricketers Indian cricketer. Even after retirement, he earns through endorsements, academy ventures, investments and his role as a mentor in the IPL.
Q5. Do cricketers earn more from IPL or international cricket?
Most top cricketers earn more from the IPL due to massive annual salaries and bonuses. International cricket provides consistent income through BCCI contracts, but IPL contracts often surpass them.
