Indian cricket is popular across the world, and its players are among the highest-paid sportspersons in India. It is widely known that cricketers like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Sachin Tendulkar earned their wealth through their skills on the field.
Given the massive popularity of cricket in India, it comes as no surprise that Indian cricketers receive the highest salaries among all cricket teams globally. The highest-paid cricketer of all time, and the richest Indian cricketer, is former Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli has a staggering per month salary of USD 690,000, which translates to over Rs 5.5 crore. His net worth is an estimated Rs 1050 crore. Kohli receives a substantial salary from the BCCI for playing in Test matches and ODIs, as well as championship and tournament fees. He can earn up to Rs 1 crore from these events alone.
Moreover, Kohli’s endorsement deals and other sources of income contribute significantly to his monthly salary of Rs 5.5 crore. According to GQ Australia, his monthly income through all forms of cricket, including Test matches and IPL, was nearly Rs. 6 crore. He also receives bonus cheques for his exceptional performances.
The second highest-paid cricketer of all time is South African cricketer Dean Elgar, with a monthly income of USD 440,000, which is around Rs. 3.6 crore. However, MS Dhoni, despite having a high net worth, doesn’t have a salary as close to Virat Kohli’s since he retired from all forms of cricket, apart from the IPL.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli is the highest-paid cricketer of all time and the richest Indian cricketer, with a salary of Rs 5.5 crore per month. He is an unparalleled athlete with excellent skills on the field, and his income sources include his salary from BCCI and endorsement deals. It is clear that cricket is one of the highest-paying sports in India, and Kohli’s success on and off the field is proof of that.