Kohli tops IPL earnings list, Rohit second; KKR tops valuation at ₹19,200 crore

A recent report by Fanatic Sports and Hurun India has stated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli is the highest earning player in IPL history with total earnings of ₹230 crore since the league began in 2008. The report places Mumbai Indians batter Rohit Sharma second with ₹227.2 crore and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni third with ₹200 crore.

The study is based on an analysis of 1,323 elite athletes across 504 cities in 53 countries and six sports leagues. It also highlights that Kohli has played continuously for Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inception of the league and remains one of its leading commercial figures.

In women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana has been identified as the highest earner with ₹13.7 crore. The report states that the total earnings of the top 10 women cricketers in India stand at ₹90 crore, significantly lower than individual top IPL earners.

On franchise valuation, Kolkata Knight Riders are ranked highest at ₹19,200 crore, followed by Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both valued at around ₹18,400 crore. The combined valuation of all 10 IPL franchises is estimated at ₹1.63 lakh crore.

The report adds that IPL revenues are driven by broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and digital content, positioning the league as a global competitor to tournaments such as the NFL and English Premier League, with projected franchise value growth expected in the coming years.