Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player ever when Lucknow Super Giants grabbed him. His IPL team paid a whopping ₹27 crore for the 2026 season. That’s the highest amount any cricketer has commanded in tournament history so far.
LSG retained him as their captain at the same salary again. The franchise clearly believes Rishabh Pant is worth every rupee they’re paying him. His salary reflects not just his skills but also his leadership qualities in the field.
The 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi saw crazy bidding but nobody touched his record. Pant’s comeback story makes this even more meaningful for everyone watching.
Journey from ₹1.9 Crore to Record IPL Price
Delhi Daredevils IPL team bought Rishabh Pant for just ₹1.9 crore back in 2016 initially. That seems like pocket change compared to what he earns now honestly. His salary kept climbing every season as his performances got better and better.
Becoming the Delhi Capitals’ captain really boosted his value at auctions dramatically over time. Teams started seeing him as more than just a wicketkeeper-batsman, then. The price jumps reflected his growing reputation across the cricketing world completely.
By the end of 2025, Rishabh Pant had earned ₹101.80 crore total from nine seasons. That’s generational wealth made purely from playing cricket at the highest level. His new contract adds another massive chunk to those career earnings accumulated already.
Surviving the Accident Changed Everything
December 2022 brought the worst news when Rishabh Pant had a terrible car accident. He nearly lost his life in that crash which shook the entire country. Doctors said his recovery would take almost a year minimum before playing again.
But this guy fought back harder than anyone expected him to. His IPL team waited patiently knowing he’d return stronger than before the crash. Pant proved everyone right by making a comeback that inspired millions everywhere.
The BCCI also pays him ₹5 crore annually as a Grade A player separately. That doesn’t even count his endorsement deals and advertisement money coming in regularly. His total income makes him one of India’s highest-earning cricketers currently playing today.
