The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is poised to kick off on March 22, bringing with it the excitement of high-stakes cricket, renowned players, and vibrant teams. This season not only showcases thrilling matches but also highlights the total personal fortunes of its captains, igniting curiosity around who leads the financial race among cricket's elite players.
Among the captains stepping onto the field this year, Rishabh Pant of the Lucknow Super Giants has made waves by becoming the costliest player in IPL auction history after being signed for a staggering Rs 27 crore. Beyond this jaw-dropping figure, Pant’s net worth is estimated at an impressive Rs 100 crore, bolstered by a Rs 3 crore annual salary from a BCCI Grade B contract and lucrative endorsements with major brands like Adidas and Dream11. With such wealth behind him, Pant’s leadership will be closely watched as the LSG aims for a strong season.
Similarly, Hardik Pandya, the new captain of the Mumbai Indians, brings a net worth of Rs 91 crore to the table, underpinned by his BCCI Grade A contract earning Rs 5 crore per annum and various endorsements. Pandya has big shoes to fill after taking over from Rohit Sharma, and fans are eager to see his performance on the pitch.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be led by Rajat Patidar, who has a net worth of approximately Rs 2 crore. Despite being relatively new to captaincy, having been retained for Rs 11 crore this season, Patidar's journey reflects the financial volatility of IPL players, marking a sharp contrast to his more seasoned colleagues.
As the IPL prepares for its 18th edition, the presence of experienced leaders such as Ajinkya Rahane for Kolkata Knight Riders, who boasts a net worth of around Rs 80 crore, emphasizes the blending of youth and experience that franchises have sought to achieve. Rahane's fee of Rs 1.5 crore at the auction is considered a strategic investment as KKR rebuilds its squad.
In a surprising twist, KL Rahul will miss the first two matches of the IPL 2025 season due to his anticipation of becoming a parent soon, as revealed by Australian women’s team captain Alyssa Healy on LiSTNR Sport. Healy mentioned, "They have KL Rahul, who will probably not play the first couple of games. I think they are awaiting the birth of their child, but that dynamic is really cool." Rahul, signed by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore, was also speculated to be a captaincy candidate, but the franchise decided on Axar Patel as skipper instead.
Delhi Capitals, having tasked Patel with their new captaincy and bringing in Faf du Plessis as the vice-captain, continues to reshape its squad aimed at a fresh start after failing to reach the playoffs in recent years. Axar Patel's net worth is approximately Rs 49 crore, having earned a BCCI Grade B contract worth Rs 3 crore a year.
While Delhi prepares for its first match against LSG on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, the absence of both Rahul and English player Harry Brook—who withdrew despite a hefty price tag of Rs 6.25 crore at the auction—presents a unique challenge for the team.
Other captains worth noting are Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings, secured for Rs 26.75 crore with a net worth of approximately Rs 58 crore, and Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals, retaining his role with a net worth of around Rs 82 crore despite not officially receiving a BCCI contract. Players like Gujarat Titans' Shubman Gill and Chennai Super Kings' Ruturaj Gaikwad, valued at Rs 34 crore and Rs 36 crore respectively, highlight the younger generation's growing financial ascendancy in the sport.
This season also sees Ashutosh Sharma, a breakout star from Punjab Kings last year, donning the colors of Delhi Capitals. He represents the franchise’s investment in fresh talent alongside established players as they aim for a title after years of near misses.
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans and cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness how the financial dynamics play into performances on-field. Can the Delhi Capitals overcome their previous hurdles and finally clinch the title, or will established teams like Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants continue to rule? Only time will tell, but the stakes are undoubtedly high.
Stay tuned for the IPL 2025 updates, match schedules, and player performances throughout the season!
