Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has not only amassed a wealth of runs and accolades but has also seen his financial earnings skyrocket over the years. From his early days as a promising young talent to becoming the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history, Sharma’s rise in the IPL has been nothing short of remarkable. As a player and a leader, his earnings have reflected his extraordinary impact on the tournament.
Early Days in IPL: The Big Break in 2008
Rohit Sharma’s IPL journey began in 2008, during the inaugural season, when he was bought by the Hyderabad Deccan Chargers. At that time, he was not yet the established star we know today. However, his performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he batted with a strike rate over 144, had already caught the attention of IPL franchises. Hyderabad Deccan Chargers secured his services for a hefty sum of Rs 3 crore for the 2008 season, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league during its first edition.
This marked the beginning of what would become a highly lucrative career in the IPL for the stylish right-hander. Rohit played for the Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 2010, earning Rs 3 crore per season.
The Mumbai Indians Era: A Glorious Turnaround
In 2011, Rohit Sharma made the crucial switch to the Mumbai Indians, a franchise that would become synonymous with his name. Under the leadership of owner Mukesh Ambani, the Mumbai Indians offered him a significant pay rise, signing him on for Rs 9.2 crore per season, a deal that ran until 2013. This was the start of his successful tenure with the team that would go on to win five IPL titles under his captaincy.
In recognition of his growing stature in the IPL, Mumbai Indians continued to increase his salary with each renewal. Between 2014 and 2017, Rohit Sharma’s earnings from the franchise shot up to Rs 12.5 crore per season. As the team’s captain, Sharma led them to victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, solidifying his status as one of the most successful captains in the IPL’s history.
The Continued Rise: Rs 15 Crore and Beyond
Rohit’s consistent performances as a batsman and his leadership in guiding Mumbai Indians to title victories ensured his value continued to soar. From 2018 to 2021, his salary increased to Rs 15 crore per season. With each passing year, his influence grew both with the bat and as a captain, making him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the IPL.
In the most recent contract extension from 2022 to 2024, Mumbai Indians retained Rohit Sharma for Rs 16 crore, which placed him among the top earners in the league. His remarkable leadership and batting abilities made him indispensable to the team.
IPL 2025 and the Changing Guard at Mumbai Indians
As the IPL 2025 mega auction looms on the horizon, Rohit Sharma’s salary has continued to reflect his esteemed position in the league. Ahead of the auction, Mumbai Indians retained him for Rs 16.30 crore, underscoring his continued value. However, there have been some significant changes in terms of leadership for the Mumbai Indians. Following a series of disappointing seasons, including finishing fifth in 2021 and at the bottom of the table in 2022, the franchise opted for a change in captaincy. In a surprising move before the start of IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians handed over the captaincy to Hardik Pandya, who had been brought in through a trade with Gujarat Titans.
Despite the change in leadership, Rohit Sharma’s role as a player remains crucial, with his wealth of experience and ability to anchor the batting. Pandya will continue to lead Mumbai Indians into IPL 2025, while Rohit will focus solely on his batting, with hopes of returning to his prime form.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL Earnings So Far: A Glimpse of the Total
Since his debut in the IPL in 2008, Rohit Sharma has been handsomely rewarded for his efforts. With his impressive batting records and five IPL titles as a captain, the Mumbai Indians’ decision to keep him on their books has proven financially fruitful for both parties. As of now, Rohit Sharma has earned a total of Rs 210.9 crore from his IPL contracts alone, a testament to his influence on and off the field.
His IPL journey from Rs 3 crore in 2008 to Rs 16 crore today reflects not only his growth as a player but also his immense value within the tournament, which continues to be one of the most lucrative cricket leagues in the world.
The Future of IPL: The 2025 Auction
With the IPL 2025 mega auction set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over two days in November, over 500 players will be up for grabs. Some high-profile names like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer are expected to be part of the auction. However, for Rohit Sharma, the auction may not hold much uncertainty. Given his long-standing association with the Mumbai Indians, his future in the league appears secure, and fans can expect him to continue being a major presence in the IPL for years to come.
