The Indian Premier League continues to set new benchmarks in player salaries, mainly for team captains. From Hardik Pandya to Rishabh Pant, here’s a look at the highest-paid IPL captains in 2026.
Also Read: IPL’s Highest Team Scores: When 250+ Became the New Normal
1. Rishabh Pant: Rs 27 crore
Lucknow Super Giants bought Rishabh Pant for Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction with the motive of making him their captain. They retained him this year, too. In addition, he is one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL and still holds the record of the highest-paid player and captain in IPL history.
2. Shreyas Iyer: Rs 26.75 crore
Punjab Kings have bought Shreyas Iyer in the 2025 mega auction for Rs 26.75 crore and retained him in 2026 as well. He was bought for the captaincy role, and with him in charge, the team made it to the finals in 2025 but lost against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Also Read: Nitish Kumar Reddy Net Worth 2026: Rising Star’s Income, Salary, Cars & Endorsement Details
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Rs 18 crore
Chennai Super Kings captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, received Rs 18 crore in IPL 2026. “As the IPL 2026 season approaches”, CSK went through various trades, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. They have also released 13 players. After the retention process, the team confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad as their captain and retained him.
4. Pat Cummins: Rs 18 crore
Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained Pat Cummins as their captain for Rs 18 crore each season. However, Cummins won’t be available for a few matches of IPL as he is recovering from an injury. In his absence, the management has backed Ishan Kishan and named him as the interim captain.
5. Shubman Gill: Rs 16.5 crore
Shubman Gill got the opportunity to captain the Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya moved to the Mumbai Indians. From there onwards, Shubman Gill receives Rs 16.5 crore per season from the franchise.
Also Read: 2026 Toyota Fortuner Leaks: Hybrid Engine, New Design, Premium Interior & India Launch Timeline
6. Axar Patel: Rs 16.5 crore
Delhi Capitals appointed their leader, Axar Patel, last year. He earns Rs 16.5 crore per year from the franchise. In addition, the Delhi Capitals have never won an IPL trophy, but in Axar’s captaincy, they are hoping to lift their first title.
7. Hardik Pandya: Rs 16.35 crore
The Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya, received a salary of Rs 16.35 crore for the year. Hardik Pandya was offered captaincy after coming back from the Gujarat Titans. The Mumbai Indians are all set to move forward for their 6th IPL title with Hardik Pandya.
8. Riyan Parag: Rs 14 crore
Rajasthan Royals have appointed their captain, Riyan Parag, after the trade of Sanju Samsun to the Chennai Super Kings. The management has shown faith in the young all-rounder and retained him for Rs 14 crore.
9. Rajat Patidar: Rs 11 crore
Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn’t win any IPL title before 2025. In 2025, Rajat Patidar was appointed as the captain and led the team to their first IPL victory. He earns Rs 11 crore from the franchise per season. In addition, now RCB is all set to defend their title with their captain, Rajat Patidar.
10. Ajinkya Rahane: Rs 1.50 crore
Kolkata Knight Riders are set to continue with Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2026. The management has faith in his experience despite a challenging previous season. Ajinkya Rahane was retained for his base price of Rs 1.50 crore.