IPL 2026: Highest paid Indian players

Rishabh Pant made waves in the IPL 2026 auction after being retained by Lucknow Super Giants for £2.3m.

The enigmatic left-hander was one of many Indian stars to earn huge contracts to feature in cricket's premier domestic T20 competition.

We take a look at the highest Indian earners at IPL 2026...

1. Rishabh Pant - £2.3m

The aforementioned Pant is among the most talented players on the planet, something recognised by the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of his second season with the franchise.

Pant, although not at his brilliant best, still performed with reasonable credit last season and has an excellent IPL record down the years.

The 28-year-old is the highest run scorer in Delhi Capitals history following his eight-year association with the 2020 runners-up.

2. Shreyas Iyer - £2.2m

Punjab Kings elected to retain Shreyas Iyer after a fantastic 604-run season in 2025.

Iyer was appointed captain by coach Ricky Ponting after he was picked up in the auction prior to last campaign and he oversaw much success, guiding PBKS to their first-ever appearance at the playoffs.

They topped the table with 19 points from 13 matches before losing out to eventual winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs.

3. Virat Kohli - £1.7m

It should come as no surprise to see Virat Kohli feature in the top three as he approaches his 19th season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Kohli is the leading run scorer in the history of the competition and has been handsomely rewarded with a eye-watering deal after playing a central part in RCB's maiden IPL triumph.

The 657 runs he scored last season at 54.75, proves that he is still as good as ever heading into what could be the final years of his career.

4. Jasprit Bumrah - 1.4m

There is an argument to suggest that Jasprit Bumrah is the greatest bowler to ever play the game and IPL favourites Mumbai Indians will greatly benefit from his skillset for a 13th straight campaign.

The Indian quick has taken 15+ wickets in each of the last nine campaigns, picking up 27 poles during an outstanding IPL 2020/21 where he averaged 14.96.

Amazingly, Bumrah has never won the Purple Cap, however, he looks to have a good a chance as ever to correct that particular stat in 2026.

5. Sanju Samson - £1.4m

Off the back of one of the great individual displays at the T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson will play for Chennai Super Kings this season.

Despite only playing in five matches during his nation's World Cup victory on home soil, Samson was named Player of the Tournament after racking up 321 runs that included a match-winning 89 off 46 balls in the final against New Zealand.

By these standards, he had a poor season with Rajasthan Royals in 2025 but, with a record-breaking winter under his belt, will head to Chennai with confidence.