In form of 19th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) Going on, the spotlight is not just on the players with bat and ball – it is also on those entrusted with the responsibility of leading their franchises. The annual salaries of all ten captains have been revealed in a graphic circulated ahead of IPL 2026, offering a fascinating look at how teams value leadership in cricket’s most lucrative league. From established names who have held on to the top for years, to young captains who have risen through the ranks on modest pay packets, this list reflects the diverse paths to captaincy in the IPL.
Here are the complete details of captains’ salaries in IPL 2026:
Rishabh Pant leads with ₹27 crore
Salary details reveal that Rishabh Pant, who took over the captaincy of Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026, earns ₹27 crore – the highest among all captains this season. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s hefty pay packet reflects his stature as one of the most marketable and influential players in Indian cricket. After leading Delhi Capitals (DC) last season, Pant now shoulders the responsibility of guiding the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team, which made several high-profile acquisitions in the auction.
Close to him is Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer, who earns ₹26.75 crore. Iyer, who led Punjab to the final in IPL 2025, has been retained by the franchise as its undisputed leader. His salary puts him just ₹25 lakh behind Pant, highlighting the premium franchise places on proven leadership and middle-order stability.
₹18 crore club: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pat Cummins
The two captains find themselves in the range of ₹18 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who takes over the full-time captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2024, earns ₹18 crore. The stylish opener has been the mainstay of CSK’s batting and is seen as the long-term leader of the franchise.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins, although he will miss the initial matches due to a back injury, will also get ₹18 crore. The Australian fast bowler led SRH to the IPL 2024 final and has been the cornerstone of their bowling attack when fit.
Mid-tier captain: Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Hardik Patel in the range of ₹16 crore
The next bracket includes three captains in the ₹16 crore range. Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill and Delhi Capitals captain Akshar Patel Both earn ₹16.5 crore. Gill, who has led GT since 2024, remains the poster boy of the franchise, while Axar took over the leadership of DC after the departure of Rishabh Pant last season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya is at second place with ₹16.35 crore. The all-rounder, who will return to MI in 2024, has the task of adding a sixth title to the franchise’s illustrious history.
Also read: From Mayanti Langer to Sahiba Bali – the complete list of star presenters for IPL 2026
The lower end of the spectrum: new and unexpected leaders
Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag, who stepped into the role after Sanju Samson’s trade to CSK, earns ₹11 crore. The young Assamese batsman will lead the RR team which recently changed ownership in a record-breaking deal.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar also gets a pay check of ₹11 crore – a remarkable figure considering that he led RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane is included in the list with an earning of ₹1.5 crore. The veteran batsman, who took over the captaincy of KKR before last season, was tasked with leading the three-time champions.
