MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the most loved and cherished cricketers India has ever produced. MS Dhoni is the only captain in the history of cricket to have won all three ICC trophies (World T20, World Cup and Champions Trophy) during his tenure. India went on to win the World Cup after 28 years under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s impeccable captaincy. In the Indian Premier League, MS Dhoni has helped Chennai Super Kings win three titles while he has also helped the Chennai-based side win two Champions League T20 titles. In addition to the many bilateral series and Asia Cup titles, there is no doubting that MS Dhoni is the best captain to serve India.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are two names who are on par with MS Dhoni when it comes to greatness and fan appeal. However, there is one aspect that has put MS Dhoni way head of the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His popularity has rivalled that of the great Sachin Tendulkar and his fandom has reached insane levels, thanks to social media and his involvement in the Indian Premier League, apart from his accomplishments for the Indian cricket team.
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has emerged as the highest-paid player in the Indian Premier League.
According to Inside Sports Money Ball, former India captain MS Dhoni has earned over Rs 137 crore by playing in IPL. From IPL 2011 to 2013, he earned nearly Rs 8.2 crore every year. In 2014, the BCCI raised the first-choice retention fees to Rs. 12.5 crores. Hence, Dhoni earned that amount in IPL 2014 and 2015. Dhoni was picked up by Rising Pune Supergiants after CSK was suspended for two years. However, his change in the franchise did not change the income he earned.
BCCI increased the first-choice retention price to Rs 15 crore before IPL 2018 due to which Dhoni earned Rs 45 crores in the next three years while playing for India, Dhoni mostly remained in the top bracket in BCCI’s central contract list. His success in IPL has always helped him stay in the Playing XI in the T20 league.
Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is second in the list. The prolific batsman has earned over Rs 131 crore. Third, on the list is Virat Kohli. The Royal Challengers’ Bangalore skipper comes with an income of over Rs 126 crore.
