The IPL's most bankable stars

Cricket is now dominated by T20 and the Indian Premier League is at the front and centre of the format.

Franchise structure, mega broadcast deals and multimillion-dollar player contracts all emanated from the IPL to become common in the modern game.

Now, the league and its stakeholders have grown well beyond their territory, investing in the domestic cricket of other nations and spreading the IPL brand to the farthest corners of the globe.

That is why when it is time for the main show, everything else stops.

The 2025 IPL begins on March 22 and for two months there won't be much else in the world of cricket (apart from in Pakistan, which has the PSL).

The best available players on the planet will be in India playing day in, day out in front of packed venues, fighting for unprecedented riches and watched by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

Some do it better than others. Here we take a look at the players who have provided the greatest value to their teams and the league itself over the years.

The list has been compiled by taking into account a player's overall record, title-winning efforts, longevity, ability to attract viewership and impact on the brand value of the IPL. Players are ranked in descending order and their estimated salaries were calculated according to insidesport.in and reports as of 2024.

15. Chris Gayle

Years active: 2009-2021
Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab
IPL titles: 0
IPL career salary: 580m rupees ($6.6m)

The Universe Boss was the ultimate showman, and perfect for the razzmatazz of the league. Finished on just under 5,000 runs in the league and holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history. Gave fans exactly what they wanted – monster sixes. Hit by far the most maximums in the league – 357 in only 142 games. That is well over two per game and easily the best in the business.

14. David Warner

Years active: 2009-2024
Teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals
IPL titles: 1
IPL career salary: 900m rupees ($10m)

The most successful overseas batsman in the IPL. The Australian opener famously honed his skills and expanded his horizons in Delhi under the tutelage of Virender Sehwag, who encouraged him to become a Test batsman. Captained Hyderabad to a memorable title in 2016 where he scored a match-winning 50. Finished with more than 6,500 runs at an average of above 40.

13. Andre Russell

Years active: 2012 - to date
Teams: Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders
IPL titles: 2
IPL career salary: 770m rupees ($8.8m)

One of the most devastating players in T20 cricket, Russell is among a handful of overseas players who is retained by a franchise before many Indian stars. Has been the player of the tournament twice and picked up three wickets in the 2024 final against Hyderabad, helping clinch KKR's third trophy. Has returned to bowling full time and looks more devastating than ever. Has smashed 209 sixes in only 105 innings and has picked up 115 wickets as well.

12. Kieron Pollard

Years active: 2010 - 2022
Teams: Mumbai Indians
IPL titles: 5
IPL career salary: 800m rupees ($9.1m)

The backbone of the Mumbai Indians franchise for more than a decade, the West Indies all-rounder played a crucial role in their dominant run. Scored more than 3,000 runs at a strike rate of close to 150. Was player of the match in the 2013 final – Mumbai’s first win. Was the top scorer again in the 2019 final which Mumbai won by only one run. Now part of the team's management, Pollard is likely to remain a lifelong Mumbai Indian.

11. Shane Watson

Years active: 2008 - 2020
Teams: Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings
IPL titles: 2
IPL career salary: 770m rupees ($8.8m)

One of the most underrated stars of the IPL. Won the title in the very first season with Rajasthan Royals where he was player of the tournament and excelled in the final. A decade later with Chennai Super Kings, hit a winning century in the final against Hyderabad in 2018. However, one of his most memorable moments came in the next year’s title match where he took Chennai to within one run of winning the trophy against Mumbai, battling on in the chase despite an injured, bleeding knee. Simply put, the man for the final. Scored close to 4,000 runs in the league and took 92 wickets at an economy of under eight.

5. Hardik Pandya

Years active: 2015 - to date
Teams: Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians
IPL titles: 5
IPL career salary: 900m rupees ($10m)

A rare commodity in franchise cricket – a high-quality pace bowling all-rounder and leader who has won titles. Pandya evokes different emotions among fans but the value he provides on the cricket field is indisputable. Has five IPL wins, with one as captain of Gujarat Titans in his first stint as skipper, where he was also player of the match in the title decider. Could have had a second one with Titans, but for a six and a four off the last two balls of the final against Chennai in 2023. Gold-class T20 cricketer.

4. Jasprit Bumrah

Years active: 2013 - to date
Teams: Mumbai Indians
IPL titles: 5
IPL career salary: 680m rupees ($7.8m)

Leagues ahead of any player in his discipline and a master of one of the most difficult arts in the sport – high pace and death bowling in T20 cricket. Vastly underpaid over the years, Mumbai had to go to great lengths to retain him. Would easily have been the most sought after player in any auction at any time, even towards the end of his career. Part of five IPL-winning sides, Bumrah has carried the bowling on his shoulders for years. Almost guaranteed to go at less than eight runs an over, with teams now looking to just deny him wickets. A once-in-a-generation talent that came out of the IPL and dominated world cricket.

3. Virat Kohli

Years active: 2008 - to date
Teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
IPL titles: 0
IPL career salary: 1.9bn rupees ($21m)

Kohli has been a one-team man, immersing himself in the red of Bengaluru. The star batsman had declared long back that he will never leave the franchise and RCB fans have adopted him as their own, cheering him on through thick and thin. The franchise is still to win the IPL, but have arguably the most fervent and diverse fan base in the sport. And it is all down to the flamboyance and charisma of Kohli. Plus, his league-leading 8,004 runs.

2. Rohit Sharma

Years active: 2008 - to date
Teams: Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians
IPL titles: 6
IPL career salary: 1.94bn rupees ($22m)

The most successful cricketer in the tournament’s history. Guided Mumbai Indians to five titles and even won once with the defunct Deccan Chargers. Shaped the identity of the franchise and his leadership at Mumbai Indians paved the way for his captaincy at international level, which has now produced two major ICC titles in successive years. Even if he does not win another IPL title, has been absolute box office as a batsman (6,628 runs) and leader.

1. MS Dhoni

Years active: 2008 - to date
Teams: Rising Pune Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings
IPL titles: 5
IPL career salary: 1.9bn rupees ($21m)

When you talk about IPL, the first image that pops up is that of Dhoni. So deeply is Dhoni embedded in the psyche of IPL and Chennai Super Kings, every effort is made to ensure even a half-fit Dhoni enters the field, even if only as a keeper who bats for two overs. A master tactician and five-time IPL winner, Dhoni has given back to the IPL exponentially more than the league has provided him. The undisputed king of T20 cricket and IPL.

Notable mentions:

Kiwi trail-blazer Brendon McCullum kick-started the IPL craze with a scintillating 158 not out in the first match in 2008. Australian great Shane Warne is an icon of IPL, too, guiding an unheralded Rajasthan side to the title. England star Jos Buttler has been a revelation as well, and arguably England's best representative in the league.