Virat Kohli in IPL 2026: With just 12 days left until IPL 2026, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the return of T20 action. Legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni are set to light up the tournament once again. Before the matches begin, let’s take a look at how much Virat Kohli – the star batsman and former captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru – has earned in IPL so far, along with his season-wise salary growth since 2008.
Virat Kohli’s Salary Growth
Virat Kohli, who captained India to the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, was signed by RCB in the inaugural IPL season for a modest ₹12 lakh. Since then, his annual salary has grown steadily:
2008-2010: ₹12 lakh per season
2011-2013: ₹8.28 crore per season
2014-2017: ₹12.5 crore per season
2018-2021: ₹17 crore per season
2022-2024: ₹15 crore per season
2025: ₹21 crore (highest-ever salary)
Ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction, RCB retained Kohli as their marquee player, ensuring his salary remained at ₹21 crore annually.
Total IPL Earnings
From starting at ₹12 lakh in 2008 to his current ₹21 crore annual salary, Virat Kohli has amassed a staggering ₹230 crore in total earnings from the IPL to date.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Records
Virat has played 267 IPL matches, scoring 8,661 runs at a strike rate of 132.86 and an average of 39.55. His record includes:
8 centuries and 63 half-centuries
771 fours and 291 sixes
118 catches, making him one of the most successful fielders in IPL history
He is also the highest run-scorer in IPL history and holds the record for the most fours, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s greatest ever players.
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young Under-19 star to an IPL icon not only showcases his talent on the field but also his consistent value as one of the most marketable players in the league.
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