IPL Auction Buzz Who Tops Paycheck Among India Stars

With the Indian Premier League 2026 retention deadline looming (15 November), attention has turned to a high-octane hypothetical: if stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were to enter the auction pool, who would walk away with the biggest cheque?

A former player of Royal Challengers Bangalore weighed in on the debate, suggesting that one of the three could substantially out-earn the others a scenario that speaks to the commercial value and brand pull of India’s senior cricketers.

Even without entering the auction, these players command premium status. Under the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s central contracts for 2024-25, Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah are all part of the A+ grade with retainers pegged at around ₹7 crore annually.

But the auction money often dwarfs these fixed retainers. With franchises willing to go all-in for marquee names, the bidding scenario becomes as much about franchise branding as performance. Reports indicate that other players have fetched surprise packages, underscoring that auction value isn’t just tied to stats but also marketability and fit.

In this context, the speculation over who would get the biggest payday becomes more than a numbers game it reflects the evolving economics of T20 leagues, loyalty dynamics, leadership credentials and the intangible draw of legacy and fan-base. For IPL franchises, locking in a superstar isn’t just a performance decision, it’s a business one.

As the retention window closes and auction strategies crystallize, fans will be watching closely. Whether Kohli, Rohit or Bumrah ends up in the pool or whether one becomes the standout payday earner remains to be seen. But already, the buzz is stirring and the stakes feel higher than ever.