Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the most successful captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), clinched his fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy as CSK emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final. After IPL 2024 horizon, the spotlight is on Dhoni as he gears up to participate in the upcoming edition. Apart from his heroics with the bat and behind the wickets, Dhoni’s Salary in IPL has always been under the scanner.
Dhoni’s association with IPL dates back to its inauguration in 2008 when he became the face of CSK after an intense bidding war with arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. Despite brief stints with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 and 2017 due to CSK’s suspension, Dhoni has been an integral part of the Men in Yellow.
His journey in IPL has not only been marked by exceptional leadership but also by becoming one of the highest-paid players in the league. The Super Kings Den delves into the detailed progression of Dhoni’s salary in IPL over the years, showcasing his evolution as a cricketing icon.
Having been retained by CSK for every season, Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2024 was initially uncertain. However, CSK’s retention list confirmed that the cricketing maestro will continue to don the yellow jersey for another season, and after a magnificent season, Dhoni’s CSK unfortunately failed to qualify for the play-offs.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary in 2008
In the inaugural IPL auction of 2008, Dhoni’s signing by CSK for a staggering $1.5 million (INR 6 Crore) set a precedent. His price surpassed that of the icon players, establishing him as the highest-paid player of the season.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary in 2024
MS Dhoni’s IPL salary is set to be INR 12 Crore, showcasing the sustained value he brings to the CSK franchise. By the end of IPL 2024, marking Dhoni’s 17th season, his cumulative IPL earnings will amount to an impressive INR 188.84 Crores, with an average annual salary of INR 11.11 Crore.
Significant Milestones and Hikes in MS Dhoni’s Salary in IPL
Over the subsequent years, Dhoni’s salary in IPL saw a gradual increase, reaching its pinnacle in 2014 when CSK secured him for a whopping 12.5 Crores. Despite brief shifts to Rising Pune Supergiants, Dhoni consistently commanded a high salary upon his return to CSK, earning 15 Crores in the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary Over the Years (2008-2024)
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
| 2008 | CSK | 6 Crore |
| 2009 | CSK | 6 Crore |
| 2010 | CSK | 6 Crore |
| 2011 | CSK | 8.28 Crore |
| 2012 | CSK | 8.28 Crore |
| 2013 | CSK | 8.28 Crore |
| 2014 | CSK | 12.5 Crore |
| 2015 | CSK | 12.5 Crore |
| 2016 | RPS* | 12.5 Crore |
| 2017 | RPS* | 12.5 Crore |
| 2018 | CSK | 15 Crore |
| 2019 | CSK | 15 Crore |
| 2020 | CSK | 15 Crore |
| 2021 | CSK | 15 Crore |
| 2022 | CSK | 12 Crore |
| 2023 | CSK | 12 Crore |
| 2024 | CSK | 12 Crore |
As the cricketing legend approaches the twilight of his career at 42, fans across the board, not just CSK enthusiasts, eagerly anticipate a fitting farewell if IPL 2024 indeed marks Dhoni’s last-ever season. The indelible impact he has left on the IPL landscape is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
