The top 5 cricket captains, including leaders from India, England, Australia, and South Africa, showcase a mix of success and challenges. Their annual incomes reflect their leadership roles and the value they bring to their teams. Each captain’s performance and pay underline their significance in world cricket.
5. Dean Elgar- 3.25 crore INR PA
Dean Elgar is a symbol of grit and determination, both as a cricketer and as a leader. His no-nonsense, focused leadership style has greatly influenced South Africa’s new generation of players, turning them into tough, competitive athletes. While his salary is not on par with his counterparts, Elgar remains unaffected by this. His dedication to the team’s success and his unyielding commitment to the game reflect his core values, making him a respected figure in South African cricket.
4. Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins- 5 crore INR PA
Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test skipper, has effectively led the team since Tim Paine’s absence, maintaining a strong record. In contrast, Aaron Finch, despite being the white-ball captain, has faced a challenging run of form during his leadership, which has affected his performance. While both have been generously compensated, Cummins has proven to be worth his salary, whereas Finch’s future is uncertain following his retirement announcement from ODIs. Cricket Australia will now seek a suitable replacement for Finch in the limited-overs format.
3. Rohit Sharma- 7 crore INR PA
Rohit Sharma, India’s all-format captain and the most successful IPL captain, has brought an effortless style to leadership, much like his batting. His substantial salary reflects this, yet questions arose following India’s early exit from the Asia Cup, with concerns over his body language and emotional control. Despite this, the expectation is that he will deliver in the T20 World Cup, proving his leadership qualities in high-pressure situations.
2. Ben Stokes- 9 crore INR PA
Ben Stokes has had an exceptional start as England’s Test captain, leading them to 6 wins in 7 matches, including victories over New Zealand, India, and South Africa. His leadership has proven valuable, earning him a salary comparable to Jos Buttler’s. Despite England’s inability to reach the WTC finals this year, Stokes’ tenure has put the team on the right path, and there are hopes for continued success under his captaincy.
1. Jos Buttler- 9 crore INR PA
Jos Buttler took over as England’s white-ball captain following Eoin Morgan’s retirement. Despite a challenging start and mixed results under his leadership, Buttler remains the highest-paid captain globally. His batting prowess justifies the investment, and he will aim to prove his worth by leading England to victory in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, where they are among the favorites.