Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni), one of the most successful and celebrated cricketers in the history of Indian cricket, has been the face of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. As the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has led the team to multiple championships and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the league’s history. Given his stature, MS Dhoni’s IPL salary has been a subject of curiosity for many cricket fans and analysts.
This article delves deep into MS Dhoni’s IPL salary, how much he gets paid per season, and the factors influencing his earnings over the years. We will also examine the changes in his salary since the start of the IPL, his endorsements, and other related financial aspects that contribute to his overall earnings from the IPL.
1. Overview of MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary Structure
MS Dhoni has been with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for the entirety of his IPL career, except for a brief period when the team was suspended for two seasons (2016-2017). As the franchise’s leader and one of the most popular cricketers in the world, Dhoni commands a significant salary.
When it comes to IPL salary, there are two key factors that determine how much a player like Dhoni gets paid:
- Base Salary: This is the amount that MS Dhoni is contracted for, which is agreed upon at the time of the IPL auction or through retention by the franchise.
- Bonuses & Other Rewards: Players like Dhoni can also earn bonuses for exceptional performance, as well as revenue from brand endorsements and sponsorships associated with their IPL teams.
2. MS Dhoni’s Salary Evolution Over the Years
From the early days of the IPL to the present, MS Dhoni’s salary has undergone several changes. Below is a table showing the breakdown of Dhoni’s base salary across different seasons of the IPL:
MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary Breakdown (2008-2024)
| Year | Franchise | Salary (INR) | Salary in USD | Contract Type | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 6 crore | $1.2 million | Auctioned | Initial IPL contract with CSK. |
| 2009 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 6 crore | $1.2 million | Retained | Dhoni retained by CSK after the first season. |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 6 crore | $1.2 million | Retained | CSK won their first IPL title in 2010. |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 6 crore | $1.2 million | Retained | Retained in 2011; second IPL title for CSK. |
| 2012 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 8 crore | $1.6 million | Retained | Dhoni’s salary increased following his success. |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 8 crore | $1.6 million | Retained | Salary remained same after a successful 2012 season. |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12.5 crore | $2.5 million | Retained | Significant increase after CSK’s ongoing success. |
| 2015 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12.5 crore | $2.5 million | Retained | Retained during CSK’s dominant phase. |
| 2016 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12.5 crore | $2.5 million | Retained | CSK was suspended, but Dhoni’s salary remained. |
| 2017 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12.5 crore | $2.5 million | Retained | CSK’s two-year suspension ended. |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 15 crore | $3 million | Retained | Salary increase after CSK’s return; third IPL title. |
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 15 crore | $3 million | Retained | Dhoni’s salary remained the same in 2019. |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 15 crore | $3 million | Retained | Consistent salary due to brand value and leadership. |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 15 crore | $3 million | Retained | CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021. |
| 2022 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12 crore | $2.4 million | Retained | Salary reduced due to age and overall performance. |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12 crore | $2.4 million | Retained | Dhoni remained at ₹ 12 crore salary after IPL 2022. |
| 2024 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹ 12 crore | $2.4 million | Retained | The same salary structure carried into the 2024 season. |
3. Breakdown of MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary Over the Years
As seen from the table above, MS Dhoni’s salary in the IPL has steadily increased over the years, reflecting his growing stature and the commercial success of the IPL. His salary peaked at ₹ 15 crore (approx. $3 million) in the 2018-2021 seasons, and while it slightly reduced to ₹ 12 crore in 2022 and 2023, it is still one of the highest among players in the league.
- Initial Salary: When Dhoni started in IPL 2008, he was one of the highest-paid players, earning ₹ 6 crore ($1.2 million), which was considered a significant amount for a cricketer at the time.
- Peak Salary: By 2014, Dhoni’s salary increased to ₹ 12.5 crore ($2.5 million), which remained stable for several seasons (2014-2017). This amount reflects Dhoni’s popularity, performance, and leadership role at CSK, as the team became one of the most successful franchises in the IPL.
- Recent Salary: Since 2022, MS Dhoni’s salary has been reduced slightly to ₹ 12 crore ($2.4 million), reflecting his age (he was 41 in 2022) and the changes in team dynamics. However, his brand value, leadership, and fan following ensure that he continues to receive one of the highest salaries in the league.
4. Additional Earnings from Endorsements and Sponsorships
Beyond his IPL salary, MS Dhoni’s income from the IPL is also supplemented by endorsements and sponsorship deals. Dhoni is one of the most marketable cricketers globally, and his endorsements add significantly to his overall earnings.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
MS Dhoni has been associated with a variety of brands, including:
| Brand | Endorsement Fee (INR) | Type of Association |
|---|---|---|
| Reebok | ₹ 5-7 crore annually | Sportswear and footwear |
| PepsiCo | ₹ 10 crore annually | Soft drinks and beverages |
| Boost | ₹ 8 crore annually | Energy drinks |
| Indian Oil | ₹ 4-5 crore annually | Gas station brand |
| Puma | ₹ 7-10 crore annually | Sports clothing and footwear |
| Red Bull | ₹ 6-8 crore annually | Energy drink brand |
| Sony | ₹ 3-5 crore annually | Television network |
| GoDaddy | ₹ 4-5 crore annually | Web hosting and domain services |
5. Total Earnings from IPL and Endorsements
When we combine MS Dhoni’s IPL salary with his earnings from endorsements and other commercial deals, the total amount he earns from his cricketing career, particularly from IPL-related activities, is substantial.
MS Dhoni’s Estimated Total Earnings from IPL & Endorsements (Annual)
| Component | Estimated Earnings (INR) | Estimated Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Salary (Base Salary) | ₹ 12-15 crore | $2.4 – $3 million |
| Endorsements & Sponsorships | ₹ 100-120 crore | $12 – $15 million |
| Total Estimated Earnings | ₹ 112-135 crore | $14 – $18 million |
6. Conclusion: MS Dhoni’s IPL Earnings
MS Dhoni’s salary and earnings from the IPL are a reflection of his legacy, marketability, and unmatched leadership qualities. With a base salary of around ₹ 12 crore in recent seasons, Dhoni remains one of the highest-paid cricketers in the league, and his earnings from endorsements and sponsorships further enhance his financial standing.
While his base salary has decreased slightly in the last few years due to his age, MS Dhoni’s brand value and leadership ensure that he continues to be a cornerstone for the Chennai Super Kings and one of the most marketable athletes in India. With his remarkable career, MS Dhoni has set a high standard not just for cricketing achievements but for the business side of sports as well.