IPL 2025: The former Indian skipper and RCB stalwart Virat Kohli who made a half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), was the star of the match at Eden Gardens. Kohli, one of the main players for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has always been among the best performers in IPL history. With his outstanding gameplay and enormous popularity, everyone is curious about his salary in the IPL. As per reports, Kohli is drawing a pay of Rs 21 crore in the 18th season of the IPL, a 40 percent hike compared to the previous year.
Figures from online tax and business advisory firm Taxology India indicate that Kohli’s IPL salary was only Rs 12 lakh from 2008 to 2010. However, it shot up to Rs 21 crore in 2025 as a result of his remarkable performances and increasing popularity.
Post-2010, his earnings witnessed a massive growth, reaching Rs 8.28 crore from 2011-2013. From 2014 to 2017, Kohli received Rs 12.5 crore, and between 2018 and 2021, his earnings went up to Rs 17 crore. However, in the 2022-2024 seasons, his earnings dipped to Rs 15 crore, before it rebounded by 40 percent to Rs 21 crore in 2025, according to Taxology India data.
Together, Kohli has made Rs 179.70 crore through IPL salaries from his debut year in 2008.
Kohli is the best-paid RCB player with his Rs 21 crore salary. He is trailed by Josh Hazlewood, who receives Rs 12.50 crore, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who receives Rs 10.75 crore. The lowest-paid players at RCB receive Rs 30 lakh each, with four players – Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh, and Mohit Rathee—coming under this group.
How Much Tax Will Virat Kohli Pay On His IPL Salary?
As for Kohli’s tax liability on his IPL salary of Rs 21 crore for the 2025 season, it is estimated based on his contract status. Since Kohli is not an employee of RCB but rather receives a fee through an IPL contract, this income is classified under “income from business or profession” according to Section 28 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Tax Liability for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), Virat Kohli comes under the highest tax slab as a resident individual with income over Rs 5 crore. His tax burden would be as follows, if he opts for the new tax regime, more beneficial for high-income individuals:
| Income Slab | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Rs 0 – ₹3,00,000 | Nil |
| Rs 3,00,001 – ₹6,00,000 | 5% |
| Rs 6,00,001 – ₹9,00,000 | 10% |
| Rs 9,00,001 – ₹12,00,000 | 15% |
| Rs 12,00,001 – ₹15,00,000 | 20% |
| Above Rs 15,00,000 | 30% |
Since Virat Kohli’s IPL earnings exceed Rs 15 crore, he will be taxed at 30% on the entire amount.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Basic Tax Calculation | Rs 21 crore @ 30% = Rs 6.3 crore |
| Step 2: Surcharge (25% for income above Rs 5 crore) | Rs 6.3 crore × 25% = Rs 1.575 crore |
| Step 3: Health & Education Cess (4% on tax + surcharge) | (Rs 6.3 crore + Rs 1.575 crore) × 4% = Rs 0.315 crore |
| Final Tax Liability | |
| – Income Tax | Rs 6.3 crore |
| – Surcharge (25%) | Rs 1.575 crore |
| – Cess (4%) | Rs 0.315 crore |
| Total Tax Payable | Rs 8.19 crore |
| Net Take-Home Income After Tax | |
| – IPL Salary | Rs 21 crore |
| – Tax Payable | Rs 8.19 crore |
| – After-Tax Income | Rs 12.81 crore |
Deductions
If Kohli pays business expenses (e.g., agent commissions, fitness charges, and brand management), he can claim deduction under Section 37(1) before arriving at his taxable income. All other incomes from sources like endorsements and investments will be taxed apart.
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