MS Dhoni IPL Price – Base Prices, History, Current Salary – durhamccc.co.uk

MS Dhoni has been part of the IPL since Day 1. From the very first season in 2008 to the ongoing IPL 2025, he has remained one of the most talked-about names whenever contracts and auctions come up. 
His salary history tells a fascinating story of how his value has grown over the years and what it looks like now.
Over 17 IPL seasons (2008 to 2025), Dhoni has earned an estimated ₹188.84 crore from the IPL alone. That works out to an average of around ₹11.11 crore per season. These numbers place him among the highest-paid players in the league’s history.
Here is a season-by-season breakdown:
When the IPL launched in 2008, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) picked up Dhoni at ₹6 crore per season. That was a big number for a brand-new league, and CSK held onto him at the same price through 2010. At the time, he was already India’s ODI and T20I captain. The franchise clearly knew what they had.
CSK bumped his contract to ₹8.28 crore in 2011, reflecting his growing stature after India’s 2011 World Cup win. He stayed at that figure through 2013.
Then came a bigger jump. In 2014 and 2015, his salary rose to ₹12.5 crore per season. By this point, CSK had already won multiple IPL titles under his captaincy. His value on the field and as a brand was clear.
The BCCI suspended CSK for two seasons following the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. Dhoni moved to Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG) for both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. His salary stayed at ₹12.5 crore during this period.
His stint with RPSG was decent but not without challenges. He was even removed as captain midway through the 2017 season, with Steve Smith taking over. Still, his price tag did not take a hit.
When CSK returned to the IPL in 2018, they re-signed Dhoni for ₹15 crore per season. That was his highest salary to date and reflected just how central he was to the franchise. He stayed at ₹15 crore through the 2021 season.
The 2019 and 2020 seasons were mixed for CSK, but the team’s identity remained tied to Dhoni. In 2021, CSK finished as runners-up, just missing the title.
The 2022 IPL mega auction saw a complete reshuffle across all franchises. CSK retained Dhoni at ₹12 crore per season. He led the team in 2022 but handed captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad mid-tournament.
In 2023, CSK won their fifth IPL title, with Dhoni playing a crucial finishing role despite stepping back from full captaincy duties. His salary stayed at ₹12 crore through the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK retained Dhoni under the uncapped player rule at ₹4 crore. This was a significant shift in number, but it was a strategic move. Since Dhoni had not played international cricket since 2020, the rules allowed CSK to retain him at a lower base price.
The ₹4 crore figure does not reflect his market value or his contribution to the franchise. It was a practical retention decision that benefited both sides.
As per the official IPL website, Dhoni is described as a wicketkeeper-batter and remains a “pillar of strength” for CSK, crucial both as a mentor and a finisher.
Dhoni’s IPL earnings are only one part of the picture. During his international career with India from 2004 to 2020, he also received a BCCI annual retainer of ₹5 crore under the Grade A contract, as well as match fees for every game he played. His estimated total earnings from the BCCI over 16 years crossed ₹50 crore.
He also endorses around 50 brands across his career, with deals fetching him between ₹3.5 crore and ₹6 crore per endorsement annually. His net worth today stands at over ₹1,000 crore, built through cricket, brand deals, sports team ownership, and other business ventures.
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Dhoni’s IPL salary went from ₹6 crore in 2008 to a peak of ₹15 crore between 2018 and 2021. His current salary of ₹4 crore in 2025 is technically his lowest since his debut, but the context matters. 
He was retained under a specific rule designed for uncapped players. No other active IPL player has played 278 matches in the league. Very few have won five titles as the captain of a single team.
The money has always followed the impact. And with CSK eyeing a record sixth title, Dhoni’s value to the franchise clearly goes beyond any salary figure.
Hey, I am a cricket writer based in London with over 7 years of experience covering everything from county championships to international showdowns. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, highlighting England’s rising stars and memorable match moments. At DurhamCricket, I deliver weekly coverage that’s honest, insightful, and easy to follow—perfect for fans who live and breathe the game.
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