Rishabh Pant made history at the IPL 2025 mega auction, becoming the costliest player ever in Indian Premier League history when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for a record ₹27 crore. This monumental bid has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked curiosity about Pant’s salary breakdown and what would happen if he suffers an injury during the season. Here’s everything you need to know about Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 contract, his net earnings, and injury clauses.
Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 Crore Contract with Lucknow Super Giants
Pant’s record-breaking price of ₹27 crore was one of the most talked-about events at the IPL 2025 auction held in Saudi Arabia. Starting with a base price of ₹2 crore, the bidding war quickly escalated as multiple teams, including Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, vied for the star wicketkeeper-batter. After an intense back-and-forth, LSG secured Pant’s services for ₹20.75 crore. However, Delhi Capitals exercised their right-to-match (RTM) card to bring Pant back into their fold. Yet, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka raised the bid to ₹27 crore, and DC chose not to match the new offer, resulting in Pant joining the Lucknow franchise for the 2025 season.
While Pant is expected to play a key role for LSG, potentially even as their captain, the terms of his contract and his salary have raised many questions, particularly regarding how much he will actually take home after taxes and what happens if he sustains an injury.
Rishabh Pant’s Net Salary Breakdown
A question on many fans’ minds is how much Pant will actually earn after taxes. The IPL 2025 contracts are valid for three years, which means players will receive their contracted amount spread over this period. For Pant, this means a payment structure based on his ₹27 crore bid.
Tax Deductions: In India, cricketers’ earnings are subject to income tax, which is deducted at source. The tax rate for IPL players is approximately 30% on their earnings. In Pant’s case, ₹8.1 crore will be deducted as tax from his ₹27 crore contract.
- Gross Salary: ₹27 crore
- Tax Deducted: ₹8.1 crore (30%)
- Net Salary: ₹18.9 crore over three years, which averages ₹6.3 crore per year.
Thus, Pant will take home ₹6.3 crore annually, after the necessary tax deductions. The remaining amount will be paid out in installments as per the IPL’s payment structure.
Will Rishabh Pant Still Get Paid if Injured?
Injury clauses are a critical part of every IPL player’s contract. So, what happens if Rishabh Pant is injured during the 2025 season? Will he still receive his ₹27 crore contract money?
Injury During IPL 2025: Yes, Pant will still be entitled to his full salary even if he gets injured during the season, provided he has already been selected in the playing XI or the matchday squad. The franchise is legally obligated to pay him the full amount if he sustains an injury during the tournament. However, if Pant is unable to play a single match in the season, LSG has the right to replace him with another player.
Pre-Tournament Injury: If Pant sustains an injury before the IPL 2025 season starts but while on national duty, he will still be entitled to his full salary, thanks to the BCCI’s insurance policy. This policy ensures that Indian players are compensated fully even if they are unable to participate due to injuries sustained during international duty or practice. However, this does not apply to overseas players, who are not eligible for full compensation in case of a pre-tournament injury.
Mid-Tournament Injury: In case Pant suffers an injury mid-tournament, he will receive his full salary as per the IPL’s standard contract terms, provided he remains part of the squad. This ensures that players are financially protected in case of injuries during the season.
IPL Players’ Salary Rights and Bench Warmers
It’s also important to note that players who may not feature in the playing XI, either due to team composition or other reasons, are still entitled to their full salary. Whether an Indian or foreign player, even if they don’t play a single game during the season, they will receive the entire contracted amount.
What Happens if a Player Opts Out of IPL?
Players who opt out of the IPL for personal reasons will receive payment based on the number of matches they play. If they withdraw before the tournament begins, they generally forfeit their salary. But if they are injured or drop out after the tournament has started, the full salary is provided based on the matches played.
Will Lucknow Super Giants Regret Signing Rishabh Pant?
At ₹27 crore, Pant’s hefty price tag makes him the IPL 2025’s most expensive player. But with such a significant investment, will Lucknow Super Giants regret their decision if Pant is unable to deliver? While Pant’s talent is undeniable, his injury history might make some question whether LSG’s investment is wise. However, given Pant’s leadership potential and match-winning abilities, LSG’s decision to bid aggressively for him might prove to be a smart move.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore contract with Lucknow Super Giants is a huge milestone in IPL history. While the 2025 season promises to be a defining moment in his career, Pant’s salary and injury clauses ensure that he is financially secure, regardless of what happens on the field. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in the coming years under the LSG banner.
