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MS Dhoni Salary 2025 | IPL Earnings, Net Worth, Endorsements & More

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, aka Captain Cool, Thala, is the man who made finishing matches an art form. His rich career spans from leading India to historic victories to becoming synonymous with the IPL franchise team Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But do you know how much this legendary cricketer has earned over the years?

Well, we certainly have! MS Dhoni’s salary and net worth have been a hot topic for discussion amongst fans and the cricket community. This isn’t limited to his IPL salary but also his earnings from years with the BCCI and many lucrative brand endorsements. 

It is safe to say that even after retiring from international cricket, Mahi’s financial innings are far from over. Dhoni remains one of the highest-earning athletes in India. In this article, we provide all the information about MS Dhoni’s salary/earnings. From his IPL contracts and BCCI earnings to the staggering figures he commands through sponsorships, businesses, and other ventures, we’ve laid it all out.

MS Dhoni's IPL Salary (From 2008 to 2025)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. His association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has not only been marked by remarkable leadership and on-field success but also by consistent and substantial financial growth.

Here's a detailed breakdown of his IPL salary progression:​

Year

Team

Salary (INR)

2008









Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

6 Crore

2009

6 Crore

2010

6 Crore

2011

8.28 Crore

2012

8.28 Crore

2013

8.28 Crore

2014

12.5 Crore

2015

12.5 Crore

2016

Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG)

12.5 Crore

2017

12.5 Crore

2018

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

15 Crore

2019

15 Crore

2020

15 Crore

2021

15 Crore

2022

12 Crore

2023

12 Crore

2024

12 Crore

2025

4 Crore

In the 2023 season, Dhoni led CSK to their fifth IPL title, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful captains in the league's history. By the end of the 2024 season, Dhoni's cumulative earnings from the IPL are estimated to be approximately INR 188.84 Crore, averaging around INR 11.11 Crore per season. At 42, Dhoni remains a pivotal figure for CSK, both as a leader and a player.

MS Dhoni's BCCI Salary & Retierment

MS Dhoni’s international career (2004–2020) earned him significant sums from the BCCI through central contracts and match fees. Upon his debut, Dhoni's remuneration was primarily match-fee-based. The standard BCCI match-based salary is:

Test Match

ODI

T20I

₹15 Lakh

₹6 Lakh

₹3 Lakh

With boundless talent, the cricketer soon garnered attention for his performances and was inducted into the BCCI's central contract system

During his peak years, Thala was in the Grade A category, which means his annual salary was ₹5 Crore (this is a retainer amount that excludes the per-match fees)

Dhoni’s Retirement

After years of exemplary performance, the cricketer retired from Test cricket in 2014 and stepped away from all international formats in 2020.

  • After this point, he was no longer part of the BCCI's contract system. This means he did not receive the annual retainer or match fees post-retirement. 
  • However, his involvement in roles such as mentoring the Indian team during the T20 World Cup in 2021 may have included separate remuneration, though specific figures were not disclosed publicly.

MS Dhoni’s Total Earnings From BCCI

Over his 16-year career, Dhoni’s salary/earnings from BCCI, including contracts and match fees, are estimated to have exceeded ₹50 Crore, cementing his legacy as one of Indian cricket’s most valuable players.

MS Dhoni’s Net Worth | Fortune Beyond Cricket

MS Dhoni isn’t just a cricketing legend; he’s a financial powerhouse. His earnings from cricket, endorsements, and business ventures have propelled his net worth to over ₹1,000 Crore (approx. $120 million), making him one of India’s wealthiest athletes.

While his IPL contracts and BCCI salaries contributed significantly, a significant chunk of his fortune comes from brand endorsements, investments, and business ventures.

From being the face of global brands to owning sports teams, Dhoni’s financial innings continue to flourish even after his retirement. Read on to know how.

MS Dhoni’s Earnings From Brand Endorsements

MS Dhoni isn’t just a cricketing icon; he’s a marketing goldmine (thought every Indian marketeer ever). 

Over the years, brands have lined up to have Captain Cool as their ambassador, making him one of the highest-paid endorsers in India.

At his peak, Dhoni was second only to Virat Kohli in brand valuation. He has endorsed about 50 brands across his career, with deals reportedly fetching him between ₹3.5-6 Crore per endorsement annually. Some of the biggest brands he’s been associated with include:

  • Pepsi: One of Dhoni’s longest-running endorsements.
  • Reebok: His first-ever endorsement deal, signed in 2006.
  • TVS Motors, Gulf Oil, RedBus, Orient Electric: Long-term associations.
  • Dream11, Bharat Matrimony, Unacademy, Cars24: More recent brand partnerships.
  • Indian Army: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, reflecting his patriotic appeal.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni’s brand value remains strong. His selective approach of endorsing fewer but high-value brands has kept his demand soaring.

How MS Dhoni Earns From Business Ventures?

The wide array of business ventures that MS Dhoni has invested in shows immaculate planning, financial consciousness, and sharp business acumen. Over the years, he has invested in multiple ventures, from sports teams to lifestyle brands, ensuring his financial empire extends far beyond cricket.

Below is a table highlighting some of Dhoni’s key business ventures:

Category

Business/Venture

Details

Sports Team Ownership

Chennaiyin FC (Indian Super League)

Co-owner of the Chennai-based football club.

 

Ranchi Rays (Hockey India League)

Co-owned this hockey franchise.

 

Mahi Racing Team India (Supersport World Championship)

Co-owner of the superbike racing team.

Fitness & Lifestyle

Seven (7) Brand

Owner of the lifestyle and sportswear venture/brand.

 

SportsFit Gym Chain

Chain of fitness centers across India.

Agriculture & Organic Farming

Organic Farm in Ranchi

Owns a 43-acre farm producing organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Other Investments

Garuda Aerospace

Invested in an Indian drone startup.

MS Dhoni's Earnings From Social Media

While Dhoni is not as active on social media as some of his peers, his massive fan following makes his digital presence highly valuable. Here’s a breakdown of his estimated social media earnings:

Platform

Followers (Approx.)

Estimated Earnings Per Sponsored Post

Instagram (@mahi7781)

48 Million

₹1.5 Crore

Facebook

30 Million

₹88 Lakh - ₹1.2 Crore

Twitter (X)

10 Million

Not publicly disclosed

Despite fewer posts, Dhoni’s selective endorsements ensure that each campaign holds significant value. His influence remains strong, with brands willing to pay a premium for collaborations.

From his stellar cricketing career to his thriving business empire, MS Dhoni continues to score big—both on and off the field. His financial journey is a testament to his legacy as one of India's most successful athletes.

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Shivani Goyal
Manager, Content

An economics graduate with a passion for storytelling, I thrive on crafting content that blends creativity with technical insight. At Unstop, I create in-depth, SEO-driven content that simplifies complex tech topics and covers a wide array of subjects, all designed to inform, engage, and inspire our readers. My goal is to empower others to truly #BeUnstoppable through content that resonates. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me immersed in art, food, or lost in a good book—constantly drawing inspiration from the world around me.

Updated On: 21 Mar'25, 04:59 PM IST