Post Updated: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Krunal Pandya remains one of the most reliable all-rounders in the Indian Premier League. As of the 2026 season, the left-handed batter and slow left-arm spinner plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru on a salary of ₹5.75 crore. That figure has stayed consistent since RCB acquired him in the 2025 mega auction and then retained him for the following year.
His journey through the IPL money ranks reflects both peak demand and the natural adjustments that come with age and role changes. Here’s a clear look at where his salary stands today and how it has evolved.
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Current IPL Salary with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the 2025 mega auction, Krunal set a base price of ₹2 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured him for ₹5.75 crore after competition from Rajasthan Royals. RCB later retained him at the same price for the 2026 season.
This represents a drop of ₹2.5 crore from his previous deal with Lucknow Super Giants. At 35, the reduction is realistic, yet the amount still places him among the well-paid domestic all-rounders. In return, he delivered immediately: 17 wickets in 2025 and a Player of the Match performance in the final that helped RCB claim their first IPL title.
Season-by-Season Salary History
Krunal’s IPL earnings show a clear pattern of early growth followed by stability and a modest correction:
- 2016–2017 (Mumbai Indians): ₹2 crore each season
- 2018–2021 (Mumbai Indians): ₹8.8 crore (retained across four seasons)
- 2022–2024 (Lucknow Super Giants): ₹8.25 crore
- 2025–2026 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): ₹5.75 crore
Across more than a decade he has earned roughly ₹75 crore from IPL contracts alone. That total does not include match fees, performance bonuses, or brand endorsements.
Why the Salary Shifted to ₹5.75 Crore
Several factors explain the move from ₹8.25 crore to ₹5.75 crore. Franchises now prioritise younger, high-ceiling all-rounders in the mega-auction cycle. Krunal’s value lies more in experience, death-over bowling variations, and middle-order finishing than in explosive upside.
Yet RCB saw clear utility. His ability to control the middle overs with the ball and contribute useful runs under pressure made him a sensible buy at that price. In the 2026 season he has already contributed 226 runs and 14 wickets in 16 matches, showing the investment continues to deliver.
Key Facts at a Glance
Detail Information Current Team Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 & 2026 Salary ₹5.75 crore Previous Team (2022–24) Lucknow Super Giants (₹8.25 crore) Peak Salary ₹8.8 crore (MI, 2018–21) Career IPL Earnings (approx.) ₹75 crore IPL Matches (career) 158 Career Runs / Wickets 1,982 / 107 Notable Achievement Player of the Match in 2025 IPL Final
Conclusion
Krunal Pandya’s current IPL salary of ₹5.75 crore with Royal Challengers Bengaluru reflects a smart balance between experience and market realities. After winning titles with Mumbai Indians and playing a decisive role in RCB’s first championship, he continues to prove his worth on the field. While the absolute number is lower than his peak years, the contract remains substantial and performance-linked value is evident in his 2026 contributions.
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