The IPL 2026 retention window produced some massive salary figures, with franchises spending heavily to keep their biggest stars. The official retention process closed on November 15, 2025, with all 10 franchises retaining a combined 173 players ahead of the auction, including several stars featured among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
List of Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026
| Rank | Player | Team | Retained Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27 Cr |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 Cr |
| 3 | Heinrich Klaasen | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹23 Cr |
| 4 | Nicholas Pooran | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹21 Cr |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹21 Cr |
| 6 | Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians | ₹18 Cr |
| 7 | Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | ₹18 Cr |
| 8 | Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹18 Cr |
| 9 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Chennai Super Kings | ₹18 Cr |
| 10 | Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | ₹18 Cr |
1. Rishabh Pant
Lucknow Super Giants retained Rishabh Pant for a massive ₹27 crore, making him the highest-paid player among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
The wicketkeeper-batter remains one of the most valuable Indian players in T20 cricket. His explosive batting, wicketkeeping skills and leadership make him a central figure in LSG’s plans. The official IPL retention list confirms Pant among LSG’s 19 retained players.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Highest Revenue by IPL Franchises In 2026
2. Shreyas Iyer
Punjab Kings retained captain Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, placing him second on the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026 list.
Iyer’s value comes from his ability to anchor the middle order while also providing leadership. His retention price makes him one of the most expensive Indian players in IPL history. PBKS also retained Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal at ₹18 crore each.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen is the highest-paid overseas player on the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026 list, with Sunrisers Hyderabad retaining him for ₹23 crore.
Klaasen has become one of the most destructive middle-order batters in T20 cricket. His ability to attack both spin and pace makes him a crucial part of SRH’s batting unit.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Finishers in the IPL 2026
4. Nicholas Pooran
Lucknow Super Giants retained West Indies star Nicholas Pooran for ₹21 crore, placing him among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
Pooran’s aggressive approach and finishing ability have made him one of the most dangerous left-handed batters in T20 cricket. Together, Pant and Pooran represent a huge ₹48 crore investment in LSG’s retained core.
5. Virat Kohli
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained their iconic batter Virat Kohli for ₹21 crore, placing him among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
Kohli remains one of the IPL’s biggest stars and continues to be a key part of RCB’s batting lineup. His consistency, experience and leadership presence make him one of the league’s most valuable retained players.
6. Jasprit Bumrah
Mumbai Indians retained India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for ₹18 crore, securing his place among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
Bumrah’s ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay, middle overs and at the death makes him one of the most valuable fast bowlers in T20 cricket. Mumbai’s retention list confirms his ₹18-crore salary.
7. Rashid Khan
Gujarat Titans retained Afghanistan’s superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan for ₹18 crore, securing his place among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
Rashid brings world-class spin, lower-order hitting and extensive T20 experience to the Gujarat Titans. His retention at ₹18 crore shows his importance to the franchise’s long-term plans.
8. Pat Cummins
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Australian captain Pat Cummins for ₹18 crore, placing him among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
Cummins provides SRH with leadership, pace bowling and useful lower-order batting. His retention alongside Klaasen gives Hyderabad two players in the highest-paid group.
9. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings retained Ruturaj Gaikwad for ₹18 crore, securing his place among the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026.
The right-handed opener has become one of CSK’s most important batters and a key part of the franchise’s future. The official retention list confirms Gaikwad among CSK’s retained players.
10. Arshdeep Singh
Punjab Kings retained left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore, completing the Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026 salary positions.
Arshdeep has developed into one of India’s leading T20 fast bowlers, particularly because of his effectiveness with the new ball and at the death. PBKS also retained Yuzvendra Chahal for the same ₹18-crore figure.
Yuzvendra Chahal Also Earns ₹18 Crore
Although Arshdeep Singh occupies the 10th spot in the table, Yuzvendra Chahal is also retained for ₹18 crore by Punjab Kings.
Because six players are tied at ₹18 crore, a strict ranking technically extends beyond 10 players. Those six are Jasprit Bumrah, Rashid Khan, Pat Cummins, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Highest Paid Retained Players of IPL 2026 are led by Rishabh Pant, who commands a remarkable ₹27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants. Shreyas Iyer follows at ₹26.75 crore, while Heinrich Klaasen completes the top three at ₹23 crore.
The list also highlights the growing financial value of Indian stars, with several of the country’s leading players receiving ₹18 crore or more. At the same time, overseas stars such as Klaasen, Pooran, Rashid Khan and Pat Cummins continue to command huge salaries.
With six players tied at ₹18 crore, the IPL 2026 retention list demonstrates just how competitive the market for elite T20 talent has become.
SEE MORE:
FAQs
1. Who is the highest-paid retained player in IPL 2026?
Rishabh Pant is the highest-paid retained player of IPL 2026, with a salary of ₹27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants.
2. Who is the second-highest-paid retained player in IPL 2026?
Shreyas Iyer is second at ₹26.75 crore, retained by Punjab Kings.
3. How many players were retained for IPL 2026?
A total of 173 players, including 49 overseas players, were retained by the 10 franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
