Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has recently been at the center of controversy due to rumors surrounding his divorce to choreographer Dhanashree Verma. Speculation about their potential divorce intensified when both unfollowed each other on social media, and Chahal deleted all photos of Dhanashree from his Instagram account. Amidst this turmoil, he shared a cryptic message hinting at personal struggles, stating, “Hard work spotlights the character of people. You know your journey. You know your pain.”
Despite these challenges, Chahal’s financial trajectory in the IPL is remarkable. Chahal’s journey from INR 10 lakh to INR 18 crore epitomizes his growth and impact in the IPL, underscoring his crucial role as a reliable wicket-taker while he navigates personal challenges off the field.
Yuzvendra Chahal: From humble beginnings to stardom
Chahal made his IPL debut in 2011 with the Mumbai Indians, but it was during his tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2014 to 2017 that he began to make a name for himself. His initial salary of INR 10 lakh reflected his status as an emerging talent. However, as he developed into a match-winner, his value skyrocketed.
In 2018, after showcasing consistent performances, Chahal’s salary jumped to INR 6 crore, a figure that remained unchanged through 2021. This period marked a significant phase in his career as he became one of RCB’s key players, contributing crucial wickets and often turning matches in their favour.
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A new chapter with Rajasthan Royals
In 2022, Chahal transitioned to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he continued to excel. His salary increased slightly to INR 6.50 crore, reflecting his growing reputation as one of the league’s premier spinners. His performances during this period were instrumental in RR’s success, further solidifying his place in the team.
The consistency of Chahal’s performances earned him retention at the same salary for both 2023 and 2024 seasons. He became a fan favorite at RR, known not just for his bowling prowess but also for his engaging personality on social media.
The record-breaking auction
The IPL auction in late 2024 brought about a seismic shift in Chahal’s career. At the mega auction for IPL 2025, he was signed by Punjab Kings for an astonishing INR 18 crore, making him the most expensive spinner in IPL history. This monumental leap from INR 6.50 crore to INR 18 crore underscores not only his value as a player but also the increasing financial stakes within the league.
Year | Team | Salary |
2011 | Mumbai Indians | INR 10 lakh |
2014 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 10 lakh |
2015 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 10 lakh |
2016 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 10 lakh |
2017 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 10 lakh |
2018 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 6 crore |
2019 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 6 crore |
2020 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 6 crore |
2021 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | INR 6 crore |
2022 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 6.50 crore |
2023 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 6.50 crore |
2024 | Rajasthan Royals | INR 6.50 crore |
2025 | Punjab Kings | INR 18 crore |
Chahal’s net worth and future prospects
With earnings from IPL alone exceeding INR 68 crore throughout his career, Chahal’s net worth is reflective of both his on-field success and off-field endorsements. As he embarks on this new chapter with Punjab Kings, fans are eager to see how he will adapt and perform under new pressures.
Chahal’s journey from a relatively unknown player to one of the highest-paid cricketers in the IPL is not just a testament to his skills but also highlights the evolving landscape of cricket where performance directly translates into financial rewards.
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