Rohit & Kohli Could Lose Millions!

Despite continuing to perform at the very highest level, Indian cricket veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may see their salaries reduced for the 2024–25 season. As per the latest ICC ODI batsmen rankings, Rohit Sharma tops the charts while Virat Kohli is in second place. Both players, 38 and 37 years old respectively, keep proving their fitness and form, dismissing critics who had questioned their capacity to remain at the top of the game.

However, the reality off the pitch is different. Both Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from Test cricket and retired from T20 internationals after India’s T20 World Cup triumph. With the pair now featuring solely in ODIs, their BCCI A+ contracts—which also include players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja—are likely to be downgraded to A. This would result in a salary reduction of 2 crore INR, reducing their annual earnings from 7 crore INR to 5 crore INR.

The BCCI’s 31st Annual General Meeting, scheduled virtually for 22 December, will determine the future of these contracts. In addition, board officials are expected to review umpire and match referee salaries and discuss upgrades to the organisation’s digital platforms.

The transition reflects the changing dynamics within Indian cricket. Shubman Gill, now the national captain in ODIs and Tests, is set to enter the A+ category, replacing the older generation. Bumrah and Jadeja are expected to maintain their positions, while Gill’s promotion marks a key milestone in India’s ongoing cricketing evolution.

Even with potential pay cuts, Kohli and Rohit’s influence on the team remains substantial. Both continue to serve as mentors, guiding younger teammates and providing crucial contributions during matches. Their presence ensures stability and experience in a side increasingly dominated by emerging talents.