Income Tax on Virat Kohli’s IPL Salary Explained

The name ‘Virat Kohli,’ A famous Indian cricketer is not just a name but an emotion for crores of his fans. His transformation from his early stage to now is inspiring, and his pay transformation is drastic. He is one of the highest-paid Indian athletes. He is also one of the most popular Indian athletes. Virat Kohli is the key player of Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is also one of the top performers in IPL. Considering his gameplay and fame, how much salary does he take home in IPL? and what would be the Income Tax on Virat Kohli’s IPL salary.

Virat Kohli’s income:

Reportedly, Virat Kohli got a 40 percent hike from the previous year’s pay. Now he is earning Rs. 21 crores for the IPL. Few reports suggest that Virat’s salary in IPL was just Rs 12 Lakh during his initial stages in the years 2008 to 2010. By the time of 2011-2013, his pay increased to Rs 8.28 crore considering his game and fame.

He has seen a significant rise in his pay from 2014 to 2017 with the IPL salary of Rs 12.5 crore. With time, his pay surged to Rs 17 crore in the period of 2018 to 2021. Later that, Virat took a leave from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic and his personal life commitments; the pay again went to Rs. 15 crore after he returned. Now his pay stands at Rs. 21 crore.

ALSO READ: April 2025 TDS Rules: Tax Limit extended to FD and Mutual Funds

Income Tax on Virat Kohli’s IPL Salary:

Since Virat Kohli is not an employee of RCB but is getting a fee from the IPL contract. This income is categorized as ‘income from business or profession.’ Under section 28 of the Income Tax Act 1961.

Virat Kohli comes under the highest income tax frame as an individual earning more than Rs. 5 crore. Considering the new tax regime, which is beneficial for high-income earners.

Income Slab (New Regime) Tax Rate:

₹0–₹3,000,000 Nil

₹3,00,001–₹6,00,000 5%

₹6,00,001–₹9,00,000 10%

₹9,00,001–₹12,00,000 15%

₹12,00,001–₹15,00,000 20%

Above ₹15,00,000 30%

Since his IPL earnings are much more, they are Rs 15 lakh, which is Rs 21 crore. He will have to pay 30% of his total income as the tax. So the tax payable is Rs 8.19 crore, and he earns Rs 12.81 crore after the tax.

ALSO READ: Another Milestone Loading For Virat Kohli in Champions Trophy