Krunal Pandya is a player who has a lot of fans. He is famous for his left-handed batting and slow left-arm bowling. You might be wondering how much salary he received in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Over the years, he has played for teams like Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and now Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Krunal Pandya IPL 2026 Salary
In IPL 2026, Krunal Pandya is playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Salary (2026): ₹5.75 crore
- Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Role: All-rounder
He was retained by RCB at the same price as the previous season.
Why His Salary is ₹5.75 Crore
Krunal Pandya’s salary is lower compared to top stars, but still important. Here are the main reasons:
1. All-Rounder Value
Krunal can both bat and bowl. This makes him useful in different match situations.
2. Experience
He has been playing IPL since 2016 and has played more than 100 matches.
3. Team Balance
Teams need players like Krunal who can support both batting and bowling units.
4. Recent Performance
His salary dropped slightly from earlier years because of average performances in recent seasons.
IPL Salary Comparison (2026)
In IPL 2026, many players are earning huge salaries. Compared to them, Krunal’s salary is mid-range.
Top players salary:
- Rishabh Pant – ₹27 crore
- Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore
- Virat Kohli – ₹21 crore
Krunal Pandya:
- ₹5.75 crore
This shows he is not among the highest-paid players but still a valuable squad member.
Salary Growth Over the Years
Krunal Pandya’s IPL salary has changed a lot over time.
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–2017 | Mumbai Indians | ₹2 crore |
| 2018–2021 | Mumbai Indians | ₹8.80 crore |
| 2022–2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹8.25 crore |
| 2025–2026 | RCB | ₹5.75 crore |
His salary decreased after 2024, showing how performance affects player value.
Total IPL Earnings
Till IPL 2026, Krunal Pandya has earned around:
- ₹75+ crore total IPL income
This is a big amount and shows his long career in IPL.
Role in RCB (2026)
In IPL 2026, Krunal Pandya plays an important supporting role in the RCB team.
His responsibilities include:
- Finishing innings with quick runs
- Bowling in middle overs
- Taking important wickets
- Supporting captain with experience
Even though he is not a superstar player, his role is very important for team balance.
Performance Impact
Krunal Pandya is known for:
- Quick 20–30 run contributions
- Economical bowling
- Match-winning spells in pressure situations
- Strong fielding
He has also won important matches for his team in previous IPL seasons.
Interesting Facts
- He was part of Mumbai Indians when they won multiple IPL titles
- He has played for three IPL teams
- He once won “Player of the Match” in an IPL final
- He is the brother of Hardik Pandya
Conclusion
You might think that the 2026 IPL salary of ₹5.75 crore might not be very high, but it reflects his role as a reliable all-rounder. He brings balance, experience and flexibility to the team.
You might think of a talented all-rounder like Krunal Pandya, who can perform in multiple roles, as a cheap player, but the team needs him.