Let’s discuss the most valuable IPL cricketers—with a twist.

In the 17 years of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which batter has provided the best return on investment in terms of hitting sixes? The #1 batter on this list may surprise you!

Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Chris Gayle (357), Rohit Sharma (257), AB De Villiers (251), MS Dhoni (239), and Virat Kohli (234) have hit the most sixes in the IPL.
• Ambati Rayudu ($34,442), Chris Gayle ($37,808), Jos Buttler ($43,812), and Andre Russell ($45,430) have the best ratios of dollar per six in IPL history, while Rohit Sharma ($116,381), MS Dhoni ($119,280), and Virat Kohli ($120,470) have been the most expensive buys per six in this list.
• Andre Russell is just a beast in the frequency of sixes he hits. He takes approximately 6.74 balls per six, that is almost one per over! Russell is comfortably ahead of the other two West Indians on this list—Chris Gayle (9.34), Kieron Pollard (10.39) who are then followed by AB de Villiers (13.56), Yusuf Pathan (14.18), Jos Buttler (14.58), and Shane Watson (14.78).
• Chris Gayle (2.53), KL Rahul (1.54), and AB De Villiers (1.48) have the best ratio for the most sixes per innings.

Most Sixes in IPL Career

To begin our analysis, here is the list of players with the most number of sixes hit in the IPL.

Player	Innings	Sixes
Chris Gayle	142	357
Rohit Sharma	143	257
AB de Villiers	170	251
MS Dhoni	218	239
Virat Kohli	229	234
David Warner	176	226
Kieron Pollard	171	223
Suresh Raina	200	203
Andre Russell	96	193
Shane Watson	141	190
Sanju Samson	148	182
Robin Uthappa	197	182
Ambati Rayudu	187	173
KL Rahul	109	168
Glenn Maxwell	120	158
Yusuf Pathan	154	158
Jos Buttler	95	149
Yuvraj Singh	126	149
Shikhar Dhawan	218	148

Honorable Mentions: Faf du Plessis – 145, Dinesh Karthik – 139, Nitish Rana – 131, and Brendon McCullum – 130 miss out).

Top 19 Most Valuable Six Hitters in the Indian Premier League (IPL)

*Note: We have limited our analysis to the top 19 six hitters in the IPL (cutoff of 148 sixes).

Also note that before 2014, IPL auctions were held in US dollars. The auctions have been held in INR (Indian Rupees) ever since. For comparison, we have kept everything in $USD. The conversion we used is based on the $US dollar-INR conversation rate on that year (2008-2023) as shown in the table here.

Here is a quick preview of the Top 10 most valuable cricketers by the number of sixes hit versus the salary amount they were purchased at.

Let’s dive in!

1. Ambati Rayudu – 173 Sixes ($34,422 Per Six)

Since it took about $5,955,000 for his 173 sixes, Ambati Rayudu cost his franchises about $34,422 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: MI, CSK
• Matches/Innings: 204/187
• Runs (Balls): 4348 (3409)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 127.54 (173/359)

Average IPL Salary: $425,357 ($5,955,000 over 14 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 19.71 (3409/173)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 0.93 (173/187)

Ambati Rayudu’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2010	MI	$25,000	13
IPL 2011	MI	$66,000	9
IPL 2012	MI	$66,000	14
IPL 2013	MI	$66,000	4
IPL 2014	MI	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	8
IPL 2015	MI	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	16
IPL 2016	MI	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	12
IPL 2017	MI	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	3
IPL 2018	CSK	$346,000 (INR 2.2 Crore)	34
IPL 2019	CSK	$346,000 (INR 2.2 Crore)	7
IPL 2020	CSK	$346,000 (INR 2.2 Crore)	12
IPL 2021	CSK	$346,000 (INR 2.2 Crore)	17
IPL 2022	CSK	$892,000 (INR 6.75 Crore)	15
IPL 2023	CSK	$892,000 (INR 6.75 Crore)	9

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2. Chris Gayle – 357 Sixes ($37,808 Per Six)

Since it took $13,497,500 for his 357 sixes, Chris Gayle cost his franchises about $37,808 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: KKR, RCB, PBKS
• Matches/Innings: 142/141
• Runs (Balls): 4965 (3333)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 148.96 (357/404)

Chris Gayle’s Average IPL Salary: $1.038 Million ($13,497,500 over 13 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 9.34 (3333/357)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 2.53 (357/141)

Chris Gayle’s IPL Salary Over the Years

*Note: Chris Gayle withdrew from IPL 2008

Year	Team	Salary	Number of Sixes
IPL 2009	KKR	$800,000	10
IPL 2010	KKR	$800,000	16
IPL 2011	RCB	$650,000	44 (Replacement)
IPL 2012	RCB	$2,000,000	59 (Retained)
IPL 2013	RCB	$2,000,000	51
IPL 2014	RCB	$1,521,000 (INR 9.5 Crore)	12 (Retained)
IPL 2015	RCB	$1,521,000 (INR 9.5 Crore)	38
IPL 2016	RCB	$1,521,000 (INR 9.5 Crore)	21
IPL 2017	RCB	$1,521,000 (INR 9.5 Crore)	14
IPL 2018	PBKS	$314,500 (INR 2 Crore)	27
IPL 2019	PBKS	$283,000 (INR 2 Crore)	34
IPL 2020	PBKS	$283,000 (INR 2 Crore)	23
IPL 2021	PBKS	$283,000 (INR 2 Crore)	8

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3. Jos Buttler – 149 Sixes ($43,812 Per Six)

Since it took about $6,528,000 for his 149 sixes, Jos Buttler cost his franchises about $43,812 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: MI, RR
• Matches/Innings: 96/95
• Runs (Balls): 3223 (2173)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 148.32 (149/319)

Jos Buttler’s Average IPL Salary: $816,000 ($6,528,000 over 8 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 14.58 (2173/149)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.57 (149/95)

Jos Buttler’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2016	MI	$560,000 (INR 3.8 Crore)	11
IPL 2017	MI	$560,000 (INR 3.8 Crore)	15
IPL 2018	RR	$692,000 (INR 4.4 Crore)	21
IPL 2019	RR	$692,000 (INR 4.4 Crore)	14
IPL 2020	RR	$692,000 (INR 4.4 Crore)	16
IPL 2021	RR	$692,000 (INR 4.4 Crore)	13
IPL 2022	RR	$1.32 Million (INR 10 Crore)	45
IPL 2023	RR	$1.32 Million (INR 10 Crore)	14

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4. Andre Russell – 193 Sixes ($45,430 Per Six)

Since it took about $8,768,000 for his 193 sixes, Andre Russell cost his franchises about $45,430 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DD (Delhi Daredevils), KKR
• Matches/Innings: 112/96
• Runs (Balls): 2262 (1300)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 174.00 (193/150)

Andre Russell’s Average IPL Salary: $797,091 ($8,768,000 over 11 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 6.74 (1300/193)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 2.01 (193/96)

Andre Russell’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2012	DD	$450,000	3
IPL 2013	DD	$450,000	0
IPL 2014	KKR	$96,000 (INR 60 Lakh)	0
IPL 2015	KKR	$96,000 (INR 60 Lakh)	19
IPL 2016	KKR	$96,000 (INR 60 Lakh)	15
IPL 2017	KKR	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2018	KKR	$1.1 Million (INR 7 Crore)	31
IPL 2019	KKR	$1.1 Million (INR 7 Crore)	52
IPL 2020	KKR	$1.1 Million (INR 7 Crore)	9
IPL 2021	KKR	$1.1 Million (INR 7 Crore)	14
IPL 2022	KKR	$1.59 Million (INR 12 Crore)	32
IPL 2023	KKR	$1.59 Million (INR 12 Crore)	18

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5. David Warner – 226 Sixes ($55,690 Per Six)

Since it took about $12,586,000 for his 226 sixes, David Warner cost his franchises about $55,690 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DD (Delhi Daredevils), SRH, DC (Delhi Capitals)
• Matches/Innings: 176/176
• Runs (Balls): 6397 (4572)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 139.91 (226/646)

David Warner’s Average IPL Salary: $899,000 ($12,586,000 over 14 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 20.23 (4572/226)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.28 (226/176)

David Warner’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2009	DD	$30,000 (15 Lakh, Pre-Signing)	5
IPL 2010	DD	$30,000 (15 Lakh)	14
IPL 2011	DD	$750,000	11
IPL 2012	DD	$750,000	14
IPL 2013	DD	$750,000	14
IPL 2014	SRH	$881,000 (INR 5.5 Crore)	24
IPL 2015	SRH	$881,000 (INR 5.5 Crore)	21
IPL 2016	SRH	$881,000 (INR 5.5 Crore)	31
IPL 2017	SRH	$881,000 (INR 5.5 Crore)	26
IPL 2018	SRH	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2019	SRH	$1.7 Million (INR 12 Crore)	21
IPL 2020	SRH	$1.7 Million (INR 12 Crore)	14
IPL 2021	SRH	$1.7 Million (INR 12 Crore)	6
IPL 2022	DC	$826,000 (INR 6.25 Crore)	15
IPL 2023	DC	$826,000 (INR 6.25 Crore)	10

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6. Kieron Pollard – 223 Sixes ($55,780 Per Six)

Since it took about $12,439,000 for his 223 sixes, Kieron Pollard cost his franchises about $55,780 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: MI
• Matches/Innings: 189/171
• Runs (Balls): 3412 (2316)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 147.32 (223/218)

Kieron Pollard’s Average IPL Salary: $1.037 Million ($12,439,000 over 13 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 10.39 (2316/223)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.30 (223/171)

Kieron Pollard’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2010	MI	$750,000	17
IPL 2011	MI	$900,000 (Retained)	6
IPL 2012	MI	$900,000	14
IPL 2013	MI	$900,000	29
IPL 2014	MI	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	15
IPL 2015	MI	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	28
IPL 2016	MI	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2017	MI	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	22
IPL 2018	MI	$849,000 (INR 5.4 Crore)	7
IPL 2019	MI	$849,000 (INR 5.4 Crore)	22
IPL 2020	MI	$849,000 (INR 5.4 Crore)	22
IPL 2021	MI	$849,000 (INR 5.4 Crore)	16
IPL 2022	MI	$793,000 (INR 6 Crore)	9

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7. Sanju Samson – 182 Sixes ($62,121 Per Six)

Since it took about $11,306,000 for his 182 sixes, Sanju Samson cost his franchises about $62,121 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DC, RCB
• Matches/Innings: 152/148
• Runs (Balls): 3888 (2834)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 137.19 (182/304)

Average IPL Salary: $942,166 ($11,306,000 over 12 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 15.57 (2834/182)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.23 (182/148)

Sanju Samson’s IPL Salary Over the Years

*Note: Sanju Samson did not play a single game in IPL 2012 but was still in the squad.

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2012	KKR	$22,000 (Did not play)	–
IPL 2013	RR	$22,000	5
IPL 2014	RR	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	17
IPL 2015	RR	$641,000 (INR 4 Crore)	8
IPL 2016	DD	$620,000 (INR 4.2 Crore)	8
IPL 2017	DD	$620,000 (INR 4.2 Crore)	19
IPL 2018	RR	$1.26 Million (INR 8 Crore)	19
IPL 2019	RR	$1.26 Million (INR 8 Crore)	13
IPL 2020	RR	$1.26 Million (INR 8 Crore)	26
IPL 2021	RR	$1.26 Million (INR 8 Crore)	17
IPL 2022	RR	$1.85 Million (INR 14 Crore)	26
IPL 2023	RR	$1.85 Million (INR 14 Crore)	24

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8. Yusuf Pathan – 158 Sixes ($65,863 Per Six)

Since it took about $10,406,400 for his 251 sixes, Yusuf Pathan cost his franchises about $65,863 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: RR, KKR
• Matches/Innings: 174/154)
• Runs (Balls): 3204 (2241)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 142.97 (158/262)

Average IPL Salary: $867,200 ($10,406,400 over 12 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 14.18 (2241/158)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.03 (158/154)

Yusuf Pathan’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	RR	$475,000	25
IPL 2009	RR	$475,000	12
IPL 2010	RR	$475,000	24
IPL 2011	KKR	$2.1 Million	13
IPL 2012	KKR	$2.1 Million	7
IPL 2013	KKR	$2.1 Million	14
IPL 2014	KKR	$521,000 (INR 3.25 Crore)	20
IPL 2015	KKR	$521,000 (INR 3.25 Crore)	12
IPL 2016	KKR	$521,000 (INR 3.25 Crore)	13
IPL 2017	KKR	$521,000 (INR 3.25 Crore)	6
IPL 2018	SRH	$298,700 (INR 1.9 Crore)	11
IPL 2019	SRH	$298,700 (INR 1.9 Crore)	1

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9. AB De Villiers – 251 Sixes ($65,976 Per Six)

Since it took about $16,560,000 for his 251 sixes, AB De Villiers cost his franchises about $65,976 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DD (Delhi Daredevils), RCB
• Matches/Innings: 184/170
• Runs (Balls): 5162 (3403)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 151.68 (251/413)

AB De Villiers’ Average IPL Salary: $1.183 Million ($16,560,000 over 14 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 13.56 (3403/251)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.48 (251/170)

AB De Villiers’ IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	DD	$300,000	1
IPL 2009	DD	$300,000	12
IPL 2010	DD	$300,000	0
IPL 2011	RCB	$1.1 Million	14
IPL 2012	RCB	$1.1 Million	15
IPL 2013	RCB	$1.1 Million	15
IPL 2014	RCB	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	24
IPL 2015	RCB	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	22
IPL 2016	RCB	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	37
IPL 2017	RCB	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2018	RCB	$1.89 Million (INR 11 Crore)	30
IPL 2019	RCB	$1.89 Million (INR 11 Crore)	26
IPL 2020	RCB	$1.89 Million (INR 11 Crore)	23
IPL 2021	RCB	$1.89 Million (INR 11 Crore)	16

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10. Shane Watson – 190 Sixes ($67,563 Per Six)

Since it took about $12,837,000 for his 190 sixes, Shane Watson cost his franchises about $67,563 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: RR, RCB, CSK
• Matches/Innings: 145/141
• Runs (Balls): 3874 (2809)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 137.19 (182/304)

Shane Watson’s Average IPL Salary: $1.070 Million ($12,837,000 over 12 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 14.78 (2809/190)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.35 (190/141)

Shane Watson’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	RR	$125,000	19
IPL 2009	RR	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2010	RR	$125,000	9
IPL 2011	RR	$1.3 Million (Retained)	17
IPL 2012	RR	$1.3 Million (Retained)	14
IPL 2013	RR	$1.3 Million (Retained)	22
IPL 2014	RR	$2 Million (INR 1.25 Crore)	14
IPL 2015	RR	$2 Million (INR 1.25 Crore)	14
IPL 2016	RCB	$1.4 Million (INR 9.5 Crore)	12
IPL 2017	RCB	$1.4 Million (INR 9.5 Crore)	1
IPL 2018	CSK	$629,000 (INR 4 Crore)	35
IPL 2019	CSK	$629,000 (INR 4 Crore)	20
IPL 2020	CSK	$629,000 (INR 4 Crore)	13

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11. KL Rahul – 168 Sixes ($70,964 Per Six)

Since it took about $11,922,000 for his 168 sixes, KL Rahul cost his franchises about $70,964 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: RCB, KXIP, LSG
• Matches/Innings: 118/109
• Runs (Balls): 4163 (3097)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 134.42 (168/355)

Average IPL Salary: $1.192 Million ($11,922,000 over 10 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 18.43 (3097/168)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.54 (168/109)

KL Rahul’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2013	RCB	$22,000	0
IPL 2014	SRH	$160,000 (INR 1 Crore)	3
IPL 2015	SRH	$160,000 (INR 1 Crore)	5
IPL 2016	RCB	$160,000 (INR 1 Crore, Transferred)	16
IPL 2017	RCB	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2018	KXIP	$1.73 Million (INR 11 Crore)	32
IPL 2019	KXIP	$1.73 Million (INR 11 Crore)	25
IPL 2020	KXIP	$1.73 Million (INR 11 Crore)	23
IPL 2021	KXIP	$1.73 Million (INR 11 Crore)	30
IPL 2022	LSG	$2.25 Million (INR 17 Crore)	30
IPL 2023	LSG	$2.25 Million (INR 17 Crore)	4

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12. Suresh Raina – 203 Sixes ($78,138 Per Six)

Since it took about $15,862,000 for his 203 sixes, Suresh Raina cost his franchises about $78,138 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: CSK, GL (Gujarat Lions)
• Matches/Innings: 205/200
• Runs (Balls): 5528 (4043)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 136.73 (203/506)

Suresh Raina’s Average IPL Salary: $1.22 Million ($15,862,000 over 13 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 19.92 (4043/203)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.02 (203/200)

Suresh Raina’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	CSK	$650,000	18
IPL 2009	CSK	$650,000	21
IPL 2010	CSK	$650,000	22
IPL 2011	CSK	$1.3 Million (Retained)	17
IPL 2012	CSK	$1.3 Million (Retained)	19
IPL 2013	CSK	$1.3 Million (Retained)	18
IPL 2014	CSK	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	19
IPL 2015	CSK	$1.2 Million (INR 7.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2016	GL	$1.256 Million (INR 9.5 Crore)	10
IPL 2017	GL	$1.256 Million (INR 9.5 Crore)	13
IPL 2018	CSK	$1.7 Million (INR 11 Crore)	12
IPL 2019	CSK	$1.7 Million (INR 11 Crore)	9
IPL 2020	CSK	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2021	CSK	$1.7 Million (INR 11 Crore)	9

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13. Glenn Maxwell – 158 Sixes ($79,911 Per Six)

Since it took about $12,626,000 for his 158 sixes, Glenn Maxwell cost his franchises about $79,911 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DD (Delhi Daredevils), KXIP, RCB
• Matches/Innings: 124/120
• Runs (Balls): 2719 (1725)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 157.62 (158/226)

Average IPL Salary: $1.148 Million ($12,626,000 over 11 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 10.92 (1725/158)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.32 (158/120)

Glenn Maxwell’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2012	DD	$22,000	0
IPL 2013	MI	$1 Million	4
IPL 2014	KXIP	$961,000 (INR 6 Crore)	36
IPL 2015	KXIP	$961,000 (INR 6 Crore)	8
IPL 2016	KXIP	$961,000 (INR 6 Crore)	8
IPL 2017	KXIP	$961,000 (INR 6 Crore)	26
IPL 2018	KXIP	$1.4 Million (INR 9 Crore)	9
IPL 2019	KXIP	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2020	KXIP	$1.5 Million (INR 10.75 Crore)	0
IPL 2021	RCB	$1.96 Million (INR 14.25 Crore)	21
IPL 2022	RCB	$1.45 Million (INR 11 Crore)	15
IPL 2023	RCB	$1.45 Million (INR 11 Crore)	31

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14. Robin Uthappa – 182 Sixes ($82,478 Per Six)

Since it took about $15,011,000 for his 182 sixes, Robin Uthappa cost his franchises about $82,478 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: MI, RCB, RR, PWI, KKR, CSK
• Matches/Innings: 205/197
• Runs (Balls): 4952 (3799)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 130.35 (182/481)

Average IPL Salary: $1 Million ($15,011,000 over 15 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 20.87 (3799/182)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 0.92 (182/197)

Robin Uthappa’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	MI	$800,000	9
IPL 2009	RCB	$800,000 (traded)	3
IPL 2010	RCB	$800,000	27
IPL 2011	PWI	$2.1 Million	10
IPL 2012	PWI	$2.1 Million	10
IPL 2013	PWI	$2.1 Million	12
IPL 2014	KKR	$801,000 (INR 5 Crore)	18
IPL 2015	KKR	$801,000 (INR 5 Crore)	7
IPL 2016	KKR	$801,000 (INR 5 Crore)	8
IPL 2017	KKR	$801,000 (INR 5 Crore)	21
IPL 2018	KKR	$1 Million (INR 6.4 Crore)	21
IPL 2019	KKR	$1 Million (INR 6.4 Crore)	10
IPL 2020	RR	$421,500 (INR 3 Crore)	7
IPL 2021	CSK	$421,500 (INR 3 Crore, Transferred)	5
IPL 2022	CSK	$264,000 (INR 2 Crore)	14

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15. Yuvraj Singh – 149 Sixes ($94,605)

Since it took about $14,096,100 for his 149 sixes, Yuvraj Singh cost his franchises about $95,605 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: KXIP, PWI
• Matches/Innings: 132/126
• Runs (Balls): 2750 (2120)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 129.71 (149/217)

Average IPL Salary: $1.281 Million ($14,096,100 over 11 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 14.23 (2120/149)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.18 (149/126)

Yuvraj Singh’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	KXIP	$1.06 Million	19
IPL 2009	KXIP	$1.06 Million	16
IPL 2010	KXIP	$1.06 Million	14
IPL 2011	PWI	$1.8 Million	18
IPL 2012	PWI	Withdrawn	–
IPL 2013	PWI	$1.8 Million	15
IPL 2014	RCB	$2.24 Million (INR 14 Crore)	28
IPL 2015	DD	$2.56 Million (INR 16 Crore)	10
IPL 2016	SRH	$1.03 Million (INR 7 Crore)	13
IPL 2017	SRH	$1.03 Million (INR 7 Crore)	8
IPL 2018	KXIP	$314,500 (INR 2 Crore)	2
IPL 2019	MI	$141,600 (INR 1 Crore)	6

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16. Shikhar Dhawan – 148 Sixes ($97,976 Per Six)

Since it took about $14,500,400 for his 148 sixes, Shikhar Dhawan cost his franchises about $97,976 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DD (Delhi Daredevils), MI, DC (Deccan Chargers), SRH, DC (Delhi Capitals), PBKS
• Matches/Innings: 217/216
• Runs (Balls): 6617 (5203)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 127.17 (148/750)

Average IPL Salary: $906,275 ($14,500,400 over 16 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 35.16 (5203/148)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 0.69 (148/216)

Shikhar Dhawan’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	DD	$50,000	8
IPL 2009	MI	$50,000 (trade)	0
IPL 2010	MI	$50,000	3
IPL 2011	DC	$300,000	7
IPL 2012	DC	$300,000	18
IPL 2013	DC	$300,000	5
IPL 2014	SRH	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	7
IPL 2015	SRH	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	6
IPL 2016	SRH	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	8
IPL 2017	SRH	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	9
IPL 2018	SRH	$817,600 (INR 5.2 Crore)	14
IPL 2019	DC	$817,600 (INR 5.2 Crore, Transferred)	11
IPL 2020	DC	$817,600 (INR 5.2 Crore)	12
IPL 2021	DC	$817,600 (INR 5.2 Crore)	16
IPL 2022	PBKS	1.09 Milllion (INR 8.25 Crore)	12
IPL 2023	PBKS	1.09 Milllion (INR 8.25 Crore)	12

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17. Rohit Sharma – 257 Sixes ($116,381 Per Six)

Since it took about $29,910,000 for his 257 sixes, Rohit Sharma cost his franchises about $116,381 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: DC (Deccan Chargers), MI
• Matches/Innings: 243/238
• Runs (Balls): 6211 (4776)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 130.04 (257/554)

Rohit Sharma’s Average IPL Salary: $1.869 Million ($29,910,000 over 16 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 18.58 (4776/258)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.08 (257/238)

Rohit Sharma’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	DC	$750,000	19
IPL 2009	DC	$750,000	18
IPL 2010	DC	$750,000	14
IPL 2011	MI	$2 Million	13
IPL 2012	MI	$2 Million	18
IPL 2013	MI	$2 Million	28
IPL 2014	MI	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2015	MI	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	21
IPL 2016	MI	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2017	MI	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	9
IPL 2018	MI	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	12
IPL 2019	MI	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	10
IPL 2020	MI	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	19
IPL 2021	MI	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	14
IPL 2022	MI	$2.11 Million (INR 16 Crore)	13
IPL 2023	MI	$2.11 Million (INR 16 Crore)	17

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18. MS Dhoni – 250 Sixes ($119,280 Per Six)

Since it took about $29,820,000 for his 250 sixes, MS Dhoni cost his franchises about $119,280 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: CSK, RPS
• Matches/Innings: 250/218
• Runs (Balls): 5082 (3739)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 135.91 (239/349)

MS Dhoni’s Average IPL Salary: $1.864 Million ($29,820,000 over 16 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 14.96 (3739/250)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.15 (250/218)

MS Dhoni’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	CSK	$1.5 Million	15
IPL 2009	CSK	$1.5 Million	9
IPL 2010	CSK	$1.5 Million	8
IPL 2011	CSK	$1.8 Million	23
IPL 2012	CSK	$1.8 Million	9
IPL 2013	CSK	$1.8 Million	25
IPL 2014	CSK	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	20
IPL 2015	CSK	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	17
IPL 2016	RPS	$1.65 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	14
IPL 2017	RPS	$1.65 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2018	CSK	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	30
IPL 2019	CSK	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	23
IPL 2020	CSK	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	7
IPL 2021	CSK	$2.36 Million (INR 15 Crore)	3
IPL 2022	CSK	$1.59 Million (INR 12 Crore)	10
IPL 2023	CSK	$1.59 Million (INR 12 Crore)	10

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19. Virat Kohli – 234 Sixes ($120,470 Per Six)

Since it took about $16,560,000 for his 251 sixes, Virat Kohli cost his franchises about $120,470 per six in the IPL.

• Teams: RCB
• Matches/Innings: 237/229
• Runs (Balls): 7263 (5586)
• Strike Rate (Sixes/Fours): 130.02 (234/643)

Virat Kohli’s Average IPL Salary: $1.761 Million ($28,190,000 over 16 seasons)

• Number of Balls Per Six: 23.87 (5586/234)
• Number of Sixes Per Innings: 1.02 (234/229)

Also Read: Virat Kohli Net Worth 2023 (in Dollars USD and Indian Rupee INR): How Do Cricketers Earn Money?

Virat Kohli’s IPL Salary Over the Years

Year	Team	Salary	Sixes
IPL 2008	RCB	$50,000	4
IPL 2009	RCB	$50,000	8
IPL 2010	RCB	$50,000	12
IPL 2011	RCB	$1.8 Million	16
IPL 2012	RCB	$1.8 Million	9
IPL 2013	RCB	$1.8 Million	22
IPL 2014	RCB	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	16
IPL 2015	RCB	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	23
IPL 2016	RCB	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	38
IPL 2017	RCB	$2 Million (INR 12.5 Crore)	11
IPL 2018	RCB	$2.67 Million (INR 17 Crore)	18
IPL 2019	RCB	$2.67 Million (INR 17 Crore)	13
IPL 2020	RCB	$2.67 Million (INR 17 Crore)	11
IPL 2021	RCB	$2.67 Million (INR 17 Crore)	9
IPL 2022	RCB	$1.98 Million (INR 15 Crore)	8
IPL 2023	RCB	$1.98 Million (INR 15 Crore)	16

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Final Thoughts

Some interesting revelations here.

Ambati Rayudu may probably be one of the steals of the IPL auctions!

Because Rayudu was an uncapped player for early part of his IPL career, his IPL salary was comparatively low to his contemporaries. He was a clutch player for both MI & CSK over the years and was worth every penny.

However, take this list with a grain of salt. The fact that Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli end at the bottom of the list is due to the fact that they were retained almost every time. We are only comparing dollars per six here, but these three provided their IPL franchises a lot more value—Leadership, Fours, Runs, Orange Caps, IPL Titles, brand value, fan loyalty, match winning performances, and much more.

Thanks for reading, until next time.

Please do share ahead with your cricket loving friends!

Also Read:

• Top 36 Most Expensive IPL Auction Players (Salaries in US Dollars): Who are the Most Expensive IPL Auction Buys of All Time? (Updated 2023)
• Top 12 Richest Cricket Boards (RANKED 2023): Which Cricket Board Has the Highest Net Worth—BCCI, CA, ECB, CSA, or PCB?
• Top 11 Richest Cricket Leagues (By Average Salaries). Which Cricket League Pays the Most (2024)—SA20, IPL, BBL, PSL, MLC, ILT20, CPL, T10s, or the Hundred?
• What is the Salary of an Indian Premier League (IPL) player in India?

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