IPL 2025: Top three richest team coaches

Rahul-Dravid. (Photo Source: X)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only become a platform for cricketers to shine but also for legendary coaches who guide teams to the title from behind the scenes. While star players grab the limelight, it is the coaches in the dugout who quietly make the winning strategies, mentor young talent, and turn squads into champions.

Coaches who have had long associations with the teams and given desired results have gone on to earn lucrative offers. These coaches, who are often former international players themselves, have come forward to take up the new role. Each year players receive whopping contracts, but the coaches aren't left behind as they too receive big paychecks.

Here's a list of the top 3 richest IPL coaches:

3. Justin Langer (Lucknow Super Giants)

The former Australian opener and national coach, is currently the third highest-paid coach in the league, drawing a whopping INR 4 crore from the Lucknow Super Giants. With a reported net worth of INR 86 crore, Langer has been part of the coaching set up for a long time. Langer’s coaching career began after being appointed Australia’s head coach in 2018 following the infamous Newlands ball-tampering scandal. During his time, Australia won the historic T20 World Cup in 2021 and retained the Ashes in England after 18 years.

After stepping down in 2022, he has taken on franchise roles, including with the London Spirit and the IPL. After he joined LSG in 2024, the franchise finished seventh after winning seven out of seven games. Now with a revamped squad and Rishabh Pant with the captaincy duties, they have a good chance to lift their maiden title.

2. Rahul Dravid (Rajasthan Royals)

Former India captain and coach returned as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025. With a reported net worth of INR 320 crore and an INR 5 crore salary from the Royals, Dravid is the second-highest-paid coach in the IPL.

After guiding India to their first ICC trophy in 11 years at the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dravid agreed to return to the IPL and coach his former franchise. His association with RR goes back to 2012-2013 as captain and later as mentor and team director. His close relationship with skipper Sanju Samson, whom he groomed during India’s U-19 days, was a talking point when his appointment was announced. The Royals who haven't won the title after the inaugural edition in 2008, are excited to see Dravid’s 2.0 version. 

1. Ricky Ponting (Punjab Kings)

, one of the greatest captains in cricket history, is now the highest-paid coach in the Indian Premier League. With a net worth between INR 600 to INR 800 crore, Ponting earns a handsome INR 3.5 crore salary from his current franchise, Punjab Kings. A three-time ICC World Cup-winning captain for Australia, Ponting has brought immense experience to the IPL. Since the league’s inception in 2008, he has been involved, first as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, then as coach and mentor. He coached Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 2016 and later guided Delhi Capitals to three consecutive playoffs from 2019 to 2021, including a maiden final in 2020.

After a successful stint with Washington Freedom in MLC 2024, where he led them to the title, the former batter has now taken over as the head coach of Punjab Kings for the 2025 season. Under his stewardship, the Punjab franchise is optimistic of lifting their maiden title and has started the 2025 season on a high, winning two games in a row against the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.