Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri Earn More than MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: Report

The likes of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli might make quite a bit of money via endorsements, but the money they earn for their exploits on the field pale in comparison to the salaries of Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar.

Shastri and Gavaskar were already being paid handsome amounts of money for being contracted to the BCCI as their premier commentators, but their salaries increased substantially following appointments in key roles this season, according to a report in the Indian Express.

The newspaper suggests Gavaskar and Shastri currently earn over Rs 6 crore per year, considerably more than India's current captain and the most high-profile player in the team -- Dhoni.

Both Shastri and Gavaskar saw their salaries this year increase due to the fact that they were appointed to important posts. Gavaskar was asked by the Supreme Court to take over as head of the IPL earlier this year, while Shastri was appointed the team director by the BCCI.

Those roles have given Shastri and Gavaskar extra earnings, over the Rs 4 crore per year contract they have signed with the BCCI, says the report.

"The board pays Shastri and Gavaskar Rs 4 crore annually as commentators," said a source to the Indian Express. "As per Supreme Court orders, Gavaskar will be paid an extra Rs 2.37 crore.

"Roughly the same will be given to Shastri."

On the other hand, MS Dhoni earned around Rs 2.49 crore for his on-field exploits for India over the past year, which includes match fees and the Rs 1 crore retainer for centrally contracted players. Kohli earned Rs 2.75 crore.

Dhoni and Kohli, of course, makes a lot more money from endorsements, with the two cricketers seen as some of the most valuable athletes in the world.