Rajdeep Sardesai is one of India’s most prominent journalists, known for his sharp political analysis, television presence, and bestselling books. With decades in media, he has built both influence and financial success. Here’s a complete 2026 guide covering his net worth, salary, personal life, education, and career journey.
Quick Reads
- Full Name: Rajdeep Sardesai
- Date of Birth: May 24, 1965
- Age: 60 years (as of 2026)
- Profession: Journalist, News Anchor, Author
- Wife: Sagarika Ghose
- Children: 2
- Net Worth: Approx ₹30–₹40 Crore (estimated)
- Monthly Salary: ₹50 lakh+ (estimated)
- Current Role: Consulting Editor, India Today TV
Rajdeep Sardesai Net Worth (2026)
Rajdeep Sardesai’s estimated net worth is around ₹30 crore to ₹40 crore ($4–5 million approx.), based on multiple public estimates.
His income sources include:
- Television journalism
- Editorial leadership roles
- Book royalties
- Public speaking and media appearances
Given his long-standing career and senior editorial roles, his net worth has steadily grown over the years.
Salary & Income Breakdown
Rajdeep Sardesai is among the senior-most journalists in India, which reflects in his earnings.
Estimated Income:
- Monthly Salary: ₹50 lakh+
- Annual Income: ₹5–₹8 crore (approx.)
His salary is influenced by:
- Prime-time anchoring
- Editorial leadership
- Brand value in political journalism
Books by Rajdeep Sardesai
Apart from journalism, he is also a successful author. Some of his notable books include:
- 2014: The Election That Changed India
- 2019: How Modi Won India
- Newsman: Tracking India in the Modi Era
- 2024: The Election That Surprised India
- Democracy’s XI: The Great Indian Cricket Story
These books mainly focus on Indian politics, elections, and cricket, and have contributed to his reputation beyond television.
Wife & Family
Rajdeep Sardesai is married to Sagarika Ghose, a well-known journalist and author.
- The couple has two children
- His father, Dilip Sardesai, was a former Indian Test cricketer
He comes from a well-educated and influential family background.
Education Background
Rajdeep Sardesai has a strong academic foundation:
- Schooling: Campion School & Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai
- Graduation: Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Higher Education:
- Bachelor of Arts (Jurisprudence)
- Bachelor of Civil Law
- University College, Oxford 1
His time at Oxford also included playing cricket, reflecting his early interest in sports.
Career Journey
Early Career
- Started with The Times of India as a journalist and city editor
Rise in Television Journalism
- Joined NDTV and became a prominent face
- Later founded CNN-IBN (IBN18 Network) as Editor-in-Chief
Current Role
- Joined India Today Group as Consulting Editor and anchor2
Over the years, he has covered:
- General elections
- Political debates
- Major national events
Awards & Recognition
- Padma Shri (2008) by Government of India
- Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award
- ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award
These recognitions highlight his contribution to Indian journalism.
Key Facts
- Over 25+ years of experience in media
- Son of a famous Indian cricketer
- One of the most influential political journalists in India
- Known for election coverage and debate shows
Disclaimer
- Net worth and salary figures are approximate estimates based on publicly available data and may vary.
- This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent official financial disclosures.
