The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for major overhaul in the renewal of central contracts for the men’s team in the coming months. The snub of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the contracts last year did generate raised eyebrows, with both being members of India’s World Cup squad of 2023. The board had been strict in their decision, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, due to their failure to play domestic cricket. With new contracts in the pipeline, the same strategy is anticipated, if not stricter.
Iyer To Return, Kishan’s Future In Doubt
Shreyas Iyer is likely to find a spot in the central contracts list again, but the same does not hold for Ishan Kishan. In a Dainik Jagran report, it is mentioned that the selection committee is thinking of making various changes in the contracts, and Kishan’s future hangs in the balance. The panel of selection, headed by Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, will meet in Guwahati on March 29. The meeting will not only seal the list of contracted players but also India’s team for the England tour after the IPL.
Uncertainty Over Senior Players’ Future
Of the biggest discussion topics is the fate of aging players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. Being placed in the A+ category, which is a domain for all-format cricketers, they are being questioned about their red-ball cricket future after announcing their T20I retirements. There are indications that BCCI authorities have given suggestions about a possible downgrading to A category for these cricketers in line with their diminishing contribution to the Indian team.
Although PTI report indicates Rohit’s leadership is not guaranteed in the future, the absence of a definite successor has made things more complicated. Jasprit Bumrah is still a fitness issue, and no young player has yet emerged as an undisputed captaincy candidate.
Kohli And Rohit’s Test Form Under Review
Though Rohit’s ODI form got a shot in the arm after India’s success in the UAE, his Test performances have been uneven. The same holds true for Kohli, whose recent red-ball numbers have been disappointing. The selectors could now adopt a format-specific method in choosing their contracts, with the possibility of them reconsidering their central contracts.
Promotions And New Entrants
Of the players who are due for contract upgrades, Jasprit Bumrah seems to be the sole certainty to continue with his A+ contract. ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill might get upgraded from A to A+, as he has increased his standing in Indian cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Axar Patel are also due for upgrades from B to A category.
In the C category, three names that are likely confirmed are – Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Abhishek Sharma. The players in this category should have played at least three Test matches, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is within a certain timeframe. But Ruturaj Gaikwad might find it difficult to stay in this category, as his last appearance for the country was in July 2024.
