The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released its central contract list for 2024-25. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retain their A+ grade status. Shreyas Iyer is set to make a return to the list.
Sports News: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, who led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, will remain in the A+ grade in the BCCI's 2024-25 contract list. According to media reports, BCCI sources say Virat Kohli will also retain his A+ grade status. Furthermore, Shreyas Iyer will be reinstated to the list, reflecting his outstanding performance and crucial role in the team.
Rohit and Kohli Retain A+ Grade Status
Rohit Sharma, who captained India to victory in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, will remain in the A+ grade. However, after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit retired from this format. Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from T20s after the final match.
According to BCCI sources, the decision to retain Rohit and Kohli in the A+ grade, even after their T20 retirements, was made. The board believes both veteran players have significantly contributed to the team's success and deserve continued recognition.
Shreyas Iyer's Return
Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the central contract last year, is making a comeback. He was excluded from the 2024 list due to not playing domestic matches. However, his excellent performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy has secured his place again. Iyer scored 243 runs in 5 innings during the tournament.
Ishan Kishan, who was also dropped from the central contract along with Shreyas Iyer last year, is unlikely to be included this time. He hasn't played any international matches since 2023, making his selection improbable.
Grade A+ (2023-24)
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah
Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A
R. Ashwin
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Siraj
K.L. Rahul
Shubman Gill
Hardik Pandya
Grade B
Suryakumar Yadav
Rishabh Pant
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Grade C
Rinku Singh
Tilak Varma
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shardul Thakur
Shivam Dube
Ravi Bishnoi
Jitesh Sharma
Washington Sundar
Mukesh Kumar
Sanju Samson
Arshdeep Singh
K.S. Bharat
Prasidh Krishna
Avesh Khan
Rajat Patidar
New Season, New Hopes
This BCCI central contract once again highlights the hard work and contribution of Indian cricketers. Retaining veterans like Rohit and Kohli in the A+ grade signifies the board's appreciation for their experience and capabilities. Shreyas Iyer's return will strengthen the middle order. It remains to be seen what new chapter unfolds in Indian cricket in 2025.
