In what promises to be an exciting development for Indian cricket, Shreyas Iyer is all set to make a comeback to the BCCI’s central contract list for the 2024-25 season. This decision follows his stellar performance in India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign, where he was a key contributor with the bat. According to reports from the Times of India (TOI), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the retained players' list this week, bringing clarity on which players will be in the mix for the upcoming season.
Key Discussions on the BCCI Contract List
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is scheduled to meet with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Guwahati on March 29. Interestingly, Gambhir, who is currently on vacation in France with his family, will join the crucial discussions aimed at finalizing the contract details. The meeting will take place just a day before the much-anticipated IPL clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings on March 30, making Guwahati a hub of cricketing activity.
This decision-making process follows closely on the heels of the announcement of contracts for India’s women cricketers, which took place three days ago. The upcoming contracts for the men’s team will provide further insights into the BCCI’s strategic direction for the upcoming year.
Ishan Kishan’s Uncertain Future
While Iyer’s return to the central contract list is almost a certainty, the fate of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan remains undecided. Last year, both Iyer and Kishan were excluded from the list of contracted players due to their decision to skip domestic matches, despite clear instructions from the BCCI. However, Kishan has since participated in the domestic circuit and has made a thunderous start to his IPL 2025 campaign, smashing an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals on March 23.
Despite this impressive showing, discussions are still ongoing about whether he will be reinstated. A BCCI source informed TOI that, “Shreyas is set to regain his contract, and it will be in a top category. However, discussions are still ongoing on Ishan’s case.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Dominance in the Champions Trophy
Iyer was instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, finishing as the highest run-scorer for the team. His remarkable tally of 243 runs in five matches, at an impressive average of 48.60, included two crucial fifties. His consistent performances have reinforced his role as a backbone of India's ODI batting lineup, making his reinstatement in the central contract list a well-earned decision.
Big Names Retained in A+ Category
One of the major talking points in the upcoming contract list is the retention of India's senior-most players in the highest A+ category. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, despite their retirement from T20Is, are expected to continue in the top bracket alongside star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. A source in the BCCI confirmed, “All three will be retained in the highest category, along with Jasprit Bumrah.”
Rohit Sharma, who continues to lead India in Test cricket, is set to captain the side in their five-match Test series in England later this summer, further solidifying his place among the elite contracted players.
Potential Promotions and New Faces in the Contract List
There is also a strong possibility of allrounder Axar Patel being promoted from Grade B to Grade A. Patel has established himself as a crucial member of India’s white-ball squads and has also been a key backup option in the Test side. Moreover, he has taken on additional leadership responsibilities, serving as the vice-captain of India’s T20I team. His contributions in India’s two ICC title triumphs in the past two years further bolster his case for an upgrade in contract status.
Another exciting development is the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the BCCI contract list. Chakravarthy made a remarkable return to the Indian team last October and played a significant role in India’s Champions Trophy victory, picking up nine wickets in just three matches. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he is now set to receive his maiden BCCI contract.
Additionally, young talents such as Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma are poised to make their way into the contract system. Reddy showcased his potential by smashing a Test century in Australia, while Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking knock of 135 off just 54 balls against England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium on February 2 this year. Their exceptional performances have made them strong candidates for central contracts.
The Exit of a Legend: Ravichandran Ashwin
While the BCCI is preparing to reward deserving players, one legendary name will be naturally removed from the contract list—Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from international cricket in December last year, bringing an end to an illustrious career that saw him become one of India’s greatest match-winners in Test cricket.
The Road Ahead
With several crucial discussions set to take place in Guwahati, the final contract list will shed light on India’s cricketing roadmap for the coming year. While established stars like Iyer and Axar are being recognized for their efforts, fresh faces like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy are gearing up to carve their space in Indian cricket.
As Indian cricket moves forward, the upcoming BCCI contract announcements will not only impact the careers of these players but also signal the board’s vision for the national team across formats. Whether it’s the return of Iyer, the question mark over Kishan, or the rise of new talents, the next few days promise to be exciting for Indian cricket fans!
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