BCCI Set to Announce Central Contracts
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to release the central contracts for the 2025-26 season by the end of this week, according to inside sources. Reports indicate that star spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are likely to be elevated from Grade B to Grade A. Currently, both players are competing for the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL 2025. Additionally, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is expected to return to the contract list after being left out for the previous season. Sources also suggest that prominent players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are set to maintain their Grade A status.
Kuldeep and Axar’s Stellar Performances
Kuldeep and Axar have excelled as key players for India during their recent victories at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kuldeep took 10 wickets in the T20 World Cup at an impressive average of 13.90 and an economy rate of 6.95, with his best performance being 3 for 19. In the Champions Trophy, he claimed 7 wickets at an average of 31.85, besting at 3 for 40.
Axar’s Vital Contributions
Axar Patel, an essential all-rounder for India’s spin attack, made significant contributions in both tournaments. During the T20 World Cup 2024, he scored 92 runs from five innings at an average of 23.00 while taking 9 wickets at an average of 19.22. His pivotal 47 runs in the final against South Africa were crucial for India’s success. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he managed to secure 109 runs in five innings, averaging 27.25 while batting under challenging conditions.
Shreyas Iyer’s Impressive Comeback
Despite being omitted from the central contracts, Shreyas Iyer delivered exceptional performances, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title and winning various domestic trophies. He has made a noteworthy return to the ODI setup, emerging as India’s top run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy with 243 runs in five matches. Currently leading Punjab Kings (PBKS), Iyer has scored 250 runs in six matches this season.
Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Continued Impact
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, though retired from T20Is, are expected to retain their positions in Grade A due to their pivotal roles in India’s recent successes. Rohit amassed 257 runs in the T20 World Cup including three fifties, while Virat scored a crucial 76 in the final. In the Champions Trophy, Kohli contributed significantly in run-chases against Pakistan and Australia, accumulating 218 runs, whereas Rohit provided explosive starts.
Bumrah’s Unstoppable Form
Bumrah, a standout performer for India, last featured in the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has recently rejoined the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. His outstanding campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw him take 32 wickets in five matches, culminating in a remarkable total of 86 wickets in 21 international fixtures throughout the year, which included being named ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the T20 World Cup 2024.
