The BCCI has just released the latest list of central contracts for the 2025 season, and there’s a lot to talk about. From exciting promotions to surprising drops, this year’s changes have grabbed attention.
Grade A+: The Big Four
In the Grade A+ category, there’s no surprise at all. The best of the best are right where they belong. These players have been the backbone of India’s cricketing success over the past few years:
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ravindra Jadeja
These four names have been part of India’s cricketing elite for a while now. Their performances, consistency, and leadership on the field make them the perfect fit for this top-tier category. If one thing stands out, it’s how much their presence in the team impacts India’s chances on the global stage.
THE AMOUNT OF BCCI CONTRACT. [Espn Cricinfo]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2025
A+: 7 Crore.
A: 5 Crore.
B: 3 Crore.
C: 1 Crore. pic.twitter.com/MNBIPFdfGm
Grade A: The Reliable Core
Moving on to Grade A, we see a mix of experienced names and a few up-and-coming players. These guys have consistently delivered when it matters most. Here’s the list:
- Mohammed Siraj
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Hardik Pandya
- Mohammed Shami
- Rishabh Pant (a well-deserved promotion)
Yes, you read that right. Rishabh Pant has made the leap from Grade B to Grade A. His aggressive batting, combined with his wicketkeeping skills, has been a game-changer for India. His promotion just shows how much the BCCI values his contributions.
BCCI announces the central contract list (2024-25) for men
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 21, 2025
– Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan return
– Rishabh Pant promoted
– 7 players receive maiden central contracts
Details: https://t.co/OJlHfXcDkJ pic.twitter.com/xFnTez1anS
Grade B: Rising Stars
Then there’s Grade B, which showcases some interesting young talent. These are the players to look out for. They’re on the rise, and their potential is great. Check the players here:
- Surya Kumar Yadav
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s return to the central contract list is a big talking point. After some time away due to injuries, it’s great to see him back in the mix. He’s a key player for India, and this contract acknowledges his importance.
Grade C: Fresh Faces Making Their Mark
Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Grade C has expanded significantly this year, with new talent making their first-ever appearance on the central contract list. The BCCI is looking ahead, and here are the fresh faces they’ve called up:
- Rinku Singh
- Tilak Verma
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shivam Dubey
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Mukesh Kumar
- Sanju Samson
- Ardeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Rajat Patidar
- Dhruv Jurel
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ishan Kishan
- Abhishek Sharma
- Akashdeep
- Varun Chakravarty
- Harshit Rana
It’s exciting to see these names added. Players like Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have been catching attention in the domestic leagues, and their hard work has paid off. Many of these players are ready to step up and prove they belong on the international stage.
Dropped Players – A Tough Call
Of course, not everyone got cut. Unfortunately, the following players were removed from the central contract list:
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Shardul Thakur
- Jitesh Sharma
- KS Bharat
- Avesh Khan
- Vijay Kumar Vysakh
- Umran Malik
- Yash Dayal
- Vidwat Kavirappa
THE CHANGES IN BCCI CENTRAL CONTRACT:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 21, 2025
IN – Jurel, Sarfaraz, Nitish, Abhishek, Akashdeep, Chakravarthy and Rana.
OUT – Ashwin, Shardul, Jitesh, KS Bharat, Avesh, Vyshak, Umran, Dayal and Keverappa. pic.twitter.com/n9d50DuXc1
It’s tough to see some of these players leave the list, but that’s the nature of professional cricket. It’s all about staying on top of your game, and sometimes, others just outshine you. But who knows? These players may bounce back and earn their spot again.
What Does This All Mean?
This year’s central contract updates are a sign that the BCCI is looking to the future. Yes, the big names are still there, but the fresh faces added to the list show a clear plan to strengthen the team for years to come. The mix of experience and youth could be the perfect combination for success in the upcoming seasons.
It’s also a reminder that nothing in cricket is guaranteed. Players who once dominated may find themselves out, while new faces emerge and steal the spotlight. Rishabh Pant’s promotion, for example, is a great example of how performance and potential are always rewarded.
Don’t forget about Shreyas Iyer, whose comeback to the contract list after battling injuries has been nothing short of inspirational.
As for the players who were removed, their journey isn’t over. They may find new opportunities, but for now, they’ve got to work harder to reclaim their spot.