On Wednesday, February 28, the BCCI commemorated 30 cricketers with central contracts for the season of 2023-24. The league released this list, which surprisingly included merely four individuals in the top echelon, while a staggering number of 15 occupied the lowest category.
While the grading method was mostly fair, there were a few names who could have received higher marks. Despite playing all three forms on a regular basis and doing admirably, they were assigned to a lesser level. Here are three Indian players that deserved to be higher on the BCCI central contracts list for 2023-24.
1. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is one of six cricketers in the Grade A category. Given his recent performance, one may argue that the fast bowler deserved to be in the top possible grade in BCCI central contracts . Shami has participated in the two most recent T20 World Cups and is recognized as one of India’s top ODI bowlers in history. He elevated his performance during the 2023 ODI World Cup, earning distinction as the highest wicket-taker with 24 dismissals. This fast bowler also holds a crucial role in the team’s Test bowling lineup.
Shami isn’t slowing down, despite being on the sidelines recovering from an injury. He may not be a bowler of Bumrah’s level, but he has been accessible and consistent for the majority of the last year.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
Interestingly, Kuldeep Yadav has been slotted into Grade B in BCCI central contracts, sitting alongside players like Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant. Although both players are globally recognized for their skills, the prior has turned into a specialist in single format, and the latter hasn’t competed at any cricket level in a year due to his accident.
In comparison, Kuldeep Yadav is now an essential member of the team in all three formats. He has improved dramatically on all fronts since Rohit Sharma took over as captain, but has only been upgraded one grade, from C to B.
Given his experience in several formats and impressive performances, Kuldeep Yadav may be as crucial to the Indian squad as R Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Shami, and the other Grade A players. The wrist-spinner may feel unfairly treated.
3. Shubman Gill
In the company of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill is among India’s key figures in batting across different formats. Now playing consistently in all three, this 24-year-old is poised to be the backbone of the Indian batting line up for the foreseeable future.
Shubman Gill has moved up a grade to A in BCCI central contracts, however it is debatable if he deserved to be in the A+ level. He is one of the first names on the ODI teamsheet and is also in the Test and T20I squads. More significantly, the young hitter has shown himself in a variety of settings and scenarios, seldom missing a game due to injury. It’s only a matter of time until Gill is promoted to Grade A+ in BCCI central contracts, but this might have occurred already.
