Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, newcomers to Team India, were given the BCCI central contract, which was validated by the Apex Council on March 18.
The duo will be part of Group C of the deal, with an annual retainership price of ₹1 crore, after fulfilling the condition of playing at least three Tests in the current season.
New players representing India, the duo made their first appearance during the Rajkot Test match versus England. With impressive debut knocks, Sarfaraz Khan hit fifties in each innings. Jurel too shone brightly, scoring 46 runs in a fluent knock.
The former also made a half-century in the final Test at Dharamsala, bringing his series total to 200 runs in three games at an average of fifty.
Meanwhile, Jurel improved on his debut performance with two excellent runs in the fourth Test in Ranchi. With India in serious difficulty in the first innings, the teenager hit a courageous 90 to cut the deficit to 46 runs.
Additionally, Jurel hit an undefeated 39 when India pursued 192. He came in at 120/5 on a difficult pitch. Jurel scored 190 runs across three Tests. This was done at an average exceeding 63. Behind the wicket, he secured seven dismissals. The 23-year-old’s batting proved critical.
The pair helped India win the series 4-1, propelling them to the top of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
BCCI mull scheduling changes to Ranji Trophy season
Aside from the contracts for Sarfaraz and Jurel, the BCCI contemplated adjustments to the Ranji Trophy calendar for the next season, including not scheduling any matches in the northern region of the nation in December and January.
Fog and poor lighting have hampered games at certain locations throughout this time.
A senior BCCI source informed the PTI:
“No decision has been taken yet but Ranji Trophy, like earlier years could start from mid or end October after the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which serves as an IPL auction platform. Some states are losing crucial points in do-or-die games because of inclement weather from mid-December to mid-February.”
The previous several Ranji seasons have begun in January, which has resulted in multiple match cancellations due to poor lighting and fog in Delhi, Kanpur, Jammu, and Dharamsala, among others.
Mumbai just won their 42nd Ranji Trophy by defeating Vidarbha in the grand final.
