Shreyas Iyer Set to Regain BCCI Central Contract; Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav Likely to be Promoted

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce its central contracts for the 2025-26 season by the end of the week, according to sources. Notably, star spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are expected to be promoted from Grade B to Grade A, reflecting their strong performances in recent ICC tournaments. Both players are currently featuring for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.

Additionally, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is likely to reclaim his spot on the contract list after being excluded from the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to retain their Grade A status.

Kuldeep and Axar Shine in ICC Triumphs

Kuldeep and Axar played pivotal roles in India’s victories in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kuldeep impressed with 10 wickets in the T20 World Cup at an average of 13.90 and an economy rate of 6.95, with a best performance of 3/19. In the Champions Trophy, he picked up 7 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.79.

Axar, India's key spin-bowling all-rounder, contributed significantly in both tournaments. In the T20 World Cup 2024, he played eight matches, scoring 92 runs at an average of 23.00 and a strike rate of 139.39. He also claimed 9 wickets, with a best performance of 3/23, including a crucial 47-run counterattack in the final against South Africa.

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Axar thrived in Dubai’s challenging conditions, scoring 109 runs in five innings while batting at number five. He also demonstrated his bowling prowess, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 4.35 per over.

Shreyas Iyer’s Resurgence and Contract Reinstatement

Despite being excluded from last year’s central contracts, Shreyas Iyer showcased his leadership and batting brilliance. Captaining Kolkata Knight Riders, he led them to an IPL 2024 title and also won the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Before returning to India’s ODI squad against England, Iyer accumulated impressive domestic stats. He emerged as India's leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy with 243 runs in five matches. So far this season, he has amassed 424 runs in eight ODIs at an average of 53.00, including four half-centuries. His captaincy stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 has also been promising, with 250 runs in six matches.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah Set to Retain A+ Grade

Despite retiring from the T20I format, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to be vital figures in India’s white-ball triumphs. Rohit scored 257 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup, including three fifties, while Virat delivered a crucial 76-run knock in the final. In the Champions Trophy, Virat showcased his chasing ability against Pakistan and Australia, scoring 218 runs in five matches, while Rohit played explosive knocks, accumulating 180 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, remains India’s all-format pace spearhead. After last representing India in the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he returned to IPL 2025 with the Mumbai Indians. His Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance was extraordinary, as he took 32 wickets in five matches, reaffirming his status as one of the world's premier fast bowlers.

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