Axar Patel is expected to receive a promotion in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contracts, moving from Grade B to Grade A.
This decision comes as part of the annual review of player contracts, which is expected to be finalized shortly.
Meanwhile, veteran players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are set to be retained in the prestigious A+ category despite their recent retirement from T20 Internationals.
Axar Patel’s Rise
Axar Patel has established himself as a vital member of the Indian cricket team across all formats.
His consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is, coupled with his contributions in Test matches, have solidified his case for promotion.
The left-arm spinner played a crucial role in India’s recent successes, including key performances in the ICC T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Reports indicate that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will meet with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir on March 29 to finalize the contract list.
According to media reports, Axar is expected to be promoted to Grade A due to his impressive track record and increasing importance in the squad.
His ability to perform under pressure has made him a reliable all-rounder for India.
Retaining A+ Status for Senior Players
Despite their retirement from T20Is, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are anticipated to maintain their positions in the Grade A+ category.
This decision aligns with BCCI’s policy that rewards players who have made significant contributions across formats. The trio was instrumental in India’s recent triumphs and continues to play pivotal roles in ODIs and Tests.
A source close to the BCCI stated, “All three will be retained in the top category along with Jasprit Bumrah.”
Their experience and leadership qualities are deemed invaluable as India prepares for upcoming international challenges.
Current Contract Structure
The current structure of BCCI central contracts includes several grades:
- Grade A+ (4 Players): Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Grade A (6 Players): R Ashwin, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya.
- Grade B (5 Players): Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- Grade C (15 Players): Includes emerging talents like Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma among others.
Young players such as Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma are expected to receive their first central contracts based on their recent performances.
The meeting scheduled for March 30 will be crucial in determining not only Axar Patel’s promotion but also how BCCI plans to reward players based on their contributions leading up to major tournaments like the 2027 ODI World Cup.
