3 players who deserved a spot in BCCI central contracts list

3 players who deserved a spot in BCCI central contracts list (Photo Source: Dinda Academy)

On Monday, April 21, the apex cricket governing body, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), released a list of 34 centrally contracted cricketers for their senior men’s side. The contracts will be valid from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Four cricketers received Grade A+ contracts. These include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who didn’t get contracts in the 2023–24 term, are back this time around. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have received maiden contracts. Unfortunately, Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, Jitesh Sharma, and Avesh Khan have lost their central contracts.

CricTracker lists three cricketers who could have been in BCCI central contract list:

3. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been in and out of India’s red-ball squad in recent years. A consistent performer in the domestic arena, Easwaran was picked for the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, he had to watch all the action from the sidelines as his opportunity didn’t come.

With Rohit Sharma in the final phase of his international career, Easwaran might get some chances during the next World Test Championship cycle. The Bengal batter has scored 7,674 runs from 101 first-class matches at an average of 48.47. He will be hoping to make his debut during India’s upcoming Test series in England.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

Unlike Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal has already made his India debut. He has played two Tests and as many T20Is so far. The elegant left-handed batter was part of India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar series Down Under. However, he was only used in the first Test in Perth, where he scored 0 and 25 in two innings.

The Karnataka batter is technically sound, and his tall frame helps him get to the pitch of the ball with ease. Padikkal, who is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be a player to watch in the coming years.

1. Karun Nair

Karun Nair has been enjoying the form of his life in domestic cricket. He has produced stellar performances across formats and is now proving his mettle in the IPL for Delhi Capitals. Nair’s last appearance for  Team India came in March 2017 against Australia. He has played six Tests and two ODIs for the Men in Blue.

Nair’s recent outings have brought him back into the national selectors’ radar. After he failed to make it to India’s Champions Trophy squad, BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar lauded his domestic performances and explained that he missed out because only 15 players were allowed to be picked. However, Nair’s time could come during the tour of England, starting in June.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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