Senior cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been moved to Grade B in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) latest Annual Player Contracts for the 2025-26 season. This shift signifies a clear change of guard in Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill now elevated to Grade A alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, Kohli and Rohit, along with other players, have been placed in Grade B.
Jasprit Bumrah stands out as the lone fast bowler in Grade A, underscoring his significance across various playing conditions. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja’s Grade A inclusion highlights his continued value as an all-rounder in the team.
In the women’s category, Grade A features prominent players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The contracts for senior women also encompass several emerging talents, indicating a positive trend in the women’s cricket setup.
The men’s Grade C category comprises a diverse mix of budding talent and specialists for different formats. Notable names in this group include Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and others, showcasing a blend of potential and experience. Young achievers like Dhruv Jurel, Harshit Rana, and others have been acknowledged for their consistent performances.
On the women’s side, players such as Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, and others feature in Grades B and C, reflecting a balanced approach towards nurturing talent. Additionally, newer faces like Uma Chetry, Kranti Gaud, and Kashvee Gautam have also earned central contracts.
