BCCI Contract Changes: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Could Shift to Grade B
India’s cricket landscape is undergoing significant changes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce its central contracts for the 2025-26 season. Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja have been awarded Grade A contracts, while former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been moved to the B category due to their limited participation in formats. This restructuring reflects a broader overhaul of the contract system, which will see a total of 30 players receiving contracts in various grades.
Changes in Player Categories
The BCCI’s decision to revise its central contracts has led to notable shifts in player categories. Jasprit Bumrah, recognized as India’s leading pacer, retains his position in the Grade A category. Alongside him, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja have also secured Grade A contracts. This is particularly significant for Gill, who faced a setback after being dropped from the T20 squad ahead of the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, both Kohli and Rohit, who previously held A+ status, have been reassigned to Grade B due to their current focus on the ODI format alone.
The BCCI’s new contract structure will see a total of 30 players receiving central contracts, with the official announcement expected soon. The changes come as part of a larger strategy to reshape the hierarchy of Indian cricket, as proposed by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. The elimination of the Grade A+ category, which was introduced in 2018, marks a significant shift in how player contracts are managed.
Grade B Contracts and Notable Players
In the Grade B category, a total of 11 players will be included, featuring prominent names such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul. Other players in this category include Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shreyas Iyer. This restructuring emphasizes the BCCI’s intent to reward players based on their current performance and participation levels.
Kohli and Rohit, both legends of the game, will now share the Grade B status with emerging talents and established players alike. This move reflects the BCCI’s recognition of the evolving dynamics within the team, as it seeks to balance experience with fresh talent. The decision to categorize players based on their format participation is a strategic approach to ensure that the contracts align with the players’ contributions to the team.
Grade C Contracts and Women’s Team Updates
The Grade C contracts will be awarded to 16 players, including Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and several others. This category aims to provide opportunities for players who are still establishing themselves in the national setup. The inclusion of younger players in this tier highlights the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent for the future.
In a noteworthy development for the Indian women’s team, Jemimah Rodrigues has been promoted to the A category, joining the ranks of Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma. Rodrigues’ impressive performance in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in India’s semifinal victory, has earned her this recognition. Her promotion reflects the growing importance of women’s cricket in India and the BCCI’s efforts to support and reward outstanding performances.
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